Gnosticism Books

Book Synopsis“Lash is capable of explaining the mind-bending concepts of Gnosticism and pagan mystery cults with bracing clarity and startling insight. . . . [His] arguments are often lively and entertaining.”—Los Angeles Times Fully revised and with a new preface by the author, this timely update is perfect for readers of The Immortality Key. Since its initial release to wide acclaim in 2006, Not in His Image has transformed the lives of readers around the world by presenting the living presence of the Wisdom Goddess as never before revealed, illustrating that the truth of an impactful Gnostic message cannot be hidden or destroyed. With clarity, author John Lamb Lash explains how a little-known messianic sect propelled itself into a dominant world power, systematically wiping out the great Gnostic spiritual teachers, the Druid priests, and the shamanistic healers of Europe and North Africa. Early Christians burned libraries and destroyed temples in an attempt to silence the ancient truth-tellers and keep their own secrets. Not in His Image delves deeply into ancient Gnostic writings to reconstruct the story early Christians tried to scrub from the pages of history, exploring the richness of the ancient European Pagan spirituality—the Pagan Mysteries, the Great Goddess, Gnosis, the myths of Sophia and Gaia. In the 15th Anniversary Edition, Lash doubles down on his original argument against redemptive ideology and authoritarian deceit. He shows how the Gnostics clearly foresaw the current program of salvation by syringe, and places the Sophianic vision of life centrally in the battle to expose and oppose the evil agenda of transhumanism, making this well-timed update more relevant than ever. “Sometimes a book changes the world. Not in His Image is such a book. It is clear, stimulating, well-researched, and sure to outrage the experts. . . . Get it. Improve not just your own life, but civilization’s chances for survival.”—Roger Payne, author of Among Whales

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Book SynopsisFor thousands of years the great spiritual adepts from all corners of the globe have guarded the secret teachings enclosed in this book. Now, we are able to receive these teachings so that we, too, may be able to cultivate the high spiritual levels that have been lost for ages. The divine science is the systematic and exact process of the discovery of the mystical capabilities of the human soul. In all ancient religions and cultures the wise men and women used sacred words, the intonations of mantras and the use of the magical art of Theurgy (mysticism or white magic). This book is filled with direct instruction and practices that anyone can use in order to discover the depth of authentic mysticism.THE DIVINE SCIENCE is a compilation of three books: Logos Mantra Theurgy (1959), The Esoteric Treatise of Theurgy (1959) and The Seven Words (1953).

