Accepting Quote by Elaine Pagels
“Why did the consensus of Christian churches not only accept these astonishing views but establish them as the only true form of Christian doctrine? . . . these religious debates - questions of the nature of God, or of Christ - simultaneously bear social and political implications that are crucial to the development of Christianity as an institutional religion. In simplest terms, ideas which bear implications contrary to that development come to be labeled as 'heresy'; ideas which implicitly support it become 'orthodox.'”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels, 1979
Powerful religious ideas are shaped by social and political forces, labeling dissent as heresy and conformity as orthodoxy.
In simple terms: Religion is influenced by politics, making dissent labeled heresy.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how power shapes doctrine.
Themes
religion
politics
authority
orthodoxy
heresy
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
historical
When to use this quote
- church councils
- theological debates
- state religion
- education curricula
Key Concepts
institutionalization
social control
ideology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do modern institutions label dissenting ideas?
- What role should politics play in faith?
A Different Perspective
Labeling dissent can suppress legitimate inquiry.
![“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)
