The Valentinian Gnostics
The Valentinian Gnostics were followers of the great teacher Valentinus. Some scholars believe that Valentinus authored The Gospel of Truth. Valentinian thought is based upon bythos (or bathos), meaning divine depth. From this depth emanates the pleroma of divinity
Valentinian influence spread from Egypt to Asia Minor and Syria, and as far West as North Africa. Eventually, during a feud with the Catholic Church, the Valentinian School split into two separate schools, the Eastern and Western.
The Realm of Eight (the ogdoad) is a notable aspect of Valentinian theology. In addition, the Valentinian teachings relate a mythical drama that is indicative of higher and lower realms. The Valentinian Gnostics also taught a universe composed of a tripartite structure.
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