The word “heretic” gets bandied about online so much these days that it has become almost meaningless, but it remains an important theological concept with serious implications for the life of the church.

In this unexpectedly sobering Trivia Challenge, Rachel quizzes Erin and Sarah on the meanings and history of major heresies in the church, from Gnosticism to modernism and beyond.

What even is “heresy,” anyway? Where is heresy mentioned in the Bible? How were the ecumenical creeds specifically formulated to combat heresy? What are good and bad ways to respond to heresy in the church? And is heresy still something we actually struggle with today?

Resources referenced in this episode include the following:

• Journey through Church History: Student Book - Concordia Publishing House (highly recommended for families and educators!)
• Journey through Church History: Leader Guide - Concordia Publishing House
• Lutheran Witness: May 2025 – The Lutheran Witness: Councils and Conventions
• Lutheran Witness: August 2023 – The Lutheran Witness: Heresies Ancient and Modern

Other sources mentioned include:

• Jakob Wendesten (@jakobwendesten) | TikTok
• HETERODOX Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
• DOXOLOGY Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
• 36 Bible verses about Heresies
• Arianism | Definition, History, Christology, & Controversy | Britannica
• Bishop Nicholas Loses His Cool ::: St. Nicholas Center
• Did St. Nicholas punch Arius at the Council of Nicaea?
• Ecumenical council - Wikipedia
• Albigensian Crusade - Wikipedia
• Gnosticism | Definition, Texts, Movements, & Influence | Britannica

Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram!

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