Before Valentinus: The Gnostics of Irenaeus

Before Valentinus: The Gnostics of Irenaeus PDF

Author: Einar Thomassen

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2023-08-21

Total Pages: 214

ISBN-13: 9004677895

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This book offers the first detailed commentary on the Gnostic treatises reported by Irenaeus in Adversus Haereses 1.29–30. It is argued that these texts represent the earliest tangible layer of the Gnostic literary tradition and served as sources for the Apocryphon of John and other later works. They also formed the starting point for Valentinus and his followers, who sought to reconcile the ideas of the Gnostics with apostolic Christianity. The book also shows that Irenaeus and later heresiologists referred to “the Gnostics” as a specific group among the great mass of heretics.

Valentinian Christianity

Valentinian Christianity PDF

Author:

Publisher: University of California Press

Published: 2020-07-21

Total Pages: 360

ISBN-13: 0520297466

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Valentinus, an Egyptian Christian who traveled to Rome to teach his unique brand of theology, and his followers, the Valentinians, formed one of the largest and most influential sects of Christianity in the second and third centuries. But by the fourth century, their writings had all but disappeared suddenly and mysteriously from the historical record, as the newly consolidated imperial Christian Church condemned as heretical all forms of what has come to be known as Gnosticism. Only in 1945 were their extensive original works finally rediscovered, and the resurrected “Gnostic Gospels” soon rooted themselves in both the scholarly and popular imagination. Valentinian Christianity: Texts and Translations brings together for the first time all the extant texts composed by Valentinus and his followers. With accessible introductions and fresh translations based on new transcriptions of the original Greek and Coptic manuscripts on facing pages, Geoffrey S. Smith provides an illuminating, balanced overview of Valentinian Christianity and its formative place in Christian history.

The Third Book Of St. Irenaeus, Bishop Of Lyons, Against Heresies

The Third Book Of St. Irenaeus, Bishop Of Lyons, Against Heresies PDF

Author: Saint Irenaeus (Bishop of Lyon )

Publisher: Legare Street Press

Published: 2023-07-18

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781021233110

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A translation and analysis of the third book of St. Irenaeus' influential work 'Against Heresies'. This book offers a detailed critique of Gnostic teachings and provides insights into the early development of Christian theology. With an informative introduction and helpful notes, this volume is an essential resource for scholars and students of early Christian history and theology. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

The Coherence of "Gnosticism"

The Coherence of

Author: Einar Thomassen

Publisher: de Gruyter

Published: 2021

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9783110705713

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"Gnosticism" has become a problematic category in the study of early Christianity. The present work seeks to make a fresh start in this field. It concentrates on Irenaeus' report on a specific group called the "Gnostics" and on his claim t

Valentinianism: New Studies

Valentinianism: New Studies PDF

Author:

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2019-10-07

Total Pages: 522

ISBN-13: 9004414819

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Valentinianism: New Studies offers fresh contributions by leading experts on the history of the Valentinian “Gnostic” church, on contested aspects of Valentinian doctrine, and on the use and interpretation of the New Testament by the Valentinians.

The Coherence of “Gnosticism”

The Coherence of “Gnosticism” PDF

Author: Einar Thomassen

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG

Published: 2020-11-23

Total Pages: 83

ISBN-13: 3110705893

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“Gnosticism” has become a problematic category in the study of early Christianity. It obscures diversity, invites essentialist generalisations, and is a legacy of ancient heresiology. However, simply to conclude with “diversity” is unsatisfying, and new efforts to discern coherence and to synthesise need to be made. The present work seeks to make a fresh start by concentrating on Irenaeus’ report on a specific group called the “Gnostics” and on his claim that Valentinus and his followers were inspired by their ideas. Following this lead, an attempt is made to trace the continuity of ideas from this group to Valentinianism. The study concludes that there is more continuity than has previously been recognised. Irenaeus’ “Gnostics” emerge as the predecessors not only of Valentinianism, but also of Sethianism. They represent an early, philosophically inspired form of Christ religion that arose independently of the New Testament canon. Christology is essential and provides the basis for the myth of Sophia. The book is relevant for all students of Christian origins and the early history of the Church.

Against Heresies -

Against Heresies - PDF

Author: Irenaeus

Publisher: CreateSpace

Published: 2015-04-22

Total Pages: 138

ISBN-13: 9781511854931

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"Against Heresies - Book IV" from Irenaeus. Bishop of Lugdunum in Gaul (-202A.D.).