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The Gospel of Philip

School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh

The Gospel of Philip is a text with an outlook that is strikingly dissimilar to that of the canonical gospels. It understands salvation not as rescue from sin, but as the reunification of being. This process is possible for those who adhere to the teachings of the group and undergo the ritual of the bridal chamber. Although much of the language of marriage and sexual union is used to describe this process, this appears to be a metaphor for the joining of the male and female parts of a being that have been separated. The text promotes ascetic practices and sexual continence. It gives an insight into the diversity that existed in ancient Christianity.

Key Words: Gospel of Philip • Gnosticism • Mary Magdalene • Bridal Chamber • Nag Hammadi

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