Gnostic morality revisited
By: Ismo Dunderberg
Series: Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament -- 347; Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament -- 347.
Publisher: Mohr Siebeck
Published: 2015
Place of publication: Tübingen
Language: eng
Number of pages: 244
ISBN-13: 9783161525674
Copyright date: 2015
Subjects: Nya testamentet; Gnosticism; Bibeln; Gnosticisme
Description: While the early Christian texts discussed in this book are often treated as "gnostic" ones, they are here approached as witnesses to the views of educated Christians engaged in dialogue with philosophical traditions. Following the idea that ancient philosophical schools provided their adherents with ways of life, Ismo Dunderberg explores issues related to morality and lifestyle in non-canonical gospels and among groups that were gradually denounced as heretical in the church. He deals with the soul's progress from material concerns to a life dominated by spirit, the control of emotions, the avoidance of luxury, the ideal "perfect human" as a tool in moral instruction, classifications of humankind into distinct groups based on their moral advancement, and Christian debates about the value of martyrdom. In addition, he offers a critical review of some recent trends and attitudes in New Testament scholarship.
Notes: 9 of 10 chapters were published previously.

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.
Table of contents: title: Moral progress in early Christian stories of the soul --; title: Judas' anger and the perfect human --; title: Early Christian critics of mastyrdom --; title: Gnostic interpretation of the Genesis --; title: Johannine traditions and apocryphal gospels --; title: Stoic traditions in the school of Valentinus --; title: Valentinian theories on classes of humankind --; title: Paul and Valentinian morality --; title: New Testament theology and the challenge of practice --; title: How far can you go? Jesus, John, the synoptics and other texts.