 | Spiritual Taxonomies and Ritual Authority: Platonists, Priests, and Gnostics in the Third Century C.E. Subjects: Neoplatonism -- History; Gnosticism -- History; Spirits -- History of doctrines; Demonology -- History; Animal sacrifice -- History; Philosophy and religion -- History; Spiritual direction -- History; Spiritual Taxonomies and Ritual Authority recounts how philosophers of the late third century C.E. organized the spirit world into hierarchies, positioning themselves as high priests in the process. By establishing themselves as experts on sacred matters, they fortified their authority, prestige, and reputation. Heidi Marx-Wolf is Associate Professor of Religion at the University of Manitoba. |
