Description
Book SynopsisValentinus (100-160 CE) was an influential early Christian Gnostic opposed to the beliefs and practices that would later become part of the Christian orthodoxy. This book presents Valentinus' interpretation of the biblical creation myth.
Trade ReviewThis book is a valuable contribution to the study of Valentinian Christianity. -- Birger A. Pearson Religious Studies Review Beyond Gnosticism is a lively, fascinating study of Valentinian thought and everyday social and political life. -- Marvin Meyer Review of Biblical Literature [Dunderberg's] approach results in original insights that are persuasive and illuminating. Journal of Religion A timely and original study that ought to reorient the study of Valentinian Christianity in important ways. -- Benjamin H. Dunning Journal of American Academy of Religion ground-breaking Scottish Journal of Theology
Table of ContentsList of Tables Preface Acknowledgments Introduction 1. The School of Valentinus After Gnosticism Part 1. Myth, Lifestyle, and the World in the Fragments of Valentinus 2. Immortality as a Way of Life 3. Adam's Frank Speech 4. Cosmic Sympathy and the Origin of Evil Part 2. Valentinian Cosmogony, Lifestyle, and Other Christians 5. Myth and Lifestyle for Beginners 6. Myth and the Therapy of Emotions 7. The Creator-God and the Cosmos 8. Walk Like a Valentinian 9. Two Classes of Christians in Practice Part 3. Myth, Society, and Non-Christians 10. Myth, Society, and the Oppressed Church 11. Myth and Ethnic Boundaries Conclusion 12. Valentinian Secretiveness Reconsidered Appendix: Remarks on the Sources of Irenaeus's and Hippolytus's Accounts of Valentinian Theology Abbreviations Notes Bibliography Index of Modern Authors Index of Ancient Sources Index of Subjects
