medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture

At a basic level, when did any of these medieval writers need evidence for a historical claim? It’s as good an explanation as any for why the Nicolaitans were condemned. Who knows, maybe Isidore was drawing on some oral tradition that we just don’t know about. Furthermore, the claim fits some of the antinomian tendencies of some Gnostic sects .

 

- Kurt

 

From: medieval-religion - Scholarly discussions of medieval religious culture [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Revd Gordon Plumb
Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 3:18 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [M-R] Training of a priest - Nicolaitism

 

medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture

 

 

As a matter of interest where is the evidence that Nicolas the deacon abandoned his wife etc?

 

Gordon Plumb

 

In a message dated 24/01/2012 01:10:43 GMT Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes:

medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture

I happened to have Isidore of Seville's Etymologies open on my desk.  

 

He has the following to say about the Nicolaites (Nicolaita).  The Nicolaites are so called from Nicolas, deacon of the church of Jerusalem, who, along with Stephen and the others, was ordained by Peter.  He abandoned his wife because of her beauty, so that whoever wanted to might enjoy her; the practice turned into debauchery, with partners being exchanged in turn.  John condemns them in the Apocalypse, saying (2:6):  "But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaites"

 

Ruth

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