THE HALL OF HERESIES: MONTANISM

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Heresies are dangerous not only because they affect what we believe but also because they misdirect how we live. Today, we will discuss one heresy in history that became a problem, not mainly because of its doctrines but because of its practice—Montanism. Though some do not recognize it as a heresy (more likely just a movement from a sect), it still left damage in history because it misled many. Not only that, it also started a controversy that remains an issue for today’s Christians.

The History

Montanus, together with Priscilla and Maximilla—two women who also claimed to be prophets—started this movement around 170 AD in Phrygia. It reportedly began when Montanus delivered prophecies while in a state of “convulsive frenzy” or out of his senses. For his supporters, this was evidence that he was completely possessed by the Holy Spirit and that what he was saying were new revelations from God. They called this movement the “New Prophecy” and demanded that everyone recognize it.

For their opponents, however, they were to be called the “Phrygian (or Kataphrygian) heresy.” Their followers considered Montanus, Priscilla, and Maximilla as divine prophets through whom the promised Paraclete (the Holy Spirit, Jn 14:6) communicates. Montanus even claimed to be the incarnated Paraclete/Holy Spirit. (Quite a bold claim, isn’t it?)

At one point, the early church was divided on whether this movement was authentic or not. Some church councils condemned Montanism as heresy, yet they failed to completely stop its spread. Its most famous follower was Tertullian (c. 160–240 AD), who left the established church and joined the Montanists because he found their disciplines appealing (around 213 AD). For him, the coming of the Paraclete upon the founders of Montanism was the fulfillment of John 16:12–13.

The Heresy

Montanism was known for its strict practices. At a time when the early church was said to be becoming too secular, Montanism supporters saw the “New Prophecy” as a return to original/primitive Christianity. For Montanus, just as the New Testament age replaced the Old Testament age, the Age of the Spirit (which he promoted) replaced the New Testament age (the Age of the Son). Therefore, believers must show even greater obedience in the Age of the Spirit! The bigger problem with Montanism was in how they applied their beliefs. They promoted a radical way of Christian living:

  • Stricter fasting practices

  • Forbidding second marriage even after the death of a spouse

  • Forbidding avoidance of martyrdom (believers were expected to face persecution and not escape it)

They believed that spiritual gifts and prophecy were the true marks of Christianity.

The early church refuted Montanist claims by pointing out that their prophecies were not authentic according to biblical standards because they were ecstatic and irrational. Biblical prophets remained in their right mind even when receiving revelation from God. For Augustine of Hippo (c. 354–430 AD), the Paraclete/Holy Spirit had already come to the apostles just a few days after the resurrection (see Jn 7:39; Acts 2). This contradicted Tertullian’s claim that the Spirit only descended in Montanus’ time. For Augustine, if the Spirit only came during Montanus’ time, that would mean the apostles themselves were not guided by the Spirit! He also pointed out that just because John 14:17 says that the “world cannot accept the Spirit of truth,” the Montanists could not use this as justification when people rejected them. Otherwise, anyone could invent teachings, claim the Spirit as the source, and then excuse rejection by saying, “The world cannot accept him.”

The early church responded by emphasizing the authority of the Scriptures, on which the apostles’ teachings were based. The Montanists also failed to prove that their “prophecies” were valid further revelations that should be added to the Word of God. Their extreme practices of holiness eventually contributed to their downfall.

The Hoax

The movement slowly declined after the death of its last prophet, Maximilla (c. 189 AD), who had prophesied that no more prophets would arise after her. Montanism started debates about ecstatic prophecy and controversies over whether we can still receive further revelation after the time of the apostles. This issue remains alive today when discussions about spiritual gifts, visions, and prophecies arise.

The spirit of Montanism is still present in some religious groups:

  • Some sects have books or writings they elevate to the same level as the Bible, claiming these are “further revelations” or “another testament” (e.g., Mormons).

  • Some Pentecostal/Charismatic groups (not all) emphasize spiritual gifts and prophecies so much that they neglect the revealed Word of God.

  • The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement is controversial today because of “prophets” who claim new revelations.

  • The Hyper Grace movement emphasizes personal revelations and promotes prosperity gospel.

Any sect or denomination that overly elevates its founders and leaders as if they are infallible or the only true messengers risks repeating Montanism’s errors. Preachers or teachers who claim direct revelations from God while neglecting proper handling of Scripture and demanding absolute commitment from their followers are acting just like Montanus did.

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Montanism was appealing in its time because many believers thought the church was becoming too worldly, so they followed a cult that promised a “more committed Christianity.” The idea of “further revelation” also sounded fresh, which deceived many. But in their desire to go deeper, they ended up straying farther. If Montanism did anything good, it was that it pushed early Christians to go back to the Bible and the teachings of the apostles to test new revelations—a task we must also take seriously today.

For even now, the modern church faces the same issues: becoming secular and shallow in God’s Word, while being bombarded with new ideas born of imagination. That’s why Paul’s instruction still applies: A Christian leader "must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”(Titus 1:9). Stay Curious.

Sources and Studies:

Davie, M. (Gen. Ed). (2016).“Montanism.” 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘋𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺: 𝘏𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤. Intervarsity Press.
Shelley, B. (2013). “Fresh Voices from God.” 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘏𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘨𝘦 (4𝘵𝘩 𝘌𝘥). Thomas Nelson.
Edgar, W. and Oliphint S. (Gen. Ed.) (2009). “Montanism”. 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵. Crossway Books.
Ferguson, E. (2005). “Montanism”. 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘏𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘝𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘦 𝘖𝘯𝘦: 𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘛𝘰 𝘗𝘳𝘦-𝘙𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. Zondervan
Augustine. (1887). Contra Faustum, Book XXXII (R. Stothert, Trans.). In P. Schaff (Ed.), Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: First Series (Vol. 4). Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co. Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. Retrieved from https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/

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