Accepting Quote by Elaine Pagels
“Contemporary Christianity, diverse and complex as we find it, actually may show more unanimity than the Christian churches of the first and second centuries. For nearly all Christians since that time, Catholics, Protestants, or Orthodox, have shared three basic premises. First, they accept the canon of the New Testament; second, they confess the apostolic creed; and third, they affirm specific forms of church institution. But every one of these - the canon of Scripture, the creed, and the institutional structure - emerged in its present form only toward the end of the second century.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels, 1989
Early Christianity eventually converged on three core doctrines despite diverse origins, showing unexpected unity across centuries.
In simple terms: Christianity shares three main beliefs despite early differences.
Key Takeaway
Recognize common foundations across traditions.
Themes
religion
history
unity
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
historical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- interfaith dialogue
- theological study
- church education
- ecumenical initiatives
Key Concepts
doctrine
canon
creed
institution
historical development
Questions to Reflect On
- How did these doctrines form?
- Why do they persist?
A Different Perspective
Differences in practice still cause division.
![“Even Tacitus admitted that “whatever their origin, [the Jews’] observances are sanctioned by their antiquity,”64 and the Romans respected tradition. Christians, however, had no such excuse.” quote by Elaine Pagels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/865/elaine-pagels-8423_jews_even-tacitus-admitted-that-whatever-thei_61864.jpg)
![“Augustine reflects that “what made me a slave to it was the habit [consuetudo] of satisfying an insatiable lust.”31” quote by Elaine Pagels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c77/elaine-pagels-8423_habits_augustine-reflects-that-what-made-me-a-s_240814.jpg)
