Jadamites

The Jadamites were a small, Gnostic Christian sect that flourished in Mesopotamia during the 3rd century CE. Their name is derived from the Aramaic word "Jadam," meaning "earth" or "soil." This appellation reflects their core belief that the material world, including the human body, was created by a lesser, flawed deity, often identified as the Abrahamic God, rather than the supreme, spiritual God.

Jadamite theology posited a dualistic cosmology. They believed in a transcendent, true God who existed in a realm of pure spirit, from whom emanated various spiritual beings. One of these beings, the Demiurge, is credited with the creation of the physical universe and humanity, but with imperfections. Jadamites saw themselves as possessing a divine spark, trapped within these flawed material bodies, and sought liberation through gnosis, or esoteric knowledge.

Their practices are not extensively documented, but it is believed they engaged in asceticism and ritualistic purification to detach themselves from the material world. Jadamite teachings appear to have been influenced by other Gnostic schools, such as those of Marcion and Valentinus, sharing common themes of dualism and the spiritual nature of true divinity. The sect appears to have been short-lived, likely absorbed into larger Gnostic movements or fading into obscurity by the end of the 4th century CE. Little direct textual evidence from the Jadamites themselves survives, and most of what is known comes from polemical writings by their opponents.