Short Circles are two to three week classes, held on Zoom and led by Riverside clergy and ministerial staff. These classes will allow our Riverside community to connect around various topics and themes, deepening their faith and spirituality, and getting to know one another and the Riverside clergy team.

Heresy Hunters in the Ancient Church with Rev. Jabe Ziino
June 10 and 17, 2025 | 7:00 – 8:00 pm ET | Zoom

The early centuries of Christianity were a bit of a theological free-for-all. The Bible as we know it wasn’t officially codified until the 4th century, and the Nicene Creed, the cornerstone of Trinitarian theology, wasn’t formulated until 325 CE. So what did Christians believe before then? Turns out, a lot of different things!

In this two-session online class, join Rev. Jabe Ziino as we dive into the deep end of early Christian thought. We’ll explore some of the so-called “heresies” that shaped the boundaries of orthodoxy, like Arianism, Gnosticism, and Docetism, and we’ll look at some of the texts that were left out of the New Testament. Along the way, we’ll ask: what does it mean to call something a heresy? Who gets to decide? And in our pluralistic, modern world: does “heresy” still matter?

Whether you’re a theology nerd, a spiritual seeker, or just curious, come prepared to challenge assumptions, explore old controversies, and discover your inner heretic!

DATE & TIME

Tuesday, June 10 | 7:00 – 8:00 pm ET | Zoom