Robert Kraft
(kraft@ccat.sas.upenn.edu), University of Pennsylvania, Spring 2005
227 Logan Hall; tel. 215 898-5827
Instructor's home page and
2004
class home page, plus pre 2004 class
home directory
The main objective of this course is to become acquainted with the early "Gnostic" Christian movements within the context of development of the various threads that together came to be known as "Christianity" during the formative period prior to the official recognition and consolidation as a religious option under Constantine (ca 325 CE). There will be a strong emphasis on "methodological selfconsciousness" in a historical framework -- that is, how do we know what we think we know about the period and its participants, and especially those associated with "Gnosticism"? What is meant by the use of such terminology as "gnosis," "gnostic," "gnostical," and "Gnosticism"? Familiarity with the surviving literature and other historical artifacts from the period will be basic to the investigation, as well as an attempt to understand these materials from the perspectives of the people who originally produced them.
In addition to regular class attendance and participation, including
assisting with class minutes/notes and attention to email
communications, students taking the course for credit will
(1) submit a research paper (about 15 old-style pages = 5000
words) on an approved topic (choice of topic by mid-term, completed
paper or full draft by the final exam period);
(2) participate in the class project (electronic summaries of
early texts relevant for the study of "Gnosticism") or present
an in-class review (also to be submitted in writing) of an
approved modern publication on the subject; and
(3) sit for a one-on-one comprehensive oral "exit interview"
with the instructor (about half an hour in length) after the research
paper has been evaluated and returned and all other required work is
finished.
NOTE: supplementation and/or revision and resubmission of problematic work is encouraged (no penalty) when appropriate. Preliminary drafts may be submitted for the instructor's comment. Electronic submission ("text only," not attachments) is also acceptable.
*Paul/Paulists,
Montanus/Montanism
[see also J. Gager, Kingdom and Community ]
*Paul's Galatians, the Didache (see also), 1 Clement (formal letter), Ignatius (letters), Epistle of the Apostles
*Johannine Epistles (first, second, third), Pauline Pastoral Letters(1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus), 2 Clement (a homily), Justin's Apology (and Appendix)
*Justin's Dialogue, Tatian's Address, a disciple's defense to Diognetus
Read at least two Encyclopedia articles on "Gnosis" and/or "Gnosticism" and be prepared to compare them. Identify four different COLLECTIONS (groupings; e.g. "New Testament") of early Christian Literature and be able to give at least one in-depth example from each. How does each collection relate to "Gnostic" materials (if at all)?
[Suggestion: look at tables of contents of Primary Source Collections]
Further questions of definition:
* What does the Greek word "gnosis" mean?
* Was the term used in favorable as well as unfavorable ways in the early period?
* What are the main ideas associated with "Gnosticism" by modern scholars?
Identify four different sub-GROUPS within early "Gnosticism" and be able to describe in some detail at least one representative of each sub-group.
[Suggestion: work from tables of contents of Secondary Syntheses, with help from Secondary Anthologies and general definitional articles as necessary]
Further questions of identification:
* In what ways do early "Gnostic" groups or representatives differ from each other?
* Are there particular locations in which "Gnosticism" seems to have flourished more than in others?
* Do you think the idea of "Jewish Gnosticism" is tenable?
Identify four different key EVENTS that helped shape the development of early Christianity and conjecture how that development might have affected "gnostical" followers of Jesus.
[Suggestion: look for turning points suggested by the organization of the Secondary Syntheses]
Further questions of historical development:
* How did "Gnostics" deal with the Jewish calamaties of the first two centuries?
* How did "Gnostics" react to persecution of Christians by Rome?
Identify four types of non-"Gnostic" contemporaries (at least two of which are also non-Christian) in the early period (up to about 306 CE) and describe each position vis-a-vis "Gnostic" Christianity. Do the same for four specific individuals.
