Concerning views of the Novgorod heretics

Abstract

The study of the Novgorod heresy ideology has a long history with scientists opinions being often contradictory. Therefore, the study of the treatises that have direct relevance to the heresies is of great importance. The author emamines this releavant topic, basing on the careful analises of both published and unpublished sources. The article draws attention to the little-studied works in that heretics were interested such as «The Book Selivestr». Comparison of its content with «Illuminator» by Joseph of Volokolamsk reveals not only common relevant ideas, but a number of contradictions as well. The most significant difference is when in the «Illuminator» Joseph of Volokolamsk and a anonimous heretic in his treatise «The Book Selivestr» extensively deal with the topic of the image and likeness of God, interpreting the Bible quotation «Let us make man in the image and likeness». Joseph Volokolamsk believes that it speaks of the creation of Adam and Eve. But in «The Book Selivestr» this interpretation is criticized. The author unequivocally states that the phase deals with creation of a new man, Jesus Christ. Thus, the heretics seem to understand the world and its history as the fulfillment of the God’s plan.

Keywords

• bible
• heretics
• illuminator
• the book silvestr
• creation
• joseph volokolamsk