Aspects of doctrinal and cultic secrecy in Bogomilism and Catharism and the problem of their provenance
Aspects of doctrinal and cultic secrecy in Bogomilism and Catharism and the problem of their provenance

Summary/Abstract: Given the insufficient state of research on the traditions of doctrinal and cultic secrecy in medieval Christian dualism (Paulicianism, Bogomilism and related groups in the Eastern Christendom, as well as Catharism in Western Christendom) the present article intends to discuss some of the characteristic evidence regarding such notions and practices among medieval dualist sectarians and the difficult question of their theological, historical and cultic provenance. Despite a number of important differences between ancient Gnostic and medieval Christian dualist theology and ritual, their shared concerns and ideas in the area of doctrinal and cultic secrecy indicate that medieval Christian dualism needs to be incorporated more comprehensively and effectively into the academic study of Christian spirituality and mysticism.

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