[Suggestion: pay special attention to "backgrounds" treatments in
the Secondary Syntheses (e.g. on Greco-Roman
and on Jewish
aspects), and follow up in the Secondary Anthologies; e.g.
familiarize yourself with
the philosophical schools and religious options, as well as such sources as:
Pliny
the Elder,
Philo (Hypothetica,
on Human
Freedom and on the Contemplative
Life),
Josephus (selection on
Honi, on Palestinian Jewish
groups [see also])
,
Pliny the Younger (to
Trajan on the Christian problem [Latin
text]),
Galen the physician (see quotations
on Christians and Jews),
Lucian of Samosata (on Alexander
of Abonoteichos and Peregrinus),
Philostratus on Apollonius of Tyana
(also here)]
Some further observations and questions:
* Why did the "neo-Platonists" have such objections to "Gnosticism"?
* How appropriate was the attempt by certain anti-Gnostic Christian authors to identify "Gnosticism" with Greek philosophy?
Identify four different early Christian explanations of who Jesus is and how he is related to the domain of humans. To what extent do the "Gnostic" sources exhibit similar variety of understanding?
[Suggestions: consider such passages as
GJohn 4.1-42,
GMk 12 and parallels in GMt 21-22 and GLk 20,
Paul/Rom 1.1-4,
Hebrews 6-7,
"GHebrews" Coptic
fragment,
Ascension
of Isaiah 11,
GLk 7.1-35 and parallels in GMt 11;
see also Kraft articles on Joshua-Messiah
and on "Gnostic
Gospels"]
Identify four different ways in which Jesus is depicted as a "revealer" of special "knowledge" and/or material to his disciples (pay attention to chronological [i.e. at what point in his career, broadly speaking] and geographical/physical issues [where, in what forms] as well as to audience and content).
[Suggestions: compare the approaches in such sources as
Paul (Gal 1.16, 2 Cor 12),
GThomas (and "Q"),
GJohn,
Revelation 1-3,
Epistle
of the Apostles (see 2 Pet 1.16-18),
Dialogue
of the Savior (NHL),
Sophia of
Jesus Christ (NHL),
Gospel of Judas,
Montanus,
Clement of Alexandria --]
What else, besides revealing hidden knowledge, does Jesus do on behalf of the dependent followers according to early Christian sources? Identify four different ways in which Jesus is depicted as an "intermediary" between humans and the divine (pay attention to what is at stake in his filling such a role) and/or four different functions attributed to Joshua/Jesus in this context. What is the typical "Gnostic" reaction to each role or function?
[Suggestions: explore such passages as
Paul/1 Cor 15(end time victor),
Paul/Rom 5-8(victor over sin),
Paul/Gal 2("in me"), 3(curse);
?Paul/Phlp 2.1-13("mind");
"Paul"/1 Tim 1.12-2.7,
"Paul"/2 Tim 2.8-13,
"Paul"/Tit 2.11-14;
1 Pet 1;
1 Jn 1.5-2.17;
Heb 1-2(pioneer), 5, 7.20-8.13, 12.1-11;
GJn 1.1-18(logos), 6.35-65(nourishment), 17(model?), 19(kingdom);
Rev (lamb);
ApcrJn start (NH -- and other materials mentioned above under #6);
1 Clem 36;
Barn 8(scapegoat);
2 Clem 3-4; Irenaeus (on substitution and ransom to devil)]
Identify four distinguishable types of extraordinary actions performed by Joshua/Jesus on his surrounding world (or four types of mastery, in relation to the perceived source of the problem, attributed to Jesus -- over nature, over sickness, over satan/demons, over human opposition, over death, over sin, over historical circumstance, etc.) and name four other such "miracle workers" from the same period, including two that are not his own followers and two that are. How do "Gnostics" view such activities?
[Suggestions: compare various relevant stories in the gospel traditions, look for claims regarding any "competitors"; note similar activities by early Christians (e.g. in canonical and apocryphal Acts accounts),check encyclopedia articles on (ancient) magic, miracle, healing, etc.]
Explore the use and meanings in early Christian writings of such terms as "kingdom of God/Heavens," "parousia," "second coming" or "return" of Christ, "last days/times," "antichrist" and related imagery, "day of the Lord" (or "of judgment"), and the like. How do the "Gnostic" sources handle such terms and ideas?
