Gnosticism Books

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 SynopsisGeorge Robert Stowe Mead (1863-1933) was a major translator, editor, and commentator on Gnostic and hermetic literature and thus a pivotal figure linking the late 19th-century esoteric revival to 20th-century art, literature, and psychology. As a young convert to the new movement of theosophy, he served as private secretary to its co-founder, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, and after founding the European section of the Theosophical Society edited its London journal, Lucifer, for many years. Mead's initial interest in theosophy and Hinduism soon blossomed into a lifelong and wide-ranging engagement with the texts of Gnosticism, neo-Platonism, and hermeticism. His editions and commentaries on previously inaccessible sources became standard works before the First World War and an important source of inspiration to such figures as Jung, Ezra Pound, Yeats, and Robert Duncan. A new entry in the Western Masters Series of concise biographies noting key figures in the Western esoteric tradition, G.R.S. Mead and the Gnostic Quest introduces Mead's life, works, and influences, combining a substantial biography with a collection of his most important writings.

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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 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 SynopsisThe Gnostic World is an outstanding guide to Gnosticism, written by a distinguished international team of experts to explore Gnostic movements from the distant past until today. These themes are examined across sixty-seven chapters in a variety of contexts, from the ancient pre-Christian to the contemporary. The volume considers the intersection of Gnosticism with Jewish, Christian, Islamic and Indic practices and beliefs, and also with new religious movements, such as Theosophy, Scientology, Western Sufism, and the Nation of Islam.This comprehensive handbook will be an invaluable resource for religious studies students, scholars, and researchers of Gnostic doctrine and history.Trade Review"As a new wave of critical scholarship into Gnosticism, ancient and modern, begins, The Gnostic World is the ideal place to get caught up. Impressively combining concise entries on Gnosticisms familiar and unfamiliar, from the early Christianity to medieval Islam, fin de siècle occultists and 21st century cinema, with digestible summaries of the definitional and theoretical controversies, this will be the standard reference work for many years to come." David G. Robertson, The Open University, UK"The Gnostic World is a comprehensive, ground-breaking presentation of the diverse beliefs, practices, and social formations related to the movements previously known as "Gnostic." In over forty chapters ranging from the ancient world to contemporary culture, international experts address recent controversy regarding the historical reconstruction of such groups while also breaking new ground in following diverse but interconnected literary and intellectual traditions. The result is a major achievement in the comparative study of religions." Paul Dilley, The University of Iowa, USA"This broad and comprehensive volume not only includes chapters on Gnostic movements in late antiquity, but also covers more recent religions that are structurally similar to ancient Gnosticism, as well as such topics as anti-cult groups and Gnosticism in fiction and music. It will be an invaluable resource for scholars and other interested readers." Olav Hammer, University of Southern, Denmark. "The Gnostic World is an impressive collection of interdisciplinary studies of Gnosticism, a phenomenon that has intrigued (and often confused) many people from antiquity through today. Written by leading international experts, the volume explores all dimensions of the topic, often with new insights and fascinating cross-references to other cultural phenomena and theoretical discussions. The Gnostic World is an indispensable tool for students of Gnosticism and a milestone of critical research." Kocku von Stuckrad, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.Table of ContentsIntroductionGarry W. TrompfTheoretical1. Gnosticism, Gnostics, and GnosisDylan M. Burns2. "The Gnostic World": A History of Scholarship (until 2000)Garry W. Trompf3. Gnostics and Temporality: From Myth to MacrohistoryGarry W. TrompfAncient 4. Ancient Pre-Christian "Gnosticisms": The State of the QuestionsCarl B. Smith II5. The Jewish Background to "Gnosticism": A Guide for the PerplexedGarry W. Trompf6. Gnostic Motifs in the New TestamentPheme Perkins7. On Ancient "Gnosticism" as a Problematic CategoryMichael A. Williams8. Gender Issues and the Study of Ancient "Gnosticism"Majella Franzmann9. The Gnostics in Early Christian HeresiologyMark Edwards10. Genres of Gnostic Literature and the "Classical Gnostic" School of Thought John D. Turner11. Sethian Gnostic SpeculationJohn D. Turner12. Basilides and the BasilidiansJean-Daniel Dubois13. Valentinus and the ValentiniansEinar Thomassen14. Is the Gospel of Thomas Gnostic?David W. Kim15. The Gospel of Judas and the Tchacos CodexGarry W. Trompf and David W. Kim16. The Mandaeans: Writings, Rituals, and ArtBrikha Nasoraia17. Hermetism and GnosticismJean-Pierre Mahé18. Plotinus and the GnosticsFrancis Lacroix and Jean-Marc Narbonne19. Gnostic Elements in Ancient Magical PapyriMalcolm Choat20. Mani’s LifeIain Gardner21. The Manichaean Path to SalvationJason D. BeDuhn22. Insight and Means in Chinese Manichaean TextsGunner B. Mikkelsen