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Book SynopsisFrom the dawn of history, a universal wisdom tradition has existed that explains humanity’s purpose in the cosmos and our relationship to the Master Source Consciousness. This mystical philosophy was harnessed by the ancient seers known as Gnostics, who were in direct contact with Source Consciousness. As Peter Canova reveals, not only do the ancient teachings of Gnosticism contain important spiritual truths, but they profoundly align with the modern sciences of quantum physics and psychology. They can also provide us with a transformative path to higher consciousness and practical tools to create your own reality. Merging modern science and ancient wisdom, Canova explores the perennial principles of Gnosticism and shows how they describe major theories of quantum physics, such as the Big Bang, parallel universes, the Holographic Universe theory, and Einstein’s Relativity. He recounts the Gnostic story of Sophia from a scientific standpoint, showing how it describes the fall of spiritual consciousness into material existence. He also provides in-depth evidence that Jesus taught a hidden, mystical Gnostic initiation rite. Explaining how the Master Consciousness created and shaped all life, including humans, the author reveals how Source gave us a critical role to fulfill in the cosmos, including the ability of our thoughts to affect the material world. He describes Carl Jung’s role in the spiritualization of psychology and how this can be used by the modern spiritual seeker to pursue a path of enlightenment and personal fulfillment. Ultimately showing how enlightenment is a process wherein outer manifestations arise from inner experience--including synchronicity and dreams--the author reveals how each of us can harness the power of quantum spirituality to transform our world on both an individual and collective level.Trade Review“Quantum Spirituality stirs me in a special way. I love Peter’s concepts relating to the mysterious and mystical aspects of life. It resonates with my own experience. It is a pleasure for me to see the remarkably incisive knowledge that Peter has crystallized in Quantum Spirituality to help us see and accept the true underlying nature of life. Please read it, and let it become a part of your life experience too.” * Bernie Siegel, M.D., author of No Endings, Only Beginnings and Three Men, Six Lives *“Quantum Spirituality is the most complete merger of science and ancient wisdom I have ever encountered. The result is the stuff of dreams, a magical story of the origins of humanity and our place in Creation. It reads like a visitor’s guide to the Matrix, covering all angles--the spiritual, the scientific, and the psychological.” * Betsy Chasse, co-creator of the film What the Bleep Do We Know!? *“Peter Canova’s book Quantum Spirituality is not just another take on the supremacy of consciousness. Solidly anchored in Gnostic Christianity, Jungian psychology, and cutting-edge science, it is a worthy addition to the rapidly growing body of literature that is reintroducing contemporary culture to the Perennial Philosophy, couching it in modern language and thought patterns. This is an important book that, although thoroughly accessible, needs to be read slowly and carefully digested. It deals with nothing less than the very explanation and meaning of life in our perception realm.” * Jim Willis, author of The Quantum Akashic Field *“Quantum Spirituality is a riveting, epic saga. It is a grand tale of our creation told in a mythic, spiritual, and scientific story that enlightens the reader about the mysteries of human existence. Its pages are rich with startling information that exposes the illusions of commonly accepted reality. The author merges spiritual insights derived from ancient mystics with modern quantum theory to create highly plausible concepts that ring true to every mindset, from the spiritually inclined to the logically grounded. Quantum Spirituality will provide every reader with life-altering knowledge essential to propel their own soul journey.” * Scott Carlin, former president of HBO Domestic Television Distribution *"This ambitious and fascinating book is a succinct message to us all. Quantum Spirituality outlines a journey critical for our evolution and could accelerate our awakening. Peter Canova seeks to resolve some of the most rivalrous debates in history: those over the true meaning of human life and spirituality." * James Redfield, author of The Celestine Prophecy *With a special and particular relevance to readers with an interest in Gnosticism, Quantum Theory, New Age Metaphysics, and Unexplained Mysteries, Quantum Spirituality: Science, Gnostic Mysticism, and Connecting with Source Consciousness is an especially informative, insightful, and thought-provoking contribution for personal, professional, community, and academic library collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for students, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in these subjects that Quantum Spirituality is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.99). * Midwest Book Review *Table of ContentsForeword by James Redfield Introduction Consciousness, Hidden Dimensions, and You 1 Getting StartedEnergy Matters2 My Story I Get a Startling Awakening3 The Materialist Worldview Spiritually Limiting Perspectives4 The Perennial Philosophy A Sacred Ancient Wisdom 5 The Sacred FeminineThe Feminine Principle in Mysticism6 GnosticismA Mystical Tradition Recovered 7 The Great Gnostic Myth of Sophia An Incredible Take on Creation8 The FallHow Spirit Descended 9 The Force of Opposition The Dark Side of Spirit 10 The Truth of the MatterThe First Appearance of Matter11 Jewish MysticismMoses and the Origin of the Kabbalah12 Gnostic Jesus?The Secret Teachings of Jesus 13 A Gnostic Tale Story of an Adept in Ancient Egypt 14 Achieving GnosisThe Adept Initiated 15 What We Lost The Feminine Path of the Gnostics 16 Journey of the Mind VoyagerPsychological Discoveries of Carl Jung 17 From Mind to MatterMatter Formed from the Psychic Dimension18 Quantum Weirdness Bizarre Properties of the Quantum World19 Behold the Quantum Quantum Physics in a Nutshell 20 I Am, Therefore I ThinkConsciousness and Quantum Physics21 IntersectionsA Multidisciplined View of Creation 22 To Be or Not to Be Our Main Thesis23 Through a Glass, Darkly The Illusory Way We Perceive the World24 Worlds of Possibilities Incredible Theories of Quantum Physics 25 Swimming in EnergyThe Hidden Matrix of Creation 26 Consciousness, the Hard Problem How Consciousness Creates Reality 27 Three Thousand Years Late How Mysticism Predicted Quantum Physics 28 Never Mind Understanding Mind Levels29 “What About Me?” Conditioning Yourself for Consciousness 30 Brass Tacks Techniques of Meditation31 Is It Real? Further Evidence 32 In Closing Religion, Materialism, and The Third WayAfterword Notes Index

