Written in the early third century by Hippolytus of Rome, The Refutation of All Heresies is one of the most ambitious works of the early church — a sweeping survey of Greek philosophy, mystery cults, astrology, magic, and the many Christian sects the author saw as threats to the faith. Yet this is far more than a catalog of errors. In exposing what he believed to be false, Hippolytus preserves the voices of his opponents, from the serpent-worshipping Naassenes to the great Gnostic teachers Valentinus and Basilides, and in doing so offers a rare, vivid portrait of a world where Christianity was still being defined. This modern-English edition renders Hippolytus's dense and often difficult prose into clear, flowing language, faithful to his meaning and spirit, while making his arguments and his world accessible to today's readers. An introduction, glossary, and reading guide illuminate the text without overwhelming it. Part of The Sacred Wisdom Library.