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of the Shepherd of Hermas, an apocalyptic work probably compiled during
the second century. |
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The
Shepherd of Hermas deals with questions of sin after baptism
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The Shepherd of Hermas
reports a series of visions experienced by its author, a Roman slave
who had become a freedman. The theme of this eschatological work is the
possibility of a second and final repentance for Christians who had sinned
after baptism. This was not in accord with the dominant early Christian
practice which did not permit second or repeated repentance after baptism.
It was contrary to the teaching that baptism
was an act that cleansed Christians from all sin and introduced them to
the possibility of sinless lives. This work was widely read among Christians
during the second and third centuries.
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