Book Reviewed: Heretic: Jesus Christ and the Other Sons of God by Catherine Nixey

Plurality of early Christianities Heretic explores the plurality of early Christianities: different versions of Jesus early life, his family life, Gnosticism, and paganism played a role in the beginnings of Christian faith. In later years, these diverse narratives condensed into one dogmatic orthodox belief system. The author uses “heresy” (meaning choice), to describe very unorthodox tales that was known to exist in early religious communities in the Roman Empire. But later, the non-gospel versions were suppressed and destroyed by the influential church bishops to promote one unified form of Christianity. The Bible had only three synoptic gospels in the beginning, but church bishops added the fourth gospel of John that fitted the narratives of Mark, Mathew, and Luke. The significance of Jesus as the son of God who came to redeem the world was the center of the new faith. The author uses early historical writings, the apocryphal literature including gnostic scriptures that sheds light on Jesus and his teachings in a different manner. Strange narratives include rival Christs with twins or associations with dragons, and broader syncretism with paganism. Jesus says to Mary Magdalene in her gospel that no such thing as “sin” exists in this world. Readers who enjoy exploring non-canonical gospels, gnostic sects, and ancient religious diversity in the Middle East may enjoy this book. It is written in lively manner for a broader readership. The author tells the stories as how the early church shaped orthodox belief. Her narratives are sarcastic, humorous, sometimes rowdyish, but also illustrate the humble beginnings of the Christian religion.