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Book SynopsisA collection of Gnostic texts spanning centuries, geographical locations, and cultural traditions—“a wonderful achievement” (Elaine Pagels, author of The Gnostic Gospels) Gnosticism was a wide-ranging religious movement of the first millennium CE—with earlier antecedents and later flourishings—whose adherents sought salvation through knowledge and personal religious experience. Gnostic writings offer striking perspectives on both early Christian and non-Christian thought. For example, some gnostic texts suggest that god should be celebrated as both mother and father, and that self-knowledge is the supreme path to the divine. Only in the past fifty years has it become clear how far the gnostic influence spread in ancient and medieval religions—and what a marvelous body of scriptures it produced.The selections gathered here in poetic, readable translation represent Jewish, Christian, Hermetic, Mandaean, Manichaean, Islamic, and Cathar expressions of gnostic spirituality. Their regions of origin include Egypt, the Greco-Roman world, the Middle East, Syria, Iraq, China, and France. Also included are introductions, notes, an extensive glossary, and a wealth of suggestions for further reading.

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Book SynopsisA long-awaited illumination of the mystical movement that teaches 'Gnosis' - knowledge of God as opposed to unquestioning faithAcclaimed author Andrew Phillip Smith delves into the myths and practices of this ancient movement, exploring its early popularity, its subsequent decline under the weight of orthodoxy in the Church, and its present-day resurgence.Gnosticism has travelled a fascinating path, from the Manichaeans in Persia between the 3rd and 7th centuries, to the triumphs and tragedies of the Cathars in southern Europe between the 12th and 14th centuries, to, finally, today's Mandaeans in Iraq. However the revival of Gnosticism extends further than these sects, offering inspiration to a legion of literary figures, including Dan brown and Philip Pullman. Gnostcisim's emphasis on personal over organized religion, in keeping with the doctrine of the early Christian era during which it thrived, has found particular resonance with today's multicultural world.The Secret History of the Gnostics is not simply an authoritative account of one sect's practical beliefs and customs - it is, in effect, a manifesto, an appeal to those inspired by or drawn to the Gnostic faith not to forget its origins.

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Book SynopsisThis book will be of interest to a wide range of readers, from students of Ancient History and early Christianity, to Qabalists and modern magicians. Extensive notes and citations from original sources will make this authoritative work an essentialreference for researchers and practitioners for years to come. Includes are appendices for tables of alphabetic symbolism, a list of authors, and a numeric dictionary of Greek words, which represents the largest collection of gematria in print. Index.

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Book SynopsisYou will find terrific secrets within this book, secrets that never in the history of life were published. -Samael Aun WeorAlthough the term Kundalini is associated with Indian mysticism, tantra, and yoga, the word refers to a living element in nature and is thus known in all religions by different names. In Judaism and Kabbalah, it is called Shekinah. In Christianity, it is the fire of the Pentacost that illuminated the apostles. In Buddhism it is known by many names, such as Candali.For thousands of years, many have wondered at the tales of that mysterious force, yet the method to attain this power has been hidden, misunderstood, or sometimes, intentionally sabotaged. Now, like a refreshing spring breeze, Samael Aun Weor wipes away the dust and reveals the sacred mysteries of our most ancient and holy science. With a firm foundation in scripture and practical knowledge, the method to awaken and develop the root energy of life is made clear and accessible to all. It is no longer necessary to theorize or debate: through the practice of the techniques in this book, one can know.Kundalini is the cosmic power in individual bodies. It is not a material force like electricity, magnetism, centripetal or centrifugal force. It is a spiritual potential Sakti or cosmic power. In reality it has no form. -Swami Sivananda

