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# The Dead Horse...
- URL: https://mereorthodoxy.com/the-dead-horse/
- Published: 2004-11-28T23:29:13.000Z
- Updated: 2026-04-20T21:42:45.000Z
- Description: The Dead Horse...
- Author: Mere Orthodoxy
- Tags: Matthew Lee Anderson, Evangelicalism, Theology and Practice, Formation

I'm bringing it back.

I'm not the only one who thinks Gnosticism has influenced evangelical theology. From [Peter Leithart](http://www.leithart.com/?ref=mereorthodoxy.com) (someone who has read, oh, just about everything):

"VanderZee, however, does not simply repeat Reformed slogans, but brings in voices and perspectives from other traditions (Schmemann is quoted a good bit, and William Cavanagh makes an appearance or two), and updates sacramental theology in all the right directions. *He aims his main criticisms against evangelical Protestant anti-sacramentalism, which he sees, quite rightly, as a manifestation of gnosticism.* This book would make a wonderful text for a class on sacraments, or even for a church reading group, since it's written in a popular style."

Yes, I know. Not conclusive in any way, shape or form. Yet it provides a good opportunity to recommend Leithart's blog. It's always intelligent, diverse, and interesting.