A 2nd-century Christian sect known for their extreme practice of self-castration.
The Valesians were a little-known Christian sect that emerged in the second century AD, founded by an Arabian philosopher named Valens of Bacetha Metrocomia. This group, primarily active in the 3rd century CE, gained notoriety for their extreme interpretation of certain Biblical passages and their controversial practices, particularly self-castration.
Origins and Founder
The sect’s founder, Valens, remains a mysterious figure in history. Very little is known about his life or background beyond his Arabian origins and his role in establishing the Valesian sect. The group’s name is derived from its founder, but the extent of Valens’ influence on the sect’s doctrines and practices is unclear from the limited historical records available.
The Valesians appear to have been primarily concentrated in the region of Philadelphia in Arabia, which is likely the ancient city now known as Amman, Jordan. Their influence seems to have been geographically limited, with little evidence of the sect spreading beyond this area. This localized nature may explain the scarcity of information about them in historical sources outside of Epiphanius’ account.
Beliefs and Practices
Central Doctrine of Self-Castration
The most distinctive and controversial aspect of Valesian belief was their practice of ritual castration. This practice was rooted in their literal interpretation of Matthew 19:12, which refers to those who “have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.” The Valesians believed that self-castration was a means of achieving spiritual purity and overcoming carnal desires.
Dietary Restrictions and Asceticism
Initially, the Valesians followed a strict ascetic lifestyle, which included abstaining from meat and wine. However, according to Epiphanius, after undergoing castration, members would abandon these dietary restrictions, believing they were no longer at risk of succumbing to bodily temptations.
Forced Castration of Visitors
Perhaps the most shocking aspect of Valesian practice was their reported attempts to forcibly castrate travelers and guests who stayed with them. They believed they were providing a service by helping others achieve spiritual perfection through this act.
Gnostic Influences
The sect is also noted to have held views on authorities and powers similar to Gnostic groups such as the Sethians or Archontics, suggesting some Gnostic influences in their theology.
Historical Sources
Epiphanius of Salamis
The primary source of information about the Valesians comes from the writings of Epiphanius of Salamis, a 4th-century Christian bishop and heresiologist. In his work “Panarion,” Epiphanius provides the main surviving account of the Valesians and their practices. However, as a heresiologist primarily concerned with documenting and refuting what he saw as dangerous deviations from orthodox Christianity, Epiphanius’ account may be biased or exaggerated.
Other References
The Valesians have also been mentioned in various other historical and religious texts, including “The Temptation of Saint Anthony” by Gustave Flaubert, indicating the lasting impression they made on Christian and secular literature.
Condemnation and Disappearance
The extreme practices of the Valesians, particularly their advocacy for self-castration, were far outside the mainstream Christian thought of the time. Their doctrines and practices were condemned as heresy by the Synod of Achaia around 250 AD.
The fate of the Valesian sect is unclear from the historical record. Given their extreme practices and limited geographical spread, it is likely that the group did not survive long beyond the time Epiphanius wrote about them. The lack of mention in later historical sources suggests that the sect may have died out or been absorbed into other religious movements by the end of the 4th century.
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