The volume presents a collection of new research findings on Marcion, the most important heretic in Classical times, and in particular takes issue with Adolf von Harnack's epoch-making interpretation of Marcion.
Harnack's view of Marcion as a biblical theologian and faithful pupil of Paul's, who was alienated by the theological developments of the 2nd century, has proved to be a historically questionable modernisation. The papers in this volume place Marcion and the Marcionite Church back in their historical context. For the first time, the papers also reveal more thoroughly the theological historical background to Harnack's interpretation of Marcion and its reception in the 20th century.