Heracleonite

/ˌhɛrəˈkliːənʌɪt/ noun

Definition

A follower or believer in the gnostic teachings of Heracleon, a 2nd-century philosopher who interpreted Christian theology through Greek philosophical ideas.

Etymology

From the name 'Heracleon' (the gnostic philosopher) plus '-ite', meaning 'follower of'. Emerged in early Christian history and theological studies.

Kelly Says

Heracleon was one of the earliest Christian thinkers to ask 'what if we read the Bible through a Greek philosophy lens?'—his heracleonite followers created alternative Christianities that were considered so heretical they were mostly erased from history.

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