Publication Date
2016
Publication Details
Litwa, D. (2016). Gnostic self-deification: the case of Simon of Samaria. Gnosis: Journal of Gnostic Studies,1(1-2), A.D. DeConick, L.R. Lanzillotta. 157-176. Netherlands: Brill. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1163/2451859X-12340009
Abstract
This essay argues that gnostic deification can be redescribed as self-deification. Self-deification, it is argued, is realized in three “moments”: (1) the intuition of one’s own divine core, (2) deeply reflexive practices of self-knowledge, and (3) identification with a higher divine self. These three moments are contextualized with the help of ancient philosophy and several gnostic texts. Finally, a case study on Simon of Samaria illustrates how the three moments of self-deification play out.
School/Institute
Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry
Document Type
Journal Article
Access Rights
ERA Access