[Suggestions: use a concordance for NT and Apostolic Fathers;
look at Paul/1 Cor 7, 15;
?Paul/1 Thess 5;
GMk 8.34-9.1 (and parallels);
"Paul"/1 Tim 4;
2 Pet 3; Heb 1;
Rev 22;
Didache
16;
2 Clem
17;
Diognetus
5]
OR
Identify four instances in which apparent frustration of apocalyptic hopes led to the modification of existing ideas/practices or the development of new ideas/practices in early Christian circles, including at least one "Gnostic" representative.
[Suggestions: explore the implications of the synoptic
"transfiguration" accounts (compare 2 Pet 1),
Paul/1 Cor 15 (resurrection past),
?Paul/1 Thess 4-5 (end anticipation),
1 Jn (antichrist),
2 Pet (delay of end);
consider how early Christians related "kingdom of God" to human
institutions or to citizenship ideals]
Identify four different existing institutions in the early Christian period that influenced Christian language and perceptions about authority, directly or indirectly; and/or describe four different patterns in which early Christian groups organized themselves with reference to authority structures, including at least two "Gnostic" representatives.
[Suggestions: consider models from Political, Economic, Religious,
Social, Intellectual (academic), and Aesthetic spheres -- note the
useful mnemnotic acronym PERSIA;
for some specific passages,
see
Paul/1 Cor 12,
?Paul/1 Thess 4-5,
?Paul/Eph 4-6 (Col 3.18-4.6),
Heb 8.1-10.25,
GJn 18.33-38, 3 Jn,
Acts 1-5,
1 Clem
40-43,
Ignatius,
Smyrnaens 8-9 (and in general),
Did
11-15,
Hermas
Parables/Similes 9 (browse)]
Identify four different early Christian community practices or ritual developments, and be prepared to discuss the background of at least one of them and their use in "Gnostic" circles.
[Suggestions:
Paul, 1
Corinthians 5, 8-11,
Paul, Romans
6.1-11,
Didache
(entire -- see also its relationship
to Barnabas),
Hebrews
3.13 and 10.25 & Barnabas
4.10 (avoid isolation),
Pliny to
Trajan (what Christians actually do),
1 John
1.9 (confession?) and passim, on (not) sinning ,
James
5.13-20,
Justin,
Apology 61-67,
Gospel
of Philip [Nag Hammadi] 64-71,
synoptic sending out of the 12 (GMark 6.7ff and parallels) and/or
the 70 (GLuke
10),
GMatthew
28 "great commission"]
Early Christians imitated, adapted and created various approaches
and arguments in defense and/or explanation of their positions. What
patterns and principles of interpretation and presentation are
recognizable in the following examples (focus
especially on "Gnostic" approaches):
Paul, Romans
9-11 (what about Judaism, finally?)
GMatthew
1-2 (fulfilment texts), 5.17-48 ("fences" around the laws)
Revelation/Apocalypse
13 (compare 4 Ezra [2 Esdras] 11-12) (Jewish apocalyptic traditions)
1 Clement
7-12 (heros of the Jewish tradition as models)
Barnabas
7-8 (Jewish liturgy typology), 9-10 ("real" circumcision), 18-20 ("Two
Ways" ethic)
Didache
3 ("fences" around the laws)
Justin,
Dialogue with Trypho 1-7 (searching for "truth")
Origin of the World
[Nag Hammadi] (start) (cosmogeny through philosophical mythology)
[Suggestions: Be alert to patterns that might suggest educational influences, "school type" activities, philosophizing commonplaces, scriptural associations/allusions, and the like]
In what ways, and for what reasons, did early "Gnostic" Christians attempt to distance themselves from the world in which they found themselves and in what ways did they acknowledge and affirm it? Pay attention to attitudes regarding social contacts and meetings, citizenship, military service, attendance at theater and/or the games and banquets (note accusations of misanthropy, atheism, secret orgies, and the like).
