The Essence of the Gnostics

by Bernard Simon

Gnosticism brought to life through engaging stories, historical anecdotes, key facts and accessible description.The ancient parables, disciplines, quotations and distillations of wisdom that lie at its foundation.An orderly study programme for individuals, families, study groups schools and colleges. This book brings to life this spiritual and philosophical movement that has dramatically shaped and influenced world thinking today.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Gnosticism, Spirituality, Philosophy, Christian

240 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Derek Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This i a most strange book. It brings a surprisingly wide range of background to the study of what gnosticism was and what it might still be. Yet it seems to have been put together with an egg beater. Careful citations from original material alternate with totally unattributed "quotes." And the tone changes without explanation from objective to almost proselytizing. Even stranger, some material is introduced through an online review of book talking about the subject at hand, effectively presenting a third remove from the original.

If you want to learn something about how gnosticism grew – where it came from, where it went and how it has, in modern times, somewhat resurfaced – this isn't a bad introduction. To learn the particulars, you really do need to go elsewhere, however, and the bibliography can help with that.

Try looking for "Bernard Simon" online and you will find nothing. It's pretty clear that no such person exists, that this book was put together by an uncredited and mysterious committee. Well, that makes the whole thing pretty gnostic, doesn't it? But it also leads to peculiar contradictions of approach, with the "author" within a few paragraphs taking apparently positive and negative reactions to the same writings.

It seems a shame that so much work went into something which, if it had been produced more honestly, might be a lot more useful and, in today's terms, "transparent." And do skip the modern section at the end. It's mostly a once-over of postwar psychology which doesn't belong, having little to do with anything genuinely gnostic.

[Derrick Ferree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gnosis is a sexy term for the wannabe spiritual guru. Too bad it is often left undefined or open to anyone's particular feeling toward life. The traditional view, which this book lays out, is just as silly as most of the religions that were formed before the big five we have today. The author does a good job pointing this out and contrasting the different sects that are involved in ancient gnosticism and modern gnosticism. However, the book is a little repititive and doesn't venture boldly into heretical thought enough to keep a spiritual seeker entertained. It is a good introduction, and an easy-to-read, scholarly look into the world of the gnostics. For that reason, I'm left where I started, but enjoy the opportunity to call myself gnostic in some ways that would agitate the orthodox believer and the fundamentalist. Feminism, duality, secret knowledge hidden to those less qualified to handle it? Sexy. Real? Hedonistic? Depends. And don't be naive to think that gnostic thought hasn't influenced art, society, and music in the modern day... spurning the interest in secret societies and confusing what traditional believers label as evil... This book is just another look at the various belief systems in this strange human life, and one that many could read very quickly and take what they wanted from the author's perspective. Gnosticism, however, is best left pared down and coupled with what the evolution of spiritual and scientific thought offer, and because of it's open nature (in today's gnosticism) it could provide a more cohesive and universal spiritual take that utilizes ALL knowledge. After all, they define themselves as seekers of spiritual truths that begin with a search within themselves all the while staying true to a pursuit of knowledge both known and secret. Why wouldn't they evolve and continue to challenge an old, antiquated, perhaps, incorrect, way of thinking? Like I said, it's kind of sexy. A little danger, and a little mystery, sprinkled with a little pride. Maybe that's why it's considered so devilish. This book is a springboard, but I doubt many will jump because the truth of the sect is less adventurous and more crude. An honest look from (probably) an atheist is appropriate and maybe slightly opportunistic, but overall useful for anyone looking to define themselves as something that doesn't fit the mold. Blessed be the journey.

[Shoma]

I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something a little off about this book. For one, I can find absolutely no information of who the author is. Or if he is. And the tone of the writing is random, moving from matter-of-fact, encyclopedic no nonsense to abruptly opinionated. It feels, in fact, as if it were a Wikipedia summary by a contributor who forgets to be objective from time to time and tells you not to confuse Titane with Tetines and assures you that Ziggy Stardust was Gnostic. It's still a fairly good overview of gnosticism although eh information is collected together rather haphazardly.

[Persephone Abbott · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book went around in circles and got nowhere, which is not surprising given the subject matter. Was it supposed to be historical? Instructive? Enthusiastic? Theorectical? Theurgic? I was not feeling it.

[tl · Rating 2 out of 5]

a nice introduction to the essence of gnosticism but i thought it was a bit too lightweight. i wish it had been a bit more scholarly.