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Book SynopsisTHE SECRET BOOK OF JOHN is the most significant and influential text of the ancient Gnostic religion. Part of the library of books found in Nag Hammadi, Egypt, in 1945, this central myth of Gnosticism tells the story of how God fell from perfect Oneness to imprisonment in the material world and how by knowing our divine nature and our divine origins - that we are one with God - we reverse God's descent and find our salvation. THE SECRET BOOK OF JOHN decodes the principal themes, historical foundation and spiritual contexts of this challenging yet fundamental Gnostic teaching. Drawing connections to Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, kabbalistic Judaism and Sufism, Davies focuses on the mythology and psychology of the Gnostic religious quest. He illuminates the Gnostics' ardent call for self-awareness and introspection and the empowering message that divine wholeness will be restored not by worshipping false gods in an illusory material world but by our recognition of the inherent divinity within ourselves. Now you can experience and understand this foundational teaching even if you have no previous knowledge of Gnosticism. This SkyLight Illuminations edition presents the most important and valued book in Gnostic religion with insightful yet unobtrusive commentary. It provides deeper insight into the understanding that in Gnosticism the distinction between saviour and saved ceases to exist - you must save yourself and in doing so save God.

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Book SynopsisGnosticism - derived from the Greek word gnosis, to know - is the name given to various religious schools that proliferated in the first centuries after Christ and, at one time, it almost became the dominant form of Christianity. Yet some Gnostic beliefs derive from the older Mystery traditions of Greece and Rome, and the various Gnostic schools came to be branded as heretical by the emerging Christian church. Indeed, although some Gnostic beliefs are close to mainstream Christianity Gnosticism also held that the world is imperfect as it was created by an evil god who was constantly at war with the true, good God; that Christ and Satan were brothers; that reincarnation exists; and that women were the equal of men As a result, the Gnostics held the Feminine Aspect of God - whom they addressed as Sophia, or Wisdom - in very high regard. They also stressed that we each have a spark of the Divine inside us which, when recognised and developed, will ultimately liberate us from the prison of the material world. Although largely stamped out by the Church by the sixth century, Gnosticism survived underground through groups such as the Bogomils and the Cathars, and influenced the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, the psychologist Carl Jung, the Existentialists, the New Age movement and writers as diverse as William Blake, W.B. Yeats, Albert Camus and Philip K. Dick. In this book, Sean Martin recounts the long and diverse history of Gnosticism, and argues for its continued relevance today.Trade Reviewan insightful guide -- Sophie Pearce * The New Statesman *well written, informative account -- Gary Lachman * The Independent *Good basic introduction to a fascinating religious belief -- David V Barrett * Fortean Times *

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Book SynopsisFrom the creator of the best-selling Divine Feminine Oracle, and the author of the Wall Street Journal best-selling Mary Magdalene Revealed, this stunning oracle delves deep into Mary Magdalene''s long-lost spiritual teachings and her message of inclusionary love meant for all humanity.The Mary Magdalene Oracle is about a vision of radical love that formed long before Christianity became a formal religion in the 4th century, long before Mary''s gospel was excluded, destroyed, and buried. It''s a vision of humanity as a beloved community that risked their lives to recognize each other as equalsinnately worthy of love, no matter their status within the Roman Empire. And it''s about a vision that Christ gave Mary to then give to us, then and nowto see less with the ego and more with the eye of the heart.The Mary Magdalene Oracle leads us card by card through the spiritual teachings of the Gospel of Mary as well as pivotal moments in th

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Book SynopsisThis book offers an illuminating discussion of recent scholarly debates over the concept of 'Gnosticism' and the nature of early Christian diversity.Trade ReviewNot since Elaine Pagels's ground-breaking and best-selling The Gnostic Gospels (1979) has there been a work that communicates so clearly the content and significance of the "Gnostics" for our understanding of early Christian history. The public and the academy need The Gnostics. -- Denise Buell, Williams CollegeA model for how to engage in careful social historical reconstruction. -- Stephen Davis, Yale UniversityBrakke has a growing reputation for his studies on the history and literature of ancient Christianity, and he moves easily among the sources, making good sense of the sometimes scanty evidence...The Gnostics is a book to be warmly commended to those who have an interest in the development of Christianity. -- Nicholas King, SJ * Times Literary Supplement *Perhaps the finest aspect of this book is the way that Brakke successfully nuances the conflict models of early Christian history that remain current in most introductory texts. Rather than merely keying students to the varieties of early Christianity, Brakke introduces beginners to a more open narrative that has emerged recently. This model focuses on the agonistic production of orthodox and heterodox identities through processes of textual production, interpretation, ritual, and so forth. Brakke accomplishes this through a style that is lucid without falling into oversimplification. -- J. Schott * Choice *

