Montanus
Montanus (/mɒnˈteɪnəs/; Greek: Μοντανός) as the second century founder of Montanism and a self proclaimed prophet. Montanus emphasized the work of the Holy Spirit, in a manner which set him apart from the Great Church.[1][2]
Life
Little is known about the life of Montanus.[3] Montanus used to be a pagan priest, but converted into Christianity.[1] Montanus began his prophesying in a village called Ardabau, Phrygia. Montanus started prophesying circa 157–172, but Church Fathers give differing dates.[4] Montanus was assisted by two women, Prisca and Maximilla, who also claimed to have prophecies.[1][2]
Teachings
The teachings of Montanism include:[1]
- That a new age of prosperity would come, and New Jerusalem will soon be established in Pepuza.
- One could marry only once.
- Abandoning marriage for spiritual reasons was allowed.
- Every true Christian had to have recognizable spiritual gifts.
- Martyrdom was encouraged and trying to escape was seen as bad
- The prophets could forgive sins.[1]
- The church could never permit apostates, murderers and fornicators back.[5]
- Opposition to formalism in theology.[6]
- A high emphasis on morality.[3]
Impact
The influence of Montanus and Marcion helped to spur the early church to begin the process of developing the New Testament canon.[7] Montanus was heavily attacked by other early church theologians and seen as a heretic.[6] However, Tertullian is often said to have adopted Montanism.[3]
References
- ^ a b c d e Boer, Harry R. (1976). A Short History of the Early Church. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. ISBN 978-0-8028-1339-8.
- ^ a b Edgar, Thomas R. (1996). Satisfied by the Promise of the Spirit: Affirming the Fullness of God's Provision for Spiritual Living. Kregel Academic. ISBN 978-0-8254-9769-8.
- ^ a b c "Montanus | religious leader | Britannica". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
- ^ Ramelli, Ilaria L. E.; McGuckin, J. A.; Ashwin-Siejkowski, Piotr (2021-12-16). T&T Clark Handbook of the Early Church. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-0-567-68040-2.
- ^ Pohle, Rev Joseph; Press, Aeterna. Rev. Joseph Pohle Collection [9 Books]. Aeterna Press.
- ^ a b Roybal, Rory (2010-10-21). Miracles or Magic?. Rory Roybal. ISBN 978-1-4523-9521-0.
- ^ Nickens, Mark (2020-12-15). A Survey of the History of Global Christianity, Second Edition. B&H Publishing Group. ISBN 978-1-5359-8500-0.