Valentinianism
Overview
Valentinianism is a major branch of Gnosticism, founded by Valentinus (c. 100–160 AD), an early Christian teacher from Egypt who nearly became a bishop in Rome. His teachings attempted to blend Christian doctrine with platonic philosophy and mystical cosmology, claiming access to secret knowledge (gnosis) about divine realities.
Key Beliefs
1. The Pleroma ("Fullness")
- The divine realm, inhabited by a hierarchy of 30 Aeons (heavenly beings).
- The Aeons are emanations from the invisible, unknowable God.
- Sophia (Wisdom), one of the lower Aeons, attempts to know the unknowable Father, causing a cosmic fracture.
2. The Fall and Creation of the Material World
- Sophia's fall results in a flawed spiritual being: the Demiurge (often identified with the God of the Old Testament).
- The Demiurge ignorantly creates the material world, which is viewed as corrupt and a prison for spiritual beings.
- Humanity is created as a mix of spirit, soul, and matter.
3. Jesus and Salvation
- Christ is sent from the higher Pleroma to bring gnosis and liberate the spiritual seed (pneumatics) within humans.
- Jesus only appeared to be human (Docetism)—he was not truly incarnate.
- Salvation comes not by faith or works, but through secret knowledge revealed to the elite.
Types of People in Valentinian Thought
- Pneumatics – spiritual people who can receive gnosis and are destined for return to the Pleroma.
- Psychics – ordinary believers (e.g., mainstream Christians), who may achieve a lesser salvation.
- Hylics – material people, bound to the flesh and destined for destruction.
Valentinus's Influence
- Taught in Alexandria and later in Rome.
- Had many disciples and sub-sects (Eastern and Western Valentinians).
- Nearly elected bishop in Rome—indicates how close this heresy came to gaining mainstream influence.
Rejection by the Early Church
- Strongly refuted by Irenaeus in Against Heresies (~180 AD).
- Also opposed by Tertullian, Hippolytus, and later Epiphanius.
- Rejected for:
- Denying the true incarnation of Christ
- Elitism and secret knowledge
- Distortion of creation theology
- Rejection of bodily resurrection and apostolic teaching
Scriptural Conflicts (KJV References)
- Incarnation:
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us..." — John 1:14
- Creator God:
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." — Genesis 1:1
- Equality in salvation:
"There is neither Jew nor Greek... for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." — Galatians 3:28
- Salvation by grace, not secret knowledge:
"For by grace are ye saved through faith..." — Ephesians 2:8
Summary
Valentinianism was a highly intellectual and seductive heresy that mimicked Christian language but radically altered its meanings. It introduced a cosmic drama, secret rituals, and an elitist spiritual hierarchy. Its ultimate failure helped clarify early Christian doctrine on creation, incarnation, and salvation.
"They boast that they possess a superior knowledge, above the Scriptures... these men despise the workmanship of God."
— Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book I