Heretics Quote by The Church Fathers
““[it is also incumbent] to hold in suspicion others who depart from the primitive succession, and assemble themselves together in any place whatsoever, [looking upon them] either as heretics of perverse minds, or as schismatics puffed up and self-pleasing, or again as hypocrites, acting thus for the sake of lucre and vainglory. For all these have fallen from the truth. And the heretics, indeed, who bring strange fire to the altar of God—namely, strange doctrines—shall be burned up by the fire from heaven, as were Nadab and Abiud. But such as rise up in opposition to the truth, and exhort others against the Church of God, [shall] remain among those in hell (apud inferos), being swallowed up by an earthquake, even as those who were with Chore, Dathan, and Abiron. But those who cleave asunder, and separate the unity of the Church, [shall] receive from God the same punishment as Jeroboam did.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Early Christian writings, 4th century
The passage condemns heretical groups, labeling them as dangerous and destined for divine punishment.
In simple terms: Heresy is portrayed as spiritually destructive.
Guard doctrinal purity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- church leadership
- education
- council decisions
- public preaching
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can churches address dissent without violence?
- What role does compassion play in confronting heresy?
Rigid condemnation can stifle dialogue.