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This chapter investigates the heresiological techniques employed by the Valentinians, one of the most popular forms of early Christian theology, later refuted by so called ‘Church Fathers’. The chapter begins with a critical review of the history of the concept of early Christian heresy as well as the category ‘Valentinianism’. It is here argued that Valentinian heresiological techniques did not differ in any significant way from those of their orthodox contemporaries. The heresy of the heretics should, just as for orthodox writers, chiefly be understood as a way to highlight differences and similarities alike, in order to create a sustainable group identity.
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