Ben Quash and Michael Ward: Heresies and How to Avoid Them

Ben Quash and Michael Ward, eds., Heresies and How to Avoid Them: Why it matters what Christians believe (Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson Publishers, 2007), 148 pages, ISBN 9781598560138.

Heresy and heresy hunting are the two issues addressed in Heresies and How to Avoid Them by Ben Quash and Michael Ward. With the contributions of several authors, they show the church how to handle truth, and how not to throw the baby out with the bath water.

Quash and Ward provide an examination of false teachings throughout the history of the church. They focus on such important issues as the person of Christ and Christian living. Although clear in pointing out the dangers of unorthodox teachings, Quash and Ward urge caution in defending the truth. They warn that orthodoxy can suffer corruption, and even be used as a weapon and become “an excuse for any and every kind of outrage” (P. 136).

Both men have extensive backgrounds in ministry and theology. Quash is an Anglican priest who serves as Dean and Fellow of Peterhouse in the University of Cambridge. He holds a doctorate in Theology from the University of Cambridge. His co-editor, Ward, is also an Anglican priest. He is Chaplain of Peterhouse in the University of Cambridge. He holds a doctorate in theology from the University of St. Andrews.

Heresies and How to Avoid Them is a collection of writings that were first delivered as sermons. Like Quash and Ward, most of the contributors are Anglican. However, some of the chapters are written by Roman Catholics, a Quaker, and a member of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

The book is divided into two parts. Part One deals with the person of Christ and covers the heretical doctrines of Arianism, Docetism, Nestorianism, Eutychianism, Adoptionism, and Theopaschitism. Part Two focuses on Christian living and covers Marcionism, Donatism, Pelagianism, Gnosticism, Free Spirit, and Biblical Trinitarianism.

In producing this book, Quash writes that his aim is not only to help people avoid heresy and appreciate orthodoxy, but to also take a closer look at heresy and the “what-ifs” of orthodoxy, “so that the pitfalls and limitations of heresies can be better appreciated, and orthodoxy more wholeheartedly celebrated” (p. 9).

The tone of the book can be seen in the foreword that is written by Stanley Hauerwas, a professor. He writes that orthodoxy must not be “used as a hammer to beat into submission those we think heterodox” (not conforming to orthodox belief) (p. x). He argues that it is important that the book does “not demonize the heretics of the past and present” (p. x).

Hauerwas’ foreword is followed by Quash’s prologue, which offers a detailed discussion of heresy and orthodoxy. He begins with a simple definition of a heretic:

“A heretic is a baptized person who obstinately denies or doubts a truth which the Church teaches must be believed because it is part of the one, divinely revealed, and catholic (that is, universally valid) Christian faith” (p. 1).

Following this definition, he mentions the works of Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130-c. 200) who wrote, Against Heresies, and how he fought the heresies of his day. Using history, Quash notes how heretics might be sincere and have the best intention while veering off the straight path. He also explains how proof-texting can lead to error in doctrine. In Quash’s view, “heresies and heretics aren’t all bad” (p. 7). In many cases, he believes, heretics “haven’t been given an entirely fair press” (p. 7).

Quash writes that heretics frequently had some legitimate things to say, but “they didn’t always do so in the right way or in an appropriate context” (p. 7). He, and the contributors to the book, generally believe that orthodox believers “have reason to be grateful to heresies because they have forced us to think our belief out more deeply and thoroughly—whether by their misguided attempts to clarify it, or by challenging it” (p. 7-8).

Heresies and How to Avoid Them is an interesting treatment of heresy and orthodoxy. It succeeds in emphasizing the value of truth without demonizing those who may be in error. For each of the heresies it features, it presents a brief historical summary that is followed by the verses of Scripture used by those in error. It uses the same Scripture to explain how a particular truth should be understood. It also uses contemporary examples to explain the correct view of the issue.

Because each chapter was originally a sermon, the text does not read like a reference book or academic treatise. In fact, it is actually conversational in places, a feature that should be welcomed by the laity. Another feature worth mentioning is the use of Scripture. Although the authors expound on certain passages, they do not delve into heavy exegetical treatments of those passages.

One area that could probably use further development is the instructions for avoiding heresies. The title of the book promises, “How to Avoid Them.” However, greater emphasis is placed on historical accounts, definitions and explanations of the various heresies. The idea of avoiding heresies can be gleaned from each chapter, but it would likely be more effective if the chapters provided a clear strategy, or a simple, concrete plan that could be easily followed.

Heresies and How to Avoid Them has much to offer. It is especially relevant to Pentecostals and Charismatics, among whom a number of unorthodox teachings have arisen at times. Its chapters on the person of Christ should prove invaluable to many who might have questions about the deity and humanity of Christ. It would be especially helpful to those who teach that Christ walked the earth and performed his miracles only as a man filled with the Spirit, and not as God in the flesh.

The book uses a clever way to remind the church of the importance of truth and the value of sound doctrine. It illustrates how well meaning people can take an element of truth to extreme. It also shows that while a message may sound good, it can be deeply flawed. Even more, and perhaps surprisingly, it challenges those committed to orthodoxy to listen to and have dialogue with those who might be in error. In the end, it rightly suggests, the thing that matters most is for orthodoxy to involve “the whole person living out the truth of the gospel daily in thought, feeling, spirituality and action” (p. 140).

Reviewed by Roscoe Barnes III