POST-CHRISTIAN GNOSTICS:—THE OPHITES
Different accounts of origin of Ophites—Alteration from time to time of
their doctrines—Phrygia first home of Ophites and its history—Its
religion and bi-sexual deity lead to _theocrasia_—Jewish settlements in
Phrygia and their apostasy—Addiction of Phrygian Jews to magic—Their
connection with Cabala uncertain—Ineffable First Cause of the
Ophites—The Great Light or Supreme Being at once Father-and-Son—Female
Deity necessary in Phrygia—Formation of Supreme Triad of Father, Mother,
and Son—Messenger of Triad called Christos—Creation of Universe by
Powers intermediate between God and man, and Legend of Sophia—Sophia’s
son Ialdabaoth the Demiurge, the seven heavens, and their rulers—The
Ophiomorphus or serpent-shaped god, whence derived—Passions of mankind
derived from Ophiomorphus, but latter not bad—Creation of Man by
planetary powers—The seven earthly demons, Talmud, and Cabala—Man’s soul
brought from above by Christos—The soul of the world and the
Mysteries—Ophites followers of Jesus, but believe in salvation through
Mysteries—Scheme of redemption and abstinence from generation—Composite
nature of Jesus, His earthly life, passion, and resurrection—Rites
attributed to Ophites—Naassene Hymn and its explanation—Changes of man’s
soul and _Gospel according to the Egyptians_—Necessity of guide through
next world like _Book of the Dead_—Celsus’ Diagram described and
explained—“Defences” or Apologiae of soul added by Origen—Explanation of
and commentary on Diagram and Defences—Spread and decay of Ophite
sect—Gradual modification of their doctrines and connection with the
_Pistis Sophia_—Apocryphal Gospels used by Ophites: extracts
quoted—Ophites apply fantastic interpretation to all literature 25-82