A gnostic sect that honored Cain, Judas, and other biblical villains
Religion: Christianity
Denomination: Early Church
Founded: 2nd century CE
Location: Egypt
The Cainites, also known as Cainians, were a Gnostic sect that arose around the year 130 in the eastern Roman Empire. This group is particularly notable for its radical theological views which opposed traditional Judeo-Christian moral values. They are one of the more controversial and enigmatic early Christian heresies, distinguished by their reverence for biblical figures traditionally viewed as antagonists or evildoers, including Cain, from whom they derive their name. This sect was relatively small and was known primarily through the writings of early Christian theologians like Tertullian and Irenaeus, and one of their associated texts was the Gospel of Judas.
The theology of the Cainites was rooted in Gnosticism, a religious movement that emphasized esoteric knowledge (gnosis) as the path to divine enlightenment. The Gnostics generally distinguished between a lower, malevolent deity responsible for the creation of the physical world, referred to as the Demiurge, and a higher, benevolent God or unknown perfect God. The Cainites viewed the Demiurge, whom they associated with the God of the Old Testament, as an evil entity whose creations were inherently corrupt. This dualistic belief extended to their view of humanity, dividing people into two classes: spiritual and material. The spiritual class, to which they believed they belonged, was thought to be opposed by the Creator but destined to triumph. This belief also led them to esteem figures like Cain, who they saw as opposing the Demiurge’s oppressive regime. In their scriptural interpretations, figures such as Esau, Korah, and even Judas Iscariot were considered in a positive light, seen as heroes rebelling against an unjust cosmic order. They believed these figures were persecuted by the Creator but were under the protection of the goddess Sophia.
Cainites held that Cain was not just a victim but a liberator, embodying resistance against the Demiurge. Their worldview was deeply antinomian, rejecting traditional moral laws which they believed were imposed by the Demiurge to keep humanity subjugated. This antinomian stance extended to a general disdain for the material world and a focus on spiritual enlightenment, which they believed could be achieved through gnosis—direct personal knowledge of the divine.
Their scriptures included texts like the Gospel of Judas, which purported to offer an alternative view of the betrayal of Christ, presenting Judas not as a traitor but as an enlightened figure who understood and facilitated the necessary steps for spiritual redemption. They believed that Judas was fully cognizant of the truth and that he, rather than the other disciples, was able to bring about the dissolution of all things, both celestial and terrestrial, through his betrayal of Jesus. This action was seen as assisting in the salvation of humanity.
Concerning their moral conduct, the Cainites were described by Irenaeus as deliberately practicing vileness, believing that salvation could be attained only by passing through all experience. They reportedly invoked an angel whenever they performed a sin or vile action, claiming to be fulfilling his operation. This belief possibly stemmed from a theory of transmigration, where experiencing a full range of actions in one lifetime could negate the need for the soul to pass from body to body.
Despite their significant departure from mainstream Christian doctrine, the actual size and influence of the Cainite sect were likely small, as indicated by the sparse mentions in historical texts. Their radical views made them the subject of scrutiny and denunciation by early Church fathers like Irenaeus and Epiphanius, who sought to preserve doctrinal orthodoxy within the early Christian communities.
The historical accounts of the Cainites, primarily from early Christian heresiologists, suggest that they practiced deliberate immorality and sought to subvert biblical laws as a religious duty. However, the accuracy of these accounts is debated among scholars. While some believe the Cainites were ascetics, others suggest their Gnostic views might have led to libertine practices. The truth of these allegations remains uncertain, as accusations of immorality against heretics were common in early Christian writings and should be approached with caution.
image via Catholic Answers
