Abstract

This article analyzes the peculiar and challenging “queer” views on gender and sexuality evinced in ancient Christian Gnosticism. It proceeds with a close and careful reading of the texts while employing modern queer theory for their elucidation, notably Judith Butler’s performative understanding of gender. Evidence is adduced for the gnostic attempt to subvert gender and gendering and the rationale behind this endeavor is spelled out. Throughout the article parallels are drawn between ancient Gnosticism and some modern attempts to create queer selves and queer “Bibles,” and preliminary insights stemming from these comparisons are offered.

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