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  • 6 - The Sacred Symbols in the Nag Hammadi Codices: Books as Weapons in Demonic War

  • Paul Linjamaa, Lunds Universitet, Sweden
  • Book:
    The Nag Hammadi Codices and their Ancient Readers
    Published online:
    04 January 2024
    Print publication:
    11 January 2024, pp 168-186
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  • Summary

    This chapter surveys some of the sacred symbols used throughout the codices, such as the nomina sacra and the symbol of the cross. The chapter begins by aligning these sacred Christian symbols with the ancient practice of using artefacts and amulets for protection and healing. It is suggested, in concordance with recent scholarship, that the use of sacred symbols in early Christian texts played an important role in the development of the cross as the symbol of Christianity, and that the codices in the Nag Hammadi collection should become part of this discussion. The chapter argues that the holy symbols spread throughout the texts were used to ‘neutralise’ the content, making it safe to read, even for someone lacking the spiritual resolve of an enlightened sage. This can be seen in the specific places and contexts exhibiting excessive use of nomina sacra and holy symbols.