Thinking About Transformative Aspects of Gnostic Writing Pedagogy

Abstract

This article discusses some of the ways in which our understanding of gnosticism could be expanded if we looked at gnostic texts as means to create new selves for their readers, rather than imparting doctrinal knowledge or giving evidence regarding the power struggles and self-definitions at play in early Christian communities. Drawing on both the work of Pierre Hadot and modern understandings of writing pedagogy, the article argues that it would be useful to be able to read these texts as means by which the reader could create a gnostic sense of self, with specific content seen as a means to that end. This need not be the only perspective taken on gnosticism; rather, it is presented as a useful tool to add to our interpretive toolkit.