Spirit (Holy), Sect of The

Spirit (Holy), Sect Of The a name for the representatives of a pantheistic movement of the 12th century in France. The party originated with Amalric (q.v.) of Bena, a teacher at Paris. The first germs of this pantheistic mysticism were probably derived from the writings of the pseudo-Dionysius and of Erigena Amalric taught that none could be saved who believed not that he was a member of the body of Christ. Similar views were entertained by David of Dinanto (q.v.) and Simon (q.v.) of Tournay. These opinions finding their way among the laity, a goldsmith proclaimed the advent of the age of the Holy Spirit, when all positive religion and every outward form of worship should cease and God be all in all. As formerly in Christ, so now in every believer, did God become incarnate; and on this ground the Christian was God in the same sense in which Christ had been. These views were condemned by a synod held at Paris in 1209, the writings of Erigena were reprobated, and several members of the sect consigned to the stake. See Kurtz, Church Hist. 1, § 108, 2.

⇒Bible concordance for SPIRIT.

⇒Definition of spirit

⇒See also the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.