[Suggestions:
Paul, Galatians
5-6.10 (eschatological mysticism and ethical admonition)
Paul, 1
Corinthians 7 (marriage advice in the last days)
Paul, Romans
13 (don't rock the boat -- obey the civic authorities, pay taxes)
"Paul," 1
Timothy 4-6 (too much of too little is too bad -- practice
community order)
Hebrews
13 (show hospitality, live orderly and restrained)
1 Peter
1-4 ("Haustafel" ethics, in and out of the community; see also "Paul's"
Colossians-Ephesians)
1 John
4-5 (avoid deception, overcome the world)
Revelation/Apocalypse
22.6-21 (the time is at hand -- how to act)
Didache
(a handbook of basic ethics, liturgy, end time expectation)
Justin
(accusations) (Christian atheism, cannibalism, sexual excesses, etc.)
2 Clement
5-7 (exhortations in the shadow of the end)
Diognetus
5-6 (Christianity within the ordinary world)
see also Marcion
(following the God of love, not the God of justice),
Tertullian
(and Montanism)
(radical living awaiting the radical end),
"encratism" (Tatian)
(avoid anything beyond the bare necessities)]
Reconstruct four different types of "Gnostic" Christianity in the early period and show how each has its own identity/personality in relation to the others, to non-"Gnostic" Christian groups, and to the extra-Christian worlds. Try to choose varieties sufficiently different from each other that they probably would have argued (or did argue) strongly (or at least loudly) against each other.
[Suggestion: review all the relevant materials and imagine how each position would relate to the others.]
The number of writings on "Gnostics" and "Gnosticism" (variously conveived) is extensive, as a web search will amply illustrate. An interesting, and generally reliable seemingly "popular" web site to visit has been created by the "Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance" (with various health related sponsors!), and includes useful information, bibliography and links. Similarly useful are "The Gnostic Archive" and "The Gnostic Society Library" with their various links (from The Gnostic Society). See also the Encyclopedia of Heresies and Heretics edited by Charles S. Clifton (ABC-CLIO 1992).
* Jonas, Hans. The
Gnostic Religion: The Message of the Alien God & the Beginnings of
Christianity (Beacon 1963)
* Rudolph, Kurt. Gnosis
: The Nature and History of Gnosticism (Harper 1983 [2nd German
ed 1980])
* Williams, Michael Allen. Rethinking
"Gnosticism": An Argument for Dismantling a Dubious Category
(Princeton University 1996)
* Holroyd, Stuart. The
Elements of Gnosticism (Element Books 1994)
* Logan, Alastair H. B. Gnostic
Truth and Christian Heresy : A Study in the History of Gnosticism
* Markschies, Christoph. Gnosis: an Introduction
(T&T Clark 2003) [translated from the German] -- see the review by
Michael A. Williams (2004, RBL).
* Merkur, Daniel. Gnosis:
An Esoteric Tradition of Mystical Visions and Unions (SUNY
Series in Western Esoteric Traditions)
* Roukema, Riemer. Gnosis
and Faith in Early Christianity: An Introduction to Gnosticism
(Trinity Press International )
* Filoramo, Giovanni and Anthony Alcock. A History of Gnosticism
(Blackwood 1990 [translated from the Italian])
* Hoeller, Stephan A. Gnosticism: New Light on the Ancient Tradition of
Inner Knowing (Quest Books 2002)
* Doresse, Jean. The
Secret Books of the Egyptian Gnostics: An Introduction to the Gnostic
Coptic Manuscripts Discovered at Chenoboskion
* Robinson, James M. The
Nag Hammadi Library in English: Revised Edition (Harper 1988
[original edition 1977]
* Layton, Bentley. The
Gnostic Scriptures : Ancient Wisdom for the New Age -- A New
Translation with Annotations and Introductions (The Anchor
Bible Reference Library; Doubleday 1987)
* Pagels, Elaine. The
Gnostic Gospels (Random House 1979)
* Pagels, Elaine. The
Gnostic Paul (Fortress 1975)
* Meyer, Marvin (translator). The
Secret Teachings of Jesus : Four Gnostic Gospels (Random
House1984)
* Wucherpfennig, Ansgar. Heracleon Philologus: Gnostische
Johannesexegese im zweiten Jahrhundert [Heracleon as Philologue:
Gnostic Exegesis of the Gospel of John in the Second Century] -- see
the review
by Michael Kaler (2004, RBL)
//end//