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Book Synopsis Gnostics have always sought to “know” rather than to accept dogma and doctrine, often to their peril. This inquiry into Gnosticism examines the character, history, and beliefs of a brave and vigorous spiritual quest that originated in the ancient Near East and continues into the present day. Lawrence Durrell writes, “This is a strange and original essay, more a work of literature than of scholarship, though its documentation is impeccable. It is as convincing a reconstruction of the way the Gnostics lived and thought as D.H. Lawrence’s intuitive recreation of the vanished Etruscans.” “A remarkable book for both knowledge and the understanding of Gnostic texts, so abstruse at first sight, and for the poetical interpretation of the Gnostic movement across history. Lacarriere is particularly well informed about the various currents and undercurrents of Gnosticism, and their perennial importance for the religious and the mystic mind.R

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Kreps’s insightful analysis shows that the dramatic imagery of the Gospel is not merely a sophisticated literary flourish. It articulates a version of divine revelation that appealed to a range of ancient religious thinkers, Jewish and Christian...[A] valuable contribution to the study of the Nag Hammadi corpus and the religious debates of the second century." * The Journal of Religion *"Anne Starr Kreps presents an important and novel thesis about a path not taken in the history of Christian scripture as a canon and as a concept. This is a captivating, bold, unusually readable, and highly significant work of scholarship." * Eva Mroczek, University of California, Davis *

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Book SynopsisA fascinating insight into the rival religious communities of the early Christian church.These apocryphal texts open a window to understanding the rival religious communities which coexisted with the early church. Written after the ministry of Christ and the apostles, these collections of writings speak contain stories about Jesus that were never part of the canonical Gospels, but nevertheless offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of the early church. These translations by Rick Brannan are perfect for use by students, scholars, and everyday Christians interested in early Christian apocrypha.Lexham Classics are beautifully typeset new editions of classic works. Each book has been carefully transcribed or translated from the original texts, ensuring an accurate representation of the writing as the author intended it to be read.This volume includes:Infancy GospelsThe Protevangelium of JamesThe Infancy Gospel of ThomasPassion GospelsThe Gospel of PeterThe Gospel of Thomas (Greek Fragments)The Gospel of Nicodemus (Acts of Pilate) and the Descent of Christ to HellPost-Resurrection GospelsThe Gospel of MaryFragmentsAgraphaSayings in the Canonical New Testament outside of GospelsSayings in Additions to New Testament MSSSayings in the Apostolic FathersSayings in Justin Martyr

