Liturgy Seminar: November 30, 2011

November 30, 2011

Ritual Dimensions of The Gospel of Truth

by Dora Kritzmanic, M.Div., M.A., B.Mus., Phd student (St Michael's College)

The Gospel of Truth (Codex Jung f.VIII^v – XVI^v / f.XIX^r-XXII^r) from the Nag Hammadi find is a Coptic text representing a 2^nd century Valentinian document. Mostly overlooked by studies on the ritual practices of the heterodox communities of the first centuries of Early Christianity, nevertheless the text contains several clues regarding its unique genre and ritual setting. A survey of these clues, along with the consideration of internal and external evidence, points beyond the use of metaphoric language suggesting instead an organic connection between The Gospel of Truth and a specific Christian Gnostic practice, the ritual of initiation.

The Liturgy Seminar hosted by the Toronto School of Theology, promotes discussion on a wide variety of topics in the study of liturgy. Liturgical studies constitutes a significant program at TST and the Liturgy Seminar is an important means of nurturing its growth. Organizers of the Seminar are Professors:

Organizer of the Seminar:

William Kervin, B.Sc. (Mt. Allison), M.Div. (A.S.T.), Th.D. (Victoria) Associate Professor of Public Worship (Emmanuel College)

David Pereyra, MArch, PhD (St. Michael’s College) Project and Outreach Coordinator (Inclusive Design Research Centre - OCAD University)

We encourage papers and presentations on liturgical theology, liturgical history (in all periods and traditions), ritual studies and pastoral-liturgical practice. Enquiries and paper proposals are welcome at tst.liturgy.seminar@gmail.com.