La existencia terrena como violencia en dos textos de Nag Hammadi: La enseñanza autorizada (NHC VI,3) y La exégesis del alma (NHC II,6)

The article examines the equation of human existence with violence as found
in the Exegesis on the Soul (NHC II, 6) and the Authoritative Teaching (NHC VI 3). I
will argue that both texts show a sort of dualism that is not as dramatic as heresiologists
would claim but closer to Plato’s, since it expresses the obstacles put forth by both body
and world to our ethical and epistemological achievements. In both Nag Hammadi
writings, consequently, violence is that which perpetuates dualism, keeping the soul far
removed from the Father and forcing her to live exiled in an alien and distressful
environment. In order to so argue, I will first focus on the current human condition and
environment as described by AuthTeach; I will then proceed to a flashback describing the
soul’s pristine nature, its degradation, and finally its embodiment as expressed in the
Exegesis on the Soul. This will provide the context for a short reference to ethics as
healing, as that by means of which both texts intend to supersede suffering and turn
around that present situation. I will close with some conclusions.