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Book SynopsisThe discovery and translation of the Gnostic Gospels have revealed Mary Magdalene to be a gifted visionary teacher and the best qualified disciple to lead the Jesus movement following his death. Yet, according to most scholars, only a few fragments of her actual teachings have survived. Sharing more than 20 years of research, inspired by a profound experience at the cave in southern France where Mary Magdalene is reputed to have spent her final years, Jack Angelo reveals that the Fourth Gospel of the New Testament, traditionally attributed to John, is actually a direct transcription of Mary Magdalene's oral teachings. He explains how the Fourth Gospel was recast by more conservative members of the Jesus movement, such as Peter and Andrew, to hide Mary's authorship and suppress her role as head disciple. Delving deeply into the many layers of meaning within the "Gospel of Signs"--the first 11 chapters of the Fourth Gospel which describe seven of Jesus' miracles--he shows how Mary's teachings outline seven key steps for personal transformation and profound healing. For example, the sixth sign describes the shamanic healing of a blind man when Jesus spits on clay and smears the paste over the man's eyes. Angelo explains how the deeper meaning of this sign is about perceiving with the "eyes of the heart." Beyond the beauty and simplicity of Mary's wisdom for personal transformation and healing, Angelo also shows how Mary's heart-centered teachings embody the resurgence of feminine energy that is vitally needed to restore balance to the psyche and health of humanity as well as to Earth.Trade Review“Thank you! This book is a welcome gift for disciples of Mary Magdalene and Jesus. Illuminating texts from the Fourth Gospel, Jack Angelo reveals the perspective of ‘the woman who knew the All’--Mary Magdalene herself. Here at last, flowing from Jesus’s seven miracles, are Magdalene’s wisdom teachings to guide the pilgrim soul on the Way of the Heart.” * Margaret Starbird, author of The Woman with the Alabaster Jar and Mary Magdalene, Bride in Exile *“Jack Angelo has discovered a treasure chest to which the key has been lost for 2,000 years. In this important and fascinating book Mary Magdalene takes us into the eternal, living stream of her own consciousness and decodes for us the healing wisdom, hidden until now, in the part of the Fourth Gospel called ‘The Book of Signs.’ Angelo shows us how seven miracles of Jesus are intended to be a roadmap to transformation as the blessed couple both teach and model the way of total one-ness and heart-centered knowledge. Patriarchal blindness caused the message to be lost in part, but it still carries dynamic power to heal our planet and end the existential sickness that distorts much of Christian thinking. We come to realize that ‘the beginning is right now’ and creation is happening as we awaken to the words of Maryam, master teacher, beloved disciple, wife, and companion of Yeshua.” * Mary T. Beben, author of The Pleiadian House of Initiation *“The Healing Wisdom of Mary Magdalene is a rich and fascinating read. I could not put it down. Jack Angelo’s insights on the real meaning behind the miracle stories in the gospels are a treasure trove of wisdom much needed in the world today . . . a pleasure to read.” * Tricia McCannon, author of Return of the Divine Sophia and Jesus: The Explosive Story of the 30 Lost *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Prologue Introduction: Restoring the Feminine Energy to Its Rightful Place Part One Discovering Mary Magdalene the Teacher 1 A Childhood Vision 2 The Voice in the Cave 3 Looking behind the Words 4 Seeking the Treasure Map 5 Finding the Treasure Chest Part Two The Way Through: Maryam’s Teachings in the Gospel of Signs 6 Into the Orchard 7 In the Beginning 8 Walking in the Wilderness, Discovering the I AM 9 The Prophet and the Angels Part Three The Seven Signs 10 Sign One: Making the Two One A Marriage and Miraculous Wine • How Is Your Body? • Being Born Again • The Woman at the Well 11 Sign Two: Distant Healing, Humility, and the Last Resort 12 Sign Three: Inertia and Stagnation 13 Sign Four: There Is Always Enough 14 Sign Five: The Sea of Emotions Jesus Walks on Water • Revealing the I AM • Living in Shacks • More Rumbles in the Temple 15 Sign Six: Spitting on Clay I Was Blind, but Now I See • You Are Gods 16 Sign Seven: Breaking Out and Resurrection 17 Your Own Transformation and the Next Step 18 Living the Heart-Centered Approach Glossary Suggestions for Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisGnosticism is a term covering a group of heresies that for a time had great influence within the early church, including: belief in the existence of a hidden or secret revelation available only to the initiated; rejection of the physical world as evil or impure; and stress on the radical individuality of the spiritual self.In this book Philip Lee finds parallels between gnosticism and belief and practice in contemporary North American Proestantism. Sharply attacking conservatives and liberals alike, Lee spares no one in this penetrating and provocative assessment of the current stage of religion and its effects on values and society at large. The book concludes with a call for a return to orthodoxy and a series of prescriptions for reform.Lee will add a short preface for this paperback edition.Trade Review`Opposed to the "liberal theology", that ... gives people only "minor, vapid" reasons for going to church, Lee asserts the ongoing relevance of the Christian story of man. In doing so, he has made the study of gnosticism crucial to the ongoing debate about the future of American culture.' The Christian Science Monitor`Lee deserves all praise for seeing clearly what is indeed there to be seen, though concealed, in the multiple masks of supposed Protestantism.' Harold Bloom in The American Religion

