The church spent three centuries defeating the position that Islam would later build on, and the scholar who found the strongest evidence for a connection got taken apart for it
Fascinating material. I wonder if the Pines article is obtainable? I have read references before that hint that the Ebionites survived much later in lands where Christianity did not hold sway. Edit: I found the Pines paper.
There are 4 quarters in the old city of Jerusalem: Jewish, Catholic, Orthodox and Armenian. The Armenian church is considered part of the Eastern Orthodox churches. Armenia claims to be the oldest Christian nation, having converted around 301 CE. The conversion may have partly been resistance to the Sassanid (Iranian) Empire.
The Sassanids tolerated minority communities of Jews, Christians, Manichaeans and Bhuddists. The dominant religion was Zoroastrianism. They contended with the Eastern Roman Empire until both sides were exhausted, then fell to the Muslims.
There was also a gnostic sect of Marcionism, which took hold in Armenia. It may have moved into Bulgaria (Bogomils) and even Southern France (Cathars). Marcion was the first to pitch the idea of a Bible based on Paul's letters, and was excommunicated (along with his church) for his gnostic heresy. The Catholic (universal) church was challenged from all sides.
So the Persian Empire was a source of monotheism (via Zoroastrianism) that established monotheism in Judea. After succumbing to Alexander the Great, minority religions persisted through the Parthian period and the Sassanid period. The Muslims picked up those traditions from Iran as well as the Eastern Roman Empire (which included the Levant).
These empires were sustained by trade with East Asia via the silk road. The Black Death appears to have traveled from China along the silk road to Europe in 1346. The conquest of Constantinople in 1453 stimulated Christendom to find alternate routes to East Asia, thus starting the colonization of the New World.
Absolutely fascinating, particularly for me, the Ebonite connection. I always had an interest in their history but never really followed up on it. I never realized the extent of its influence upon Islam either. Your piece, Tanner, has stimulated my interest again!
There are a few modern offshoots of the sect located in the East, South Africa, and even in the U.S., but as you pointed out in your article, little is known of the true history so caution is advised on just how much to believe in the revivalist retelling of it all.
I guess they try to stick pretty close to the original beliefs though.
Anyway, still so very intriguing! Another winner! Thanks, Tanner!
Fascinating material. I wonder if the Pines article is obtainable? I have read references before that hint that the Ebionites survived much later in lands where Christianity did not hold sway. Edit: I found the Pines paper.
There are 4 quarters in the old city of Jerusalem: Jewish, Catholic, Orthodox and Armenian. The Armenian church is considered part of the Eastern Orthodox churches. Armenia claims to be the oldest Christian nation, having converted around 301 CE. The conversion may have partly been resistance to the Sassanid (Iranian) Empire.
The Sassanids tolerated minority communities of Jews, Christians, Manichaeans and Bhuddists. The dominant religion was Zoroastrianism. They contended with the Eastern Roman Empire until both sides were exhausted, then fell to the Muslims.
There was also a gnostic sect of Marcionism, which took hold in Armenia. It may have moved into Bulgaria (Bogomils) and even Southern France (Cathars). Marcion was the first to pitch the idea of a Bible based on Paul's letters, and was excommunicated (along with his church) for his gnostic heresy. The Catholic (universal) church was challenged from all sides.
So the Persian Empire was a source of monotheism (via Zoroastrianism) that established monotheism in Judea. After succumbing to Alexander the Great, minority religions persisted through the Parthian period and the Sassanid period. The Muslims picked up those traditions from Iran as well as the Eastern Roman Empire (which included the Levant).
These empires were sustained by trade with East Asia via the silk road. The Black Death appears to have traveled from China along the silk road to Europe in 1346. The conquest of Constantinople in 1453 stimulated Christendom to find alternate routes to East Asia, thus starting the colonization of the New World.
Absolutely fascinating, particularly for me, the Ebonite connection. I always had an interest in their history but never really followed up on it. I never realized the extent of its influence upon Islam either. Your piece, Tanner, has stimulated my interest again!
There are a few modern offshoots of the sect located in the East, South Africa, and even in the U.S., but as you pointed out in your article, little is known of the true history so caution is advised on just how much to believe in the revivalist retelling of it all.
I guess they try to stick pretty close to the original beliefs though.
Anyway, still so very intriguing! Another winner! Thanks, Tanner!