Simon Magus: His Philosophy and Teachings

by G.R.S. Mead, Paul Tice (Foreword by)

Simon Magus was originally a Christian and disciple of John the Baptist, but broke off and formed the first Christian heresy, called Simonianism. After learning magical medicine in Alexandria he was considered to have many magical skills. To this day, a skilled magician is called a "magus." He also studied Greek philosophers, especially Heraclitus, and became the first Christian to attempt to bridge Greek philosophy and Christianity. If a mixture ever occurred Church leaders feared they would become weaker over time and not survive. According to Mead, this was Simon's great heresy -- not his magic. This interesting book shows Simon Magus to have been a brilliant man who was breaking new ground, both philosophically and spiritually.

Genres: Philosophy, History, Occult, Spirituality, Religion

108 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1978

About the author

George Robert Stowe Mead, who always published under the initialism G.R.S. Mead, was a historian, writer, editor, translator, and an influential member of the Theosophical Society, as well as founder of the Quest Society. His scholarly works dealt mainly with the Hermetic and Gnostic religions of Late Antiquity, and were exhaustive for the time period.

Reviews

[Per · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12892

A good summary of what's been said about Simon Magus over the centuries, his relation to Gnosticism and what his belief might have looked like.

I.—The Simon of the New Testament.
Acts (viii. 9-24). Text: The Greek Testament (with the readings adopted by the revisers of the authorized version); Oxford, 1881.

Now a certain fellow by name Simon had been previously in the city practising magic and driving the people of Samaria out of their wits, saying that he was some great one; to whom all from small to great gave heed, saying: "This man is the Power of God which is called Great." And they gave heed to him, owing to his having driven them out of their wits for a long time by his magic arts. But when they believed on Philip preaching about the Kingdom of God and the Name of Jesus Christ, they began to be baptized, both men and women. And Simon himself also believed, and after being baptized remained constantly with Philip; and was driven out of his wits on seeing the signs and great wonders that took place.

And the apostles in Jerusalem hearing that Samaria had received the Word of God, sent Peter and John to them. And they went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet it had not fallen upon any of them, but they had only been baptized unto the Name of the Lord Jesus.

Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. And when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given by the laying on of the hands of the apostles, he offered them money, saying: "Give unto me also this power, in order that on whomsoever I lay my hands he may receive the Holy Spirit."

But Peter said unto him: "Thy silver perish with thee, in that thou didst think that the gift of God is possessed with money. There is not for thee part or lot in this Word, for thy heart is not right before God. Therefore turn from this evil of thine, and pray the Lord, if by chance the thought of thy heart shall be forgiven thee. For I see that thou art in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity."

And Simon answered and said: "Pray ye on my behalf to the Lord, that none of the things that ye have said may come upon me."

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/...)

[Sam Skousen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good history and background. It answers questions about the Catholic Church ad its founding that fills many holes that exist in its history. My disappointment rests in the lack of references and footnotes to backup the information.

[Vincent Konrad · Rating 1 out of 5]

A lot of repetition of sources and v little information. Could probs get more from Wikipedia.

[Bobby Daugherty · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fan fiction, nothing more. It presents itself as a history of Simon Magus and his beliefs and quickly gives way to theosophy.

[pat roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. Recommended for anyone interested in Gnosticism,magic ,history or philosophy. A sort of ancient red herring comes to mind. It's amazing the type of shit we believe when it is believed to come from a reliable source. But, since no one ever has the time or will to do their own investigation we get what we earn. The old term beggars can't be choosers takes on a whole new aspect.

Interesting, informative and I believe very important. Would recommend for anyone interested in Gnosticism, magic, history, philosophy or early Christianity. The story brings a sort of ancient red herring to mind. It's truly amazing what type of shit we'll fall for when it's believed to have come from a trusted or reliable source. But I guess since no one ever has the time or the will to do their own work they grab up whatever b.s. they can just so they don't "look" dumb. The old cliche "beggars can't be choosers" takes on a whole new aspect of meaning. I'd check it out.

[Hanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindblowing!