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THE SECRET RELIGION: Unveiling Hidden Beliefs and Ancient Mysteries in Christianity
Religious history in the Western world has been dominated by the power and doctrinal discipline of the Catholic Church. But, argues Tony Sunderland in his new book, we are not solely products of this tradition, nor of that of its Protestant challengers. Lost in the footnotes of history is the story of the Church’s fascinating heretical counterpart, Gnosticism.
The Gnostics were brutally persecuted and their ideas were suppressed. But their teachings were powerful enough to linger on in the collective unconscious of succeeding generations and to re-emerge in the most unexpected places. From symbols on the American one-dollar bill to the ideals of the 1960s counterculture, from heavy metal music to 21st-century technological innovations, various facets of Gnostic thought continue to offer us a way to interpret the meaning of our lives. As Sunderland traces the battle between the orthodox and heretical traditions of Christianity, his thorough research and ability to make counterintuitive connections reveal to us a struggle that continues to rage beneath the surface of contemporary life.
The Gnostics were brutally persecuted and their ideas were suppressed. But their teachings were powerful enough to linger on in the collective unconscious of succeeding generations and to re-emerge in the most unexpected places. From symbols on the American one-dollar bill to the ideals of the 1960s counterculture, from heavy metal music to 21st-century technological innovations, various facets of Gnostic thought continue to offer us a way to interpret the meaning of our lives. As Sunderland traces the battle between the orthodox and heretical traditions of Christianity, his thorough research and ability to make counterintuitive connections reveal to us a struggle that continues to rage beneath the surface of contemporary life.
Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2024
7 people want to read
About the author
Tony Sunderland
9 books61 followersTony Sunderland is an award winning Author and educational researcher who is acknowledged as an innovator in the writing and presentation of nationally accredited courses ranging from social science to the history of learning . He is particularly interested in the practice and history of what has become known as the ‘Western way of life’.
He believes that there are many alternative explanations of how ‘things came to be’ in the Western world and that these have either been ignored or suppressed by dominant and overpowering narratives of what can be termed as consensus history. His latest book ,'The Obelisk and the Cross' attempts to blend the orthodox view of Western history with alternative interpretations and propositions of historical events.
Tony has visited many of the main archaeological sites in Egypt, Israel, Jordon, Italy, Turkey and Greece. His current research interests centre on the investigation and understanding of ancient cultures that existed in the vicinity of the greater Mediterranean region. Tony has been married for 26 years and has two children.
He believes that there are many alternative explanations of how ‘things came to be’ in the Western world and that these have either been ignored or suppressed by dominant and overpowering narratives of what can be termed as consensus history. His latest book ,'The Obelisk and the Cross' attempts to blend the orthodox view of Western history with alternative interpretations and propositions of historical events.
Tony has visited many of the main archaeological sites in Egypt, Israel, Jordon, Italy, Turkey and Greece. His current research interests centre on the investigation and understanding of ancient cultures that existed in the vicinity of the greater Mediterranean region. Tony has been married for 26 years and has two children.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 12, 2024
The Secret Religion by Tony Sunderland is a compelling and educational exploration of the evolution of religion in Western societies, focusing on the enigmatic esoteric tradition of Christianity known as Gnosticism. Sunderland skillfully contrasts this hidden tradition with the beliefs of traditional orthodox Christians, particularly in their understanding of the origins of their faith and the cosmos. The book invites readers to journey back to the city of Nicaea in 325 CE, where the council of senior church bishops, under the influence of Emperor Constantine, negotiated a uniform conception of Jesus Christ and his relationship with God. Sunderland's narrative extends beyond historical analysis. He delves into the influence of Gnostic thought in various forms of art, including music and movies, revealing how secretive gnosis has permeated popular culture. Additionally, he explores the intersection of gnosis and technology, offering insights into what the future may hold for humanity.
The Secret Religion is a richly detailed account that will captivate intellectually curious readers. Sunderland provides access to a wealth of quotes and references, including works by notable figures like the controversial academic and author John Allegro, one of the first to link ancient Gnostics to the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s. The book also covers significant historical events, such as the discovery of the Nag Hammadi library in 1945, which sparked a renewed interest in Gnostic practices and ways of experiencing the divine. The book challenges preconceived notions about Christianity's uniformity throughout history, revealing surprising insights—such as the idea that a medieval pope might condemn the majority of today's Christians. Sunderland often adopts a detached, objective tone, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions from the evidence and sources he presents. His voice becomes more pronounced towards the book's conclusion, where he emphasizes the importance of integrating a personal quest for individual enlightenment into one's spiritual journey.
The Secret Religion is a thought-provoking and eye-opening read for anyone interested in the history of Christianity and the influence of secret religious groups in shaping media and culture. This book offers a fresh perspective on the world and the future, leaving a lasting impact on its readers.
