Against Heresies: Book II

FURTHERMORE: their impious belief regarding actions—that they must experience all sorts of deeds, even the most abominable—is refuted by the teaching of the Lord, who not only rejects the adulterer but also the man who wishes to commit adultery; and not only is the actual murderer guilty of killing someone to his own damnation, but so is the man who is angry with his brother without a reason. He commanded His disciples not only not to hate people, but also to love their enemies; and instructed them not only not to swear falsely, but not even to swear at all.

He told them not only not to speak evil of their neighbors, but not even to call anyone "Raca" and "fool," declaring that otherwise, they were in danger of hell-fire. They were told not only not to strike, but even, when they themselves were struck, to offer the other cheek to those who mistreated them; and not only not to refuse to give up the property of others, but even if their own were taken, not to demand it back from those who took it.

They were instructed not only not to harm their neighbors or do them any evil, but also, when they themselves were mistreated, to be patient and to show kindness towards those who harmed them, and to pray for them, so that through repentance they might be saved—so that we should in no way imitate the arrogance, lust, and pride of others. Since He, whom these people boast of as their Master, and of whom they claim had a soul greatly better and more refined than others, did indeed command certain things to be done as good and excellent, and certain things to be avoided not only in their actual performance but even in the thoughts leading to them, as being wicked, harmful, and abominable—how then can they avoid being put to shame when they claim such a Master was greater in spirit and better than others, and yet clearly give teachings that are utterly opposed to His? Furthermore, if good and evil did not truly exist, and certain things were deemed righteous, and others unrighteous, only by human opinion, He would never have spoken this way in His teaching: “The righteous shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father;” but He shall send the unrighteous, and those who don't do the works of righteousness, “into everlasting fire, where their worm shall not die, and the fire shall not be quenched.”

WHEN THEY FURTHER ASSERT THAT THEY MUST EXPERIENCE EVERY TYPE OF WORK AND BEHAVIOR: so that, if possible, by doing everything in this life they might immediately reach perfection, they are never found striving to do those things that accompany virtue, which are laborious, glorious, and skillful, and which are universally accepted as good. For if it is necessary to go through every work and kind of operation, they should, first of all, learn all the arts: all of them, whether theoretical or practical, whether acquired through self-denial or mastered by labor, exercise, and perseverance; for example, every kind of music, arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and all intellectual pursuits. Then, again, they should engage in the whole study of medicine and the knowledge of plants to understand those prepared for human health; the art of painting and sculpture, working with brass and marble, and related arts. Moreover, they should study every kind of agriculture, veterinary art, pastoral tasks, and the various forms of skilled labor that are said to encompass the entirety of human effort; also those associated with seafaring, gymnastics, hunting, military and royal pursuits, and as many others as exist, though with the utmost effort, they could learn neither a tenth nor even a thousandth part of them throughout their lives.

In reality, they seek to learn none of these, despite claiming it is their duty to experience every kind of work. Instead, they turn to indulgence, lust, and abhorrent actions, condemning themselves when measured against their doctrine. Because they lack all the virtues mentioned, they will inevitably face destruction by fire. These individuals, while boasting that Jesus is their Master, actually imitate the philosophy of Epicurus and the indifference of the Cynics. Jesus, whom they call their Master, not only turned His disciples away from evil deeds but also from wicked words and thoughts, as I have already shown.

WHILE THEY CLAIM THAT THEIR SOULS COME FROM THE SAME REALM AS JESUS AND THAT THEY ARE LIKE HIM: sometimes even insisting they are superior, they claim they were created, like Him, to benefit and support humanity. Yet, they are found doing nothing similar or comparable to His actions. Even if they accomplish anything remarkable through magic, they deceitfully try to mislead foolish people, since they provide no real benefit or blessing to those over whom they claim to have supernatural power. They use mere boys as subjects for their tricks, deceiving their perception by showing illusions that vanish instantly and do not last even a moment. Thus, they are shown to be not like Jesus our Lord, but like Simon the magician. It is clear that the Lord rose from the dead on the third day, appeared to His disciples, and was seen ascending into heaven. Since these men die and do not rise again nor appear to anyone, they are proven to have souls not at all similar to that of Jesus.

IF: however, they claim that the Lord only appeared to perform such works, we shall direct them to the prophetic writings to prove that everything was foretold about Him and did indeed happen, and that He is the only Son of God. Therefore, those who are truly His disciples, receiving grace from Him, perform [miracles] in His name to help others, according to the gift each one has received from Him. Some certainly and truly drive out devils, so that those cleansed from evil spirits often believe [in Christ] and join the Church. Others have the gift of foreseeing the future: they see visions and utter prophecies. Still others heal the sick by laying hands on them, and they are healed. Indeed, as I have said, even the dead have been raised and have remained among us for many years. And what more shall I say? It's impossible to list all the gifts the Church, spread throughout the world, has received from God in the name of Jesus Christ, who was crucified under Pontius Pilate, and which she uses every day for the benefit of the Gentiles, without deceiving or taking any reward from them [for such miraculous acts]. For as she has received freely from God, she also freely serves [others].

SHE DOES NOT PERFORM ANYTHING USING ANGELIC INVOCATIONS: incantations, or any other wicked curious art. Instead, she prays to the Lord, who made all things, with a pure, sincere, and straightforward spirit, calling upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. She has been accustomed to work miracles for the benefit of humanity, not to mislead them. Therefore, if the name of our Lord Jesus Christ still provides benefits and thoroughly cures all who believe in Him, unlike Simon, Menander, Carpocrates, or any other person, it is clear that when He became man, He connected with His own creation and accomplished all things truly through the power of God, according to the will of the Father of all, as the prophets had foretold. What these things were shall be explained using evidence found in the prophetic writings.