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Book SynopsisThe Mandaeans are a Gnostic sect that arose in the middle east around the same time as Christianity. What little study of the religion there has been has focused on the ancient Mandaeans and their relation to early Christianity. Buckley examines the lives and religion of contemporary Mandaeans, who live mainly in Iran and Iraq but also in New York and San Diego. She provides a comprehensive introduction to the religion and shows how its ancient texts inform the living religion, and vice versa.Trade ReviewLandmark contribution to the field. * History of Relgions *

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Book SynopsisBentley Layton's The Gnostic Scriptures is the one indispensable book for the understanding of Gnosis and Gnosticism. No other translations are within light-years of Layton's in eloquence, pathos, and accuracy while no other commentaries match his as an introduction to this perpetually relevant religious stance.

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Book SynopsisThis text provides an up-to-date introduction to Gnosticism as it relates to early Christianity. The author tries to make the reader familiar with the themes and ingredients of Gnosticism without going directly into where they come from.

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Book SynopsisThis introduction to Gnosis by Christoph Markschies combines great clarity with immense learning.In his Introduction Markschies defines the term Gnosis and its relationship to ''Gnosticism'', indicating why Gnosis is preferable and sketches out the main problems. He then treats the sources, both those in the church fathers and heresiologists, and the more recent Nag Hammadi finds. He goes on to discuss early forms of ''Gnosis'' in antiquity, Jewish and Christian (New Testament) and the early Gnostics; the main representatives of Gnosis, especially Valentinus and Marcion; Manichaeism as the culmination and end-point of Gnosis; ancient communities of ''Gnostics''; and finally ''Gnosis'' in antiquity and the present.There is a useful chronological table and an excellent select bibliography.Trade Review'Christoph Markschies, now professor at Heidelberg, is the scholar of the rising generation who looks most likely to become one of the internationally known figures in the scholarship of early Christianity. His Between Two Worlds, published by SCM Press, is a fascinating introduction to the social practices of early Christians. He combines great clarity of writing with immense learning. In 128 pages there is everything the reader needs to know, along with where to look for further information. If ever a book was worth translating this is: it would be ideal for schools, university and theological students and clergy in length, approach and everything else.' - John Bowden"I agree with the blurbs on the back of this book. Maurice Wiles finds that the Gnostics presented here are neither bizarre eccentrics nor evil enemies of the Christianity, but rather credible participants in ancient dialogue about meaningful Christiantiy. Gerd Theissen lauds the book as an introduction to an ancient movement and a balanced summary of recent scholarship on that movement. I too recomment this book to anyone interested in early Christian history and ancient intellectual history."-Catholic Book Reviews Online, January 2004 * Blurb from reviewer *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Definition of Gnosis, its relationship to 'Gnosticism'.; Chapter II: The sources, ancient authors (from irenaeus to Epiphanius), heresologists (Justin and Tertullian), Gnostic original text (the Nag Hammadi material) and non-'Gnostic' texts (the Hermetic Writings and the Hekhalot literature).; Chapter III: Early forms of 'Gnosis' in antiquity: Jewish, New Testament, and early representatives (Simon Magus and Basilides).; Chapter IV: Marcion and the Marcionites, Valentinus and Valentinians and the 'Barbelo Gnostics'.; Chapter V: Manichaeism as the culmination and end-point of Gnosis.; Chapter VI: Ancient communities of 'Gnostics'.; Chapter VII: 'Gnosis' in antiquity and the present.; Index

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Book SynopsisLooks at the influence of Gnosticism in modern intellectual history, philosophy, and theology.Gnostic Return in Modernity demonstrates the possibility that Gnosticism haunts certain modern discourses. Studying Gnosticism of the first centuries of the common era and utilizing narrative analysis, the author shows how Gnosticism returns in a select band of narrative discourses that extends from the seventeenth century German mystic Jacob Boehme through Hegel and Blake down into the contemporary period. The key concept is that of narrative grammar. Unlike the hypothesis of an invariant narrative, a Gnostic narrative grammar allows room for the differences between modern and ancient forms of Gnosticism, and respects the dignity of both periods.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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