An Introduction to Gnosticism

Day: TBA

Location: TBA

Facilitator: Michael

Contact: Coming soon!

This course will cover the beliefs and writings associated with gnosticism, a variant form (or collection of variant forms) of early Christianity that was suppressed by supporters of the dominant, “orthodox” version of Christianity. The course will focus on reading the original writings composed by the gnostics (in English translation), so that students will be able to see how they presented themselves and their religious beliefs. Texts will be distributed via email.

The goals of this course are as follows. First of all, to familiarize students with this fascinating and strange variant of early Christianity. Second, to support the free investigation of religious history by undoing the attempted suppression of these beliefs by Christian “orthodoxy.” Third, to see how and in what ways these gnostic beliefs resonate in the modern world.

Classes will begin with the presentation of the historical, theological, or literary contexts of the works under discussion, followed by discussion of these works. No other reading is required, although I will give suggestions for further reading to interested students. The following is a suggested list of topics, although they may change depending on the desires of the students:

1) What is Gnosticism, Anyway?

Reading: The Hymn of the Pearl

2) “How Do I Get Out Of Here?”: Escaping the Universe, and How You Do It

Reading: The Apocalypse of Paul

3) “Yeah? Prove it!”: How to Read Scripture Gnostically

Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18 (New Testament) and the Hypostasis of the Archons

4) Who Were These Guys Anyway?: The Nag Hammadi Collection

No reading

5) Crazed Libertine Nihilists?: The Day-to-Day Life of a Gnostic

Various readings

6) Varieties of Gnostics: Valentinians ...

Reading: Ptolemy’s Letter to Flora

7) ... and Sethians ...

Reading: The Second Treatise of the Great Seth

8) ... and Manichaeans

Reading: Excerpts from the Psalms of Thom

9) The Gospel of Judas and Codex Tchacos

Reading: The Gospel of Judas

10) Gnosticism Today

No reading