Valentinian ethics and paraenetic discourse : determining the social function of moral exhortation in Valentinian Christianity / by Philip L. Tite.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Tite, Philip L., 1969-

Series:

Nag Hammadi and Manichaean studies ; 67.

Nag Hammadi and Manichaean studies ; v. 67

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Valentinians.

Christian moral exhortation.

Christian ethics.

Moral exhortation.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (384 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Leiden ; Boston : Brill, 2009.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Offering a fresh assessment of the presence and function of paraenesis within Valentinianism, this book places Valentinian moral exhortation within the context of early Christian moral discourse. Like other early Christians, Valentinians were not only interested in ethics, but used moral exhortation to discursively shape social identity. Building on the increasing recognition of ethical and communal concerns reflected in the Nag Hammadi sources, this book advances the discussion by elucidating the social rhetoric within, especially, the Gospel of Truth and the Interpretation of Knowledge . The social function of paraenesis is to persuade an audience through social re-presentation. The authors of these texts discursively position their readers, and themselves, within engaging moments of narrativity. It is hoped that this study will encourage greater integration of research between those working on the Nag Hammadi material and those studying early Christian paraenetic discourse.

Contents:

Introduction

Constructing social identity through discourse : a socio-rhetorical approach for the study of Valentinian paraenesis

Defining paraenesis I : historical phases within the academic study of paraenesis

Defining paraenesis II : towards a functional understanding of paraenesis

Literary aspects of paraenesis : indicators of moral exhortation from the Greco-Roman world within Valentinianism

Two schools and the call to reconciliation : literary and social aspects of moral exhortation in the Interpretation of knowledge

Existing in error : literary and social aspects of moral exhortation in the Gospel of truth

Conclusion.

Notes:

Revision of author's thesis (Ph. D.)--McGill University, 2005.

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

ISBN:

1-282-60320-5

9786612603204

90-474-2852-8

OCLC:

593295838

Publisher Number:

10.1163/ej.9789004175075.i-370 DOI