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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 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 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 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 SynopsisThe Gnostic World is an outstanding guide to Gnosticism, written by a distinguished international team of experts to explore Gnostic movements from the distant past until today. These themes are examined across sixty-seven chapters in a variety of contexts, from the ancient pre-Christian to the contemporary. The volume considers the intersection of Gnosticism with Jewish, Christian, Islamic and Indic practices and beliefs, and also with new religious movements, such as Theosophy, Scientology, Western Sufism, and the Nation of Islam.This comprehensive handbook will be an invaluable resource for religious studies students, scholars, and researchers of Gnostic doctrine and history.Trade Review"As a new wave of critical scholarship into Gnosticism, ancient and modern, begins, The Gnostic World is the ideal place to get caught up. Impressively combining concise entries on Gnosticisms familiar and unfamiliar, from the early Christianity to medieval Islam, fin de siècle occultists and 21st century cinema, with digestible summaries of the definitional and theoretical controversies, this will be the standard reference work for many years to come." David G. Robertson, The Open University, UK"The Gnostic World is a comprehensive, ground-breaking presentation of the diverse beliefs, practices, and social formations related to the movements previously known as "Gnostic." In over forty chapters ranging from the ancient world to contemporary culture, international experts address recent controversy regarding the historical reconstruction of such groups while also breaking new ground in following diverse but interconnected literary and intellectual traditions. The result is a major achievement in the comparative study of religions." Paul Dilley, The University of Iowa, USA"This broad and comprehensive volume not only includes chapters on Gnostic movements in late antiquity, but also covers more recent religions that are structurally similar to ancient Gnosticism, as well as such topics as anti-cult groups and Gnosticism in fiction and music. It will be an invaluable resource for scholars and other interested readers." Olav Hammer, University of Southern, Denmark. "The Gnostic World is an impressive collection of interdisciplinary studies of Gnosticism, a phenomenon that has intrigued (and often confused) many people from antiquity through today. Written by leading international experts, the volume explores all dimensions of the topic, often with new insights and fascinating cross-references to other cultural phenomena and theoretical discussions. The Gnostic World is an indispensable tool for students of Gnosticism and a milestone of critical research." Kocku von Stuckrad, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.Table of ContentsIntroductionGarry W. TrompfTheoretical1. Gnosticism, Gnostics, and GnosisDylan M. Burns2. "The Gnostic World": A History of Scholarship (until 2000)Garry W. Trompf3. Gnostics and Temporality: From Myth to MacrohistoryGarry W. TrompfAncient 4. Ancient Pre-Christian "Gnosticisms": The State of the QuestionsCarl B. Smith II5. The Jewish Background to "Gnosticism": A Guide for the PerplexedGarry W. Trompf6. Gnostic Motifs in the New TestamentPheme Perkins7. On Ancient "Gnosticism" as a Problematic CategoryMichael A. Williams8. Gender Issues and the Study of Ancient "Gnosticism"Majella Franzmann9. The Gnostics in Early Christian HeresiologyMark Edwards10. Genres of Gnostic Literature and the "Classical Gnostic" School of Thought John D. Turner11. Sethian