Basilides and Isidore

The heresiological reports on Basilides are some of the most wild and conflicting that we possess. According to Irenaeus, for instance, Basilides believed in 365 heavens ruled by powers and principalities over whom was stationed the leader “Abrasax.” Basilides supposedly believed that Christ descended through the heavens in disguise under the name of “Calacau.” Christ was also not really crucified. Instead, another man – temporarily given the facial features of Christ – was crucified as Christ stood by laughing. These details are not confirmed by other reports on Basilides independent of Irenaeus. A long report offered by the Refutator provides a strikingly different story about a God, called “nonexistent,” giving rise to a “triple Sonship.” Eusebius reported anti-Basilidean attacks by Agrippa Castor (perhaps a contemporary of Irenaeus). Clement of Alexandria is the only church father who supplied quotes from Basilides and his son Isidore, quotes which do not confirm or even resemble most points mentioned by Irenaeus and the Refutator. Given the nature of the data, it is methodologically safest to prioritize the Clementine fragments, using them as the criterion by
which to judge the later reports.

Copyright © M. David Litwa, 2022

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publishers.