the term proto-orthodox christianity or proto-orthodoxy was coined by new testament scholar bart d. ehrman and describes the early christian movement which was the precursor of christian orthodoxy. ehrman argues that this group from the moment it became prominent by the end of the third century, "stifled its opposition, it claimed that its views had always been the majority position and that its rivals were, and always had been, 'heretics', who willfully 'chose' to reject the 'true belief'." in contrast, larry w. hurtado argues that proto-orthodox christianity is rooted in first century christianity.