Gnostic SpeculationJohn D. Turner12. Basilides and the BasilidiansJean-Daniel Dubois13. Valentinus and the ValentiniansEinar Thomassen14. Is the Gospel of Thomas Gnostic?David W. Kim15. The Gospel of Judas and the Tchacos CodexGarry W. Trompf and David W. Kim16. The Mandaeans: Writings, Rituals, and ArtBrikha Nasoraia17. Hermetism and GnosticismJean-Pierre Mahé18. Plotinus and the GnosticsFrancis Lacroix and Jean-Marc Narbonne19. Gnostic Elements in Ancient Magical PapyriMalcolm Choat20. Mani’s LifeIain Gardner21. The Manichaean Path to SalvationJason D. BeDuhn22. Insight and Means in Chinese Manichaean TextsGunner B. Mikkelsen23. From "Zurvanism" to MazdakGarry W. Trompf and Milad Milani24. Christian Gnosis: From Clement the Alexandrian to John DamasceneDoru Costache25. Gnostic Vicissitudes in Late AntiquityGarry W. Trompf26. Jñāna: Gnostic Tendencies in Early Hinduism and BuddhismGregory Bailey27. The Discourse of Truth in Tiantai Buddhism: "Gnosis Beyond Gnosis"Haiyan Shen, with Brikha H.S. NasoraiaMedieval28. Questions of Gnostic Influence on Early IslamJohn C. Reeves29. An Agenda for the Study of Early Shiʿi CosmologiesMushegh Asatryan30. Classic Sufism and GnosisMilad Milani31. Ismailism and GnosisFarhad Daftary32. Druze Gnosis and the Mystery of TimeAdnan Kasamanie33. Gnostic Elements in YezidismVictoria Arakelova and Garnik Asatryan34. Kabbalah and GnosticismMichael Schneider35. Bogomils and CatharsZdenko Zlatar36. Alchemy and Gnosis from Antiquity to Early Modern Times: "As Above so Below"Peter MarshallModern: West, East, and Current IssuesEurope and the West37. "Gnosis" as Term and Concept in the Esoteric Movements of the Modern West: An Attempt at PeriodizationAntoine Faivre38. Byzantine and Modern Orthodox Gnosis: From the Eleventh to the Twenty-first CenturyDoru Costache39. Pansophia, Christian Kabbalism, and the Quest for Universal Knowledge in the Early Modern WestGarry W. Trompf40. Freemasonry: Gnostic ImagesGarry W. Trompf41. British Romanticism: Gnostic LongingsWilliam Christie42. William Blake, the Ancient Gnostics, and the Birth of Modern GnosticismPeter Otto43. Gnosis in the "French Occult Revival" and its OffshootsTobias Churton44. The "Lost Word" Key and Esoteric Eschatology: Blavatsky’s Gnosis the Core of Krishnamurti’s TeachingAl Boag45. The Philosophy of Guido von List (1848-1919): Connecting Gnosticism to NazismJeffrey D. Lavoie46. Rudolf Steiner: Multiple BodiesWayne Hudson47. Gnostic Sensibility in Gurdjieff’s "Work" Constance A. Jones48. Western Sufism and GnosisMark Sedgwick49. Gnosis: A Perennialist PerspectiveHarry Oldmeadow50. Carl Jung on GnosticismRobert A. Segal51. Elevating the Family in the Nation of Islam: Discerning the "Gnostic Factor"Dennis WalkerEast (and Beyond)52. Inner Tradition: Recovering Christianity of the EastLynn C. Bauman53. Gnosis in Bābism and Gnostic Signs in Bābī TalismansDenis MacEoin54. Ayatollah Khomeini’s Gnoseology and its Impact on his Political WorldviewEmad Bazzi55. Syncretistic Sufi Gnosticism in South and Southeast Asia Clinton Bennett56. Aurobindo and Supermind Peter Heehs57. Of Gnosis in Tribal and "Primal" CulturesGarry W. TrompfCurrent58. Between the Libertines and the Renunciants: The neo-Gnostic synthesis of Samael Aun WeorBernard Doherty59. Scientology and Gnosticism: L. Ron Hubbard’s "The Factors" (1953)Donald A. Westbrook and James R. Lewis60. Gnostic and Esoteric Filaments in Popular CultureAdam Possamai61. Feminist Gnosis and Modern Gender IssuesJay Johnston62. Modern Psychedelic Gnosis Christopher Partridge63. Exposing GnosticismDouglas E. Cowan64. Gnostic FictionCarole Cusack65. Cinema: evil demiurges in Hollywood fi lms at the threshold of the twenty-first centuryFryderyk Kwiatkowski66. Music and GnosisJoscelyn Godwin67. Aesthetics and Visual ArtJay JohnstonIndex

