Definition and Etymology:
The term "anathematise" originates from the Greek word "anathema," which means something dedicated to evil or destruction. In biblical contexts, to anathematise is to pronounce a curse or to declare someone or something as accursed or devoted to destruction. This term is often associated with excommunication or severe ecclesiastical censure.

Biblical Usage:
In the New Testament, the concept of anathematise is closely linked to the idea of being cut off from the community of believers due to false teaching or heretical beliefs. The Apostle Paul uses this term in his epistles to emphasize the seriousness of deviating from the true Gospel.

1. Galatians 1:8-9 :
"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse!"

In this passage, Paul anathematises anyone, including himself or an angel, who preaches a gospel different from the one originally delivered to the Galatians. This underscores the gravity of maintaining doctrinal purity and the severe consequences of leading others astray.

2. 1 Corinthians 16:22 :
"If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be under a curse. Come, O Lord!"

Here, Paul declares that those who do not love the Lord Jesus Christ are to be anathematised. This reflects the early church's emphasis on the centrality of love for Christ as a defining characteristic of true believers.

Historical Context:
In the early church, anathematisation was a formal act of excommunication, often used to protect the community from heretical teachings and to maintain the integrity of the faith. The practice was not only a spiritual pronouncement but also had social and communal implications, as those anathematised were often shunned or excluded from the fellowship of believers.

Theological Implications:
Anathematisation serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of doctrinal fidelity and the potential consequences of deviating from the truth. It highlights the church's responsibility to guard against false teachings and to preserve the purity of the Gospel message. The act of anathematising is not taken lightly, as it involves the spiritual well-being of both the individual and the community.

Related Concepts:
· Excommunication: A formal process by which an individual is excluded from the communion of the church due to serious sin or heresy.
· Heresy: Beliefs or teachings that deviate from established Christian doctrine, often leading to anathematisation.
· Cursing: In biblical terms, to curse is to invoke divine judgment or misfortune upon someone, often associated with anathematisation.

Conclusion:
The concept of anathematisation in the Bible underscores the seriousness with which the early church regarded doctrinal purity and the protection of the faith community. It serves as a warning against false teachings and a call to remain steadfast in the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Tome or Synodal Letter to the People of Antioch.
... welcome them as tutors and guardians; and unite them to our beloved Paulinus and
his people, without requiring more from them than to anathematise the Arian ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/tome or synodal letter to.htm

Epiphanius Intervenes
... Would not the saintly Bishop of Salamis once more save the world and the Church
by summoning a Council to anathematise Origen and forbid all men to read his ...
/.../chapter xliv epiphanius intervenes.htm

ecce Iterum Crispinus!'
... anathematise Origen!" The mere name of Origen had not once been mentioned.'. ... How
could you at his bidding anathematise a saint of God?' asked Chrysostom. ...
/.../chapter xliii ecce iterum crispinus.htm

Conduct of the Arians Towards the Nicene Council. Ignorant as Well ...
... any other Gospel than that ye have received, let him be anathema [774] ." Since
then the Apostle thus speaks, let these men either anathematise Eusebius and ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter ii conduct of the arians.htm

Eutyches and Philip in Profundis
... Oh! that is your line, is it? Now, anathematise the ruffian John, and we
will believe that you are innocent, and set you free.'. ...
/.../chapter lvi eutyches and philip.htm

Driven Forth
... the screams of the tortured, the whistling of scourges, were heard even in churches,
while the attempt was made to coerce the faithful to anathematise the holy ...
/.../chapter li driven forth.htm

Letter Lv. --Letter to Rufinianus.
... with all knowledge. Let then those that repent openly anathematise by name
the error of Eudoxius and Euzoius. For they blasphemed ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter lv letter to rufinianus.htm

Statement of Faith.
... believe, likewise, also in the Holy Spirit that searcheth all things, even the deep
things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10), and we anathematise doctrines contrary ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/statement of faith.htm

Epistle Xlii. To Eusebius, Archbishop of Thessalonica.
... innocent of that pravity, remove offence from the minds of thy children by giving
them satisfaction, and among all heresies anathematise especially Severus and ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xlii to eusebius archbishop.htm

The Method of the New Theology, and Some of Its Applications
... truth was, then to work from that"to proclaim what Hodge said, to expound, assert,
reiterate, appeal in the name of Hodge and anathematise and excommunicate ...
/.../berkhof/new evangelism and other papers/the method of the new.htm

Anathematise (1 Occurrence)
...Anathematise (1 Occurrence). Matthew 26:74 Then began he to anathematise, and to
swear -- 'I have not known the man;' and immediately did a cock crow, (YLT). ...
/a/anathematise.htm - 6k

Anathema (6 Occurrences)

/a/anathema.htm - 13k

Anathematize (4 Occurrences)

/a/anathematize.htm - 7k

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