Valentinian Baptism

This article examines the Valentinian interpretation of baptism. Like other rituals, such as anointing and the Eucharist, baptism also played a central role in the Valentinian understanding of redemption. This will be demonstrated using several passages from the writings of Irenaeus, the Excerpts of Theodotus, and the Gospel of Philip. Finally, two inscriptions from Rome will be examined, which may be interpreted as evidence of Christian communities with close ties to Valentinian views.