Surviving Elements of Christian Gnosis

Abstract

In Chapter I we observed how Christian gnosis described the original sin as a sexual transgression, and how Augustine came to redefine it as one of pride. Because of the overwhelming influence of his thought the concept of a sexual fall was well on the wane by the close of the twelfth century, but occasional allusions to it remain. The attitude toward normal sexuality in Hali Meidenhad, for instance, is grossly encratistic, rather more reminiscent of Tatian than even Jerome. The author counsels the bride of Christ to

for_ℨet ec þi fader hus as dauið read þrafter. Đi fader he cleopeð þat unþeaw þat streonede þe of þi moder. þat ilke unhende flesches brune. þat bearninde ℨecðe of þat licomliche lust. bifore þat wlatefulle werc. þat beasteliche gederinge. þat schomelese somnunge. þat fulþe of fulþe stinkende 7 untohe dede. (p. 9)¹

(forget also thy father’s house as David afterward counsels. Thy “father” he calls the impure deed that begot thee of thy mother; that same low burning of the flesh, that fiery itch of bodily lust before that hateful work, that bestial coming together, that shameless union, that filth of a deed stinking of filth and depravity.)