| Popis: |
The article examines the equation of human existence with violence as found in the Exegesis on the Soul (NHC II, 6) and the Authoritative Teaching (NHC VI 3). I will argue that both texts show a sort of dualism that is not as dramatic as heresiologists would claim but closer to Plato’s, since it expresses the obstacles put forth by both body and world to our ethical and epistemological achievements. In both Nag Hammadi writings, consequently, violence is that which perpetuates dualism, keeping the soul far removed from the Father and forcing her to live exiled in an alien and distressful environment. In order to so argue, I will first focus on the current human condition and environment as described by AuthTeach; I will then proceed to a flashback describing the soul’s pristine nature, its degradation, and finally its embodiment as expressed in the Exegesis on the Soul. This will provide the context for a short reference to ethics as healing, as that by means of which both texts intend to supersede suffering and turn around that present situation. I will close with some conclusions. |
