I John in the light of the debate on orthodoxy and heresy in earliest Christianity

Gregory, Krista (1995) I John in the light of the debate on orthodoxy and heresy in earliest Christianity. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (17MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

This thesis examines I John in the light of the debate on orthodoxy and heresy in early Christianity. I argue that the theory of H.E.W. Turner, with its fixed and flexible elements, is the most accurate explanation of the example of early Christianity that we see in I John a In my attempt to prove the validity of Turner's thesis I look at the classical view and Walter Bauer's theory of the development of early Christianity, examining the inaccuracies contained in both of these views when compared to Turner's theory. A study of the Johannine community of I John and the polemic contained within provides a valuable opportunity to look into an early Christian group. The debate that takes place in I John mirrors the growth of the faith at this early period. An application of Turner's thesis to I John will further demonstrate the value of Turner's theory in helping readers to a greater understanding of the complexity of early Christianity.

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