Prostitution of the Soul

[Lighthouse]

So, In the Nag Hammadi Library, I was reading the Exegesis on the Soul.  It talks about the Prostitution of the Soul.  It's funny, in the bible, and in the Nag Hammadi Library there is much mention of Prostitution so I decided to look it up.  

In addition to the terms definition that we understand it in the sexual context of today, the original meaning of the word prostitute had a slightly different meaning than we understand it to have today.  

How does this strike you;
Prostitute : A person (as a writer or painter) who deliberately debases himself or his talents (as for money.)
Prostitution: Debasement
(Debase; Lower in status, esteem quality or character)

How many people prostitute themselves in jobs they don't like for the security of a steady paycheck instead of listening to the dictates of their hearts and doing what their soul truly desires?  

In relation to the anecdote in the Nag Hammadi Library, the Soul (feminine) prostitutes herself to men who would defile her out of obligation for the clothing, food, oils and physical comforts that they provide for her.  "As long as the soul keeps running about everywhere copulating with whomever she meets and defiling herself, she exists suffering her just desserts."    Since the soul is not a physical entity, these things are irrelevant to the soul and she need not defile herself in order to repay others for the care of her physical self.  

She longs for the love of the father and looking for that, prostitutes herself (molds herself to conform to the wishes of others) and loses herself in the process.  She becomes enraged and pleads with the Father (repents) to help her to cleanse herself.  He then takes pity on her (the soul) and restores her virginity, cleanses her and gives her new hope.  

It later goes on to quote other parts of the Bible (Ps 103:1-5) "Praise the Lord O my soul, and all that is within me, (praise) his holy name.  My soul, praise God, who forgave all your sins who healed all your sickness, who ransomed your life from death, who crowned you with mercy who satisfies your longing with good things.  Your youth will be renewed like an eagle's.

Later it goes on to explain, "If one does not hate his soul he cannot follow me.  For the beginning of salvation is repentance.  Therefore (cf. Acts 13:24)  Before Christ's appearance came John, preaching the baptism of repentance.  And repentance takes the place of distress and grief.  But the father is good and loves humanity, and hears the soul that calls upon him and sends the light of salvation."

What I get from all of this is that when we do not live in our full light (do not live according to the dictates of our own hearts,) we start to hate ourselves.  Upon understanding this is what we are doing to ourselves, we can then heal our negative thoughts about ourselves (repent) and be made whole through the release (forgiveness) of our mistakes (sins.)


Thoughts??

--Kerri