Ignatius adversus Valentinianos?

This volume discusses the authenticity of the seven letters, handed down under the name of Ignatius of Antioch, and explores the wider theological context at the time of their composition. The author first examines the chronological foundations of current scholarly consensus, which on the whole favours an early second-century date for the composition of these letters, during the reign of the emperor Trajan (98-117). On the basis of his findings the author next addresses the question raised by the title of the volume: do some of the polemic passages in these letters specifically attack Valentinian gnosis? After a detailed discussion of chapters 16-20 of the Letter to the Ephesians it is shown that the Ignatian Star Hymn (Eph. 19) should be seen as a parody of Valentinian myth. The volume concludes with a study of the Regula fidei (Eph. 18,2).

Thomas Lechner, Dr. theol. (Munich), was a research associate at the Catholic Theological Faculty of the Ludwig-Maximilian University in Munich from 1989-1994. He is currently working as a teacher.

'It is a valuable and thought-provoking addition to a continuing debate.'
Christine Trevett, Journal of Ecclesiastical History, 2005.