Dina Ripsman Eylon

Valentinianism was a prominent Gnostic Christian movement founded by Valentinus in the 2nd century CE. Originating in Egypt and flourishing in centers like Alexandria and Rome, it spread throughout the Roman Empire. The movement's teachings, though often reconstructed from the critiques of proto-orthodox writers like Irenaeus, centered on a complex cosmology. This cosmology involved a divine 'fullness' (Pleroma) from which emanated heavenly beings called Aeons. A key figure was Sophia, whose fall from the Pleroma led to the creation of the flawed material world and humanity.

The core of Valentinian belief was the pursuit of gnosis, or spiritual knowledge, which was considered essential for freeing the divine spark within individuals from material limitations and restoring cosmic order. This knowledge was seen as distinct from and superior to the faith held by mainstream Christians. Despite its significant influence, Valentinianism eventually declined after Nicene Christianity became the state religion in the late 4th century.

Valentinus, the founder of Valentinianism, was born around 100 CE, likely in Egypt, and studied in Alexandria. He was known for his eloquence and charisma, attracting many followers. He later moved to Rome, where he was a respected teacher within the proto-orthodox Christian community for a time. Valentinus reportedly aspired to become a bishop but was passed over for the position, which may have led to his eventual break from the mainstream church. His teachings, and the movement that bore his name, gained considerable traction across the Roman Empire, reaching as far as Asia Minor and Syria. Later in its history, Valentinianism divided into Eastern and Western schools.

The Valentinian theological system, as described by its opponents, posits a divine realm called the Pleroma, a 'fullness' originating from the primal Father. From this Pleroma emanated thirty Aeons, divine archetypes often depicted as complementary pairs. A central figure in this cosmology is Sophia, the youngest Aeon. Driven by curiosity and passion, Sophia's fall from the Pleroma resulted in the creation of the material world and humanity, both considered flawed and imperfect. The god of the Old Testament is often identified with the Demiurge, the imperfect creator of this material realm. The system also includes figures like the Anthropos (Primal Man) and the role of Christ in redemption.

Central to Valentinian practice was the concept of gnosis, a profound spiritual knowledge. Followers believed that through gnosis, the divine spark within individuals could be liberated from the material world and its limitations. This liberation was seen as crucial for restoring balance to the cosmos. Valentinians distinguished gnosis from faith, viewing faith as characteristic of 'simple people' while gnosis was the path to true redemption for those possessing the 'excellent seed' within them. Attaining this knowledge was believed to have positive repercussions for the universal order, aiding in its restoration.