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Gnosis: The Nature and History of Gnosticism
Presents a readable and appealing introduction to what otherwise might seem an inaccessible religion of late antiquity.
413 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 12, 2011
This is a truly excellent study of Gnosticism and its development and how it relates to other major ancient religions and systems of thought. Of particular interest: the relationship between Gnosticism and early Christianity, the apocryphal texts, the Catholic Church, certain mystical traditions, and certain metaphysical/spiritual ideas including reincarnation ("rebirth" or "transmigration of souls"), the nature of the human being and the nature of the soul, the nature of Christ, the nature of the Old Testament God, the origin of the local universe, "the call," particles of light, and the "spark."
April 13, 2009
Scholarly. Comprehensive. Intense. Yet readable. The best study of the Gnostic sects; great for a personal library as a great resource and reference. Gnosticism 101.
September 4, 2019
An excellent and detailed examination of gnosis/gnosticism. This is really helpful for church historians looking to have a more measured understanding of gnosticism--Rudolph helpfully includes a discussion of heresiographic texts, and what aspects might be accurate and inaccurate. He solidly bases his work in the Nag Hammadi findings, with a good description of their origins and scholarship (spoiler: the history is almost Indiana Jones-worthy, and including grave robbing). I'm so glad this is available in English and has a lot of pictures and illustrations that help visualize this vast, ancient, syncretistic religion. Only one strand, the Mandeans, has made it to the present. Rudolph has contributed great research in that area.
July 7, 2012
I was so glad when it was over. . . .
September 12, 2012
Cogent synopsis of the complex theology and history of Gnosticism (proto-Christian, Christian, and other).
November 28, 2017
Siimon-Maag
"Kord olevat Siimon lasknud ennast maha matta, et demonstreerida oma ülestõusmist, ei olevat aga enam ellu ärganud. Teise versiooni järgi olevat ta, et näidata Peetrusele oma imevõimeid, võtnud ette katse lennata Rooma kohal, kuid Peetrus olevat lasknud tal, hüüdes Kristuse poole, alla kukkuda. Siimon murdnud reieluu ja surnud."
"Kord olevat Siimon lasknud ennast maha matta, et demonstreerida oma ülestõusmist, ei olevat aga enam ellu ärganud. Teise versiooni järgi olevat ta, et näidata Peetrusele oma imevõimeid, võtnud ette katse lennata Rooma kohal, kuid Peetrus olevat lasknud tal, hüüdes Kristuse poole, alla kukkuda. Siimon murdnud reieluu ja surnud."
August 12, 2020
This is a very informative book.
Want to read
August 28, 2021it's good book , i like it so much
June 13, 2022
It is a good read
February 29, 2016
"Państwo to naprawdę przeczytali?"
Gruntowy przekrój przez wczesnochrześcijańską gnozę, o ile oczywiście człek nie zagubi się w gąszczu pism i opisach kto ile eonów gdzie wyróżniał.
Gruntowy przekrój przez wczesnochrześcijańską gnozę, o ile oczywiście człek nie zagubi się w gąszczu pism i opisach kto ile eonów gdzie wyróżniał.
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