The cultic milieu, Nag Hammadi collectors and gnosticism

In this paper, I address the question of the applicability of sociological church/sect/cult typologies to the study of gnosticism, arguing that at least in the case of the Nag Hammadi collection, such typologies are unable to adequately deal with the evidence that we possess. Instead, I will show that Colin Campbell's idea of a "cultic milieu," a sort of esoteric underworld from which cult movements and sects arise, is a more helpful model for understanding those responsible for compiling the Nag Hammadi material.