__NOTOC__{{Infobox_Contents | topic_name =The Colossian Heresy | subtopics = [[Colossae]]* [[Apostle Paul]]* [[Asceticism]], [[Mysticism]], [[Gnosticism]] |opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} * [[Colossian Heresy (G.G.)]] |}} The "Colossian Heresy" is a term that is used to describe the false teachings that occurred in the early church of [[Colossae]], causing the [[apostle Paul]] to write his [[Epistle to the Colossians]]. The exact nature of the heresy is debated, and can only be guessed at by the content of Paul's counter arguments in his letter. There are two broad views on the nature of the heresy. One is that it was a Jewish heresy, with a mystical and ascetic form of Judaism. The other was that it was a syncretic gnostic teaching. A few scholars however debate the existence of an actual heresy. ===A Jewish heresy=Synopsis==
The "Colossian Heresy" In this view, the heresy is thought to reflect a teaching with a term that is used to describe the false teachings that occurred in the early church of focus on Jewish covenant distinctiveness and privilege. Verses such as [[ColossaeColossians 2:11|2:11]], causing the [[apostle PaulColossians 2:16|2:16]] to write his and [[Epistle to the Colossians2:21|2:21]]suggest a Jewish legalism. The exact nature of the heresy is debated, and can only be guessed at by the content of Paul's counter arguments in his letter. Most scholars believe that the heresy was a mystical and ascetic form of Judaism that was pervading reminds the church. Others believe the heresy was an early form of gnosticism. A few scholars in recent years have argued against the use of the term "heresy".[[Colossians 3:11|3:11]] that ''{{Bible verse|colossians|3|11|lang=WEB}}''
==Contents=A gnosticizing syncretism heresy===
{{topics}}* In this view, the heresy is thought to reflect a teaching on a special wisdom and knowledge from cosmic powers ([[ColossaeColossians 2:10]]* ). It may have been that the Colossians were integrating a mystery religion with Christ. Verses that point away from the kind of exclusivism that exists in Gnostic thinking support this view, such as [[Apostle PaulColossians 1:23|1:23]]* : ''{{Bible verse|colossians|1|23|lang=WEB}}''. Other verses teaching against an elitism include [[AsceticismColossians 1:28|1:28]] | and [[Mysticism]] Colossians 3:11| [[Gnosticism3:11]]. ===Paul's counter-arguments===
{{opinions}}Paul argued against these kinds of false teaching by showing that they diminished Jesus Christ. Using the language of the heresy (words such as [[sophia]] meaning wisdom, and [[gnosis]] meaning knowledge) he reminded the Colossians that Christ is all in all ([[Colossians 3:11]]).
{{quotes}}===Application today===
==Main article=={{stub}}
The "Colossian Heresy" is a term that is used to describe the false teachings that occurred in the early church of [[Colossae]], causing the [[apostle Paul]] to write his [[Epistle to the Colossians]]. The exact nature of the heresy is debated, and can only be guessed at by the content of Paul's counter arguments in his letter. Most scholars believe that the heresy was a mystical and ascetic form of Judaism that was pervading the church. Others believe the heresy was an early form of gnosticism. A few scholars in recent years have argued against the use of the term "heresy".==Quotes==
==Links==
* [http://docs.google.com/View?docid=ddn4v5jr_133gb6n6v Essay on the Colossian Heresy]
{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[New Testament]] -> [[Epistle to the Colossians]]