Heresy: Jesus Christ and the Other Sons of God

Heresy is a fascinating book that explores the different Jesuses and saviors that emerged in the years after the death of Christ, and how they were declared unacceptable and faded from view as Christianity spread.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2024
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

"Heresy" is a captivating book that has received widespread praise from esteemed publications such as The Times and The Sunday Telegraph. The central message of the Gospel of John, which states that "In the beginning was the Word," holds a profound significance in the teachings of the Christian church and has had a profound impact on Western art, literature, language, and thought. However, in the years following the death of Christ, there was not a single word or consensus regarding the identity of Jesus or the reason for his significance. Instead, there emerged a diverse range of Jesuses, each with their own unique characteristics and beliefs. Some Jesuses were aggressive and scornful, disregarding their parents and causing harm to those who opposed them. Others were depicted as selling their twin into slavery or having someone crucified in their stead. Additionally, during the early years of the first millennium, there were numerous other saviors, known as sons of gods, who were believed to possess healing powers and were capable of curing the sick and lame. However, as Christianity spread, these saviors were deemed unacceptable and eventually faded from view.

In her book "Heresy," Catherine Nixey delves into the extraordinary story of these marginalized saviors and explores what might have been. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Nixey presents a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking. She sheds light on the contingency, chance, and plurality that shaped the development of Christianity and offers a glimpse into the alternative paths that history could have taken.

One of the key themes of "Heresy" is the role of women in shaping religious beliefs and practices. Nixey highlights the contributions of women such as Mary Magdalene, who was often marginalized and misunderstood in traditional Christian narratives, and explores how their experiences and perspectives contributed to the evolution of Christianity. She also examines the ways in which women have been persecuted and marginalized throughout history, and how their struggles have shaped the course of religious and social movements.

Another important aspect of "Heresy" is the exploration of alternative religious beliefs and practices. Nixey presents a range of historical figures and movements, including gnosticism, paganism, and witchcraft, that were often suppressed or persecuted by Christian authorities. She explores how these alternative beliefs and practices emerged and how they influenced the development of Christianity and Western culture.

Through her book, Nixey challenges readers to think critically about the historical narratives that have shaped our understanding of religion and history. She encourages us to consider the diversity of beliefs and practices that have existed throughout human history and to recognize the ways in which these beliefs and practices have influenced the course of our world.

"Heresy" is a brilliant book that offers a fresh perspective on the history of religion and culture. It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of religious belief and practice, as well as the broader historical context in which they have emerged. Whether you are a religious scholar, historian, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, "Heresy" is sure to captivate and inspire you.

Weight: 634g
Dimension: 242 x 160 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529040357