Help, a friend is sinking into heresy

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yves

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Brothers and Sisters,

A friend of ours has begun delving into Gnostic writings and become really engrossed in the Nag Hammadi library. He’s convinced he is discovering “the truth.”

I’m familiar with gnosticism, arianism, unitarianism, etc. In fact, I’ve read plenty, books, even, and some early Christian writings that simply were not accepted into our canon but are still beautiful, such as “The Shepherd of Hermas.” This evening I read through several posts in this forum. Despite the fact that I’m decently well-informed, I feel sickened and inadequate to discuss this with him. He wants to, however, and so I’m willing, but please, I need some advice, any pointers you can offer. I feel this is very important.

He’s particularly taken with the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Mary, and the Gospel of Philip. He wants to now read the "Da Vinci Code, which certainly won’t help matters. I’ve read it because someone urged my teenaged son to read it. He finished 2/3’s and dismissed it as disgusting (to my relief.)

I would be most grateful for your help.

God bless.
 
Gnosticism has been rearing its ugly head recently it seems. Quite frankly, I don’t see the appeal whatsoever. My only guess is that it plays into the X-Files conspiracy mentality and invites people into a kind of secret club.

Pray alot and check out Carl Olsen’s book on the DaVinci Code.

Scott
 
Hello,

I understand how you feel watching a friend who with good intentions is driving themselves into disbelief. You must found your discussions with approved doctine.

The reason that these writings were never allowed into the bible was that they were believed to be written either without the inspiration of the Holy Spirit or they were written to refute the true teachings of Christ by enemies of the Church who hoped to pervert the early church.

The Church who alone were guaranteed that “the gates of hell can not prevail against it” saw fit to exclude these false writing for good reason. Their main reason was their responsibility to pass on the Good News that they had received from Christ without error to the best of their ability.
 
Have him pick up and read the Navarre Bible (RSV-CE) and Commentaries on the Gospels and Acts

ISBN 10-889334-27-8

The commentaries seek to explain the doctrinal and practical meaning of the scriptural text, drawing on a rich variety of sources: Church documents, the exegesis of Fathers and Doctors, and the works of prominent spiritual writers, including Blessed J. Escriva, who initaited the Navarre Bible project.

This commentary is oriented to sound Chatiolic Magisterial teaching and does not contain rationalist and modernist theologian speculations.

Praise be to Jesus Christ now and forever
 
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