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Book SynopsisThroughout the twentieth century, German writers, philosophers, theologians, and historians turned to Gnosticism to make sense of the modern condition. While some saw this ancient Christian heresy as a way to rethink modernity, most German intellectuals questioned Gnosticism''s return in a contemporary setting. In No Spiritual Investment in the World, Willem Styfhals explores the Gnostic worldview''s enigmatic place in these discourses on modernity, presenting a comprehensive intellectual history of Gnosticism''s role in postwar German thought. Establishing the German-Jewish philosopher Jacob Taubes at the nexus of the debate, Styfhals traces how such figures as Hans Blumenberg, Hans Jonas, Eric Voegelin, Odo Marquard, and Gershom Scholem contended with Gnosticism and its tenets on evil and divine absence as metaphorical detours to address issues of cultural crisis, nihilism, and the legitimacy of the modern world. These concerns, he argues, centered on the difficulty Trade ReviewNo Spiritual Investment in the World is an extraordinary and seminal work of outstanding scholarship that is unreservedly recommended for college and university library Contemporary Philosophy collections and supplemental studies curriculum textbook lists. * Midwest Book Review *

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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 SynopsisJust what is a soul, exactly? Where did the idea come from? How do we experience our souls? Two ancient Gnostic texts - The Exegesis on the Soul and The Hymn of the Pearl, both presented here in all-new translations - hold important clues to the development of the soul as a concept and reveal inspiring ways your own soul can remember and return to its unique, divine purpose. The Exegesis on the Soul depicts the soul as a feminine figure who has fallen into the corrupted world and must find her way back to the Divine. It is the story of the soul's struggle and redemption that will embolden your own spiritual pilgrimage. The Hymn of the Pearl is an allegorical story about a prince sent to retrieve a precious pearl but who soon forgets his purpose and falls asleep. It is a moving tale of the importance of remembering your soul's identity and calling - and knowing that only you can fulfil your destiny. Accessible facing-page commentary explains the Gnostic writings for you even if you have no previous knowledge of Gnosticism or early Christianity. Additional material draws on ancient religions, Platonism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam and modern philosophical and psychological notions of the soul to place the Gnostic teachings in a clear historical context. By following the development of this concept through time, you will more clearly perceive-and respond to-the divine spark found in your own soul.Trade Review"A fascinating guide to new and different ways of thinking. Smith's presentation of authentic Gnostic texts [conveys] a good understanding of Gnostic conceptions of the soul." —Stevan Davies, author of The Gospel of Thomas: Annotated & Explained “One of the clearest and most accessible entry-points to the wisdom of the ancient Gnostics that I have ever seen.” —Richard Smoley, author of Forbidden Faith: The Gnostic Legacy from the Gospels to The Da Vinci Code “Takes us beyond the limiting literalism of much of contemporary theology. Smith opens a door for us....” —Ron Miller, chair, religion department, Lake Forest College, and author of The Gospel of Thomas: A Guidebook for Spiritual Practice “Artful and erudite ... brings these allegories into three-dimensional relief, making them more memorable, accessible, and significant.” —Rabbi Elie Kaplan Spitz, author of Does the Soul Survive? A Jewish Journey to Belief in Afterlife, Past Lives & Living with Purpose “Smith’s fine introduction and notes [reveal how] Gnosticism helped transform Western ideas about the soul.... Reveals part of our common spiritual heritage.” —Tamar Frankiel, PhD, author of Kabbalah: A Brief Introduction for ChristiansTable of ContentsForeword ix Introduction xiii A Note on the Translation xli The Exegesis on the Soul 1 The Hymn of the Pearl 45 Notes 89 Suggestions for Further Reading 91

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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 SynopsisProlegomena to a History of Islamicate Manichaeism provides an annotated anthology of primary sources highlighting Manichaeism, a dualist religion emerging in Mesopotamia in the third century and which spread rapidly throughout the Roman and Sasanian empires until it was violently suppressed by both polities. It nevertheless continued to flourish - largely clandestinely - in the Near East, Central Asia, and China until it finally disappeared at the beginning of the seventeenth century. This book translates and assesses the importance of a number of Arabic, Persian, Syriac, and even Hebrew language testimonies for a better understanding of the cultural importance of what many scholars characterize as the first 'world religion'.Trade Review'Reeves is a superb scholar who has meticulously researched the literature relevant to this project. His extensive learning is manifest throughout. Nothing like this anthology exists in English for the Islamicate testimonia on Manichaeism, and therefore it fills an extremely important gap.' Michael A. Williams, Professor of Comparative Religion and Near Eastern Languages and Civilization, Jackson School of International Studies, University of WashingtonTable of ContentsPreface Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Biographical Testimonia About Mani Chapter Three: Fragments of Manichaean Scripture: A Classified Collection of Islamicate Testimonia Chapter Four: Testimonia About Manichaean Teachings Chapter Five: 'Historical' Testimonia About Manichaeism and Manichaeans Chronological Roster of Sources

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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 SynopsisA learning experience of the first order, encyclopedically rich in its coverage, Shoham puts myth, religion, literature and psychology into an easily understandable analytic perspective. This book traces the influence of Gnosis in European culture.Table of ContentsContents: Foreword by Giovanni Filoramo; Acknowledgements; Introduction -- The Triumph of the Vanquished; Part One: The Abyss -- The Ontological Split; Jews and Greeks -- A Fateful Couple; Christian and Jewish Gnosis; Syncretism and Gnosis; The Tresses of the Mind; Sin; Part Two: The Mythology of the Away and Beyond -- The Pardes: Forbidden Orchard; Unio Mystica: Clandestine Complementarities; The Avatar: Incarnation of Synchronic Transcendence in Time; Notes; Giora Shoham's Published Works and His Theory of Personality; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides an anthology of sources highlighting Manichaeism, a gnostic religion which flourished largely clandestinely in the Near East, Central Asia, and China until the beginning of the seventeenth century. It translates and discusses the importance of a number of Arabic, Syriac, and Hebrew testimonies for a proper understanding of the cultural importance of what most scholars consider to be the first 'world religion.' Many of these sources are translated here into English for the first time.

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