The Secret Religion is a richly detailed account that will captivate intellectually curious readers. Sunderland provides access to a wealth of quotes and references, including works by notable figures like the controversial academic and author John Allegro, one of the first to link ancient Gnostics to the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s. The book also covers significant historical events, such as the discovery of the Nag Hammadi library in 1945, which sparked a renewed interest in Gnostic practices and ways of experiencing the divine. The book challenges preconceived notions about Christianity's uniformity throughout history, revealing surprising insights—such as the idea that a medieval pope might condemn the majority of today's Christians. Sunderland often adopts a detached, objective tone, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions from the evidence and sources he presents. His voice becomes more pronounced towards the book's conclusion, where he emphasizes the importance of integrating a personal quest for individual enlightenment into one's spiritual journey.
The Secret Religion is a thought-provoking and eye-opening read for anyone interested in the history of Christianity and the influence of secret religious groups in shaping media and culture. This book offers a fresh perspective on the world and the future, leaving a lasting impact on its readers.
August 13, 2024
Review from Literary Titan.
The Secret Religion by Tony Sunderland is a compelling and educational exploration of the evolution of religion in Western societies, focusing on the enigmatic esoteric tradition of Christianity known as Gnosticism. Sunderland skillfully contrasts this hidden tradition with the beliefs of traditional orthodox Christians, particularly in their understanding of the origins of their faith and the cosmos. The book invites readers to journey back to the city of Nicaea in 325 CE, where the council of senior church bishops, under the influence of Emperor Constantine, negotiated a uniform conception of Jesus Christ and his relationship with God. Sunderland’s narrative extends beyond historical analysis. He delves into the influence of Gnostic thought in various forms of art, including music and movies, revealing how secretive gnosis has permeated popular culture. Additionally, he explores the intersection of gnosis and technology, offering insights into what the future may hold for humanity.
The Secret Religion is a richly detailed account that will captivate intellectually curious readers. Sunderland provides access to a wealth of quotes and references, including works by notable figures like the controversial academic and author John Allegro, one of the first to link ancient Gnostics to the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s. The book also covers significant historical events, such as the discovery of the Nag Hammadi library in 1945, which sparked a renewed interest in Gnostic practices and ways of experiencing the divine. The book challenges preconceived notions about Christianity’s uniformity throughout history, revealing surprising insights—such as the idea that a medieval pope might condemn the majority of today’s Christians. Sunderland often adopts a detached, objective tone, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions from the evidence and sources he presents. His voice becomes more pronounced towards the book’s conclusion, where he emphasizes the importance of integrating a personal quest for individual enlightenment into one’s spiritual journey.
The Secret Religion is a thought-provoking and eye-opening read for anyone interested in the history of Christianity and the influence of secret religious groups in shaping media and culture. This book offers a fresh perspective on the world and the future, leaving a lasting impact on its readers.
The Secret Religion by Tony Sunderland is a compelling and educational exploration of the evolution of religion in Western societies, focusing on the enigmatic esoteric tradition of Christianity known as Gnosticism. Sunderland skillfully contrasts this hidden tradition with the beliefs of traditional orthodox Christians, particularly in their understanding of the origins of their faith and the cosmos. The book invites readers to journey back to the city of Nicaea in 325 CE, where the council of senior church bishops, under the influence of Emperor Constantine, negotiated a uniform conception of Jesus Christ and his relationship with God. Sunderland’s narrative extends beyond historical analysis. He delves into the influence of Gnostic thought in various forms of art, including music and movies, revealing how secretive gnosis has permeated popular culture. Additionally, he explores the intersection of gnosis and technology, offering insights into what the future may hold for humanity.
The Secret Religion is a richly detailed account that will captivate intellectually curious readers. Sunderland provides access to a wealth of quotes and references, including works by notable figures like the controversial academic and author John Allegro, one of the first to link ancient Gnostics to the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s. The book also covers significant historical events, such as the discovery of the Nag Hammadi library in 1945, which sparked a renewed interest in Gnostic practices and ways of experiencing the divine. The book challenges preconceived notions about Christianity’s uniformity throughout history, revealing surprising insights—such as the idea that a medieval pope might condemn the majority of today’s Christians. Sunderland often adopts a detached, objective tone, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions from the evidence and sources he presents. His voice becomes more pronounced towards the book’s conclusion, where he emphasizes the importance of integrating a personal quest for individual enlightenment into one’s spiritual journey.
The Secret Religion is a thought-provoking and eye-opening read for anyone interested in the history of Christianity and the influence of secret religious groups in shaping media and culture. This book offers a fresh perspective on the world and the future, leaving a lasting impact on its readers.
September 28, 2024
Mr. Sunderland takes a look at Gnosticism and Christianity from a academic, historical-critical perspective.
“However, the end of days of Paul and Peter have not eventuated. There has been no divine Armageddon or judgement of the risen dead.” loc. 132,820
Mr. Sunderland describes Catholic eschatology.
“The final kingdom of God on earth will include the risen and immortal body and soul.” loc. 29,274
He might have a hard time convincing some Catholics of that.
According to Catholic teaching, the "Kingdom of God" is considered to be both present in the Church's work on Earth and a future reality that will be fully realized at the Second Coming of Christ, meaning that while there is a sense of a future earthly kingdom, it is not a physical reign on Earth as some interpretations might suggest; the focus is on the spiritual aspect of the Kingdom of God that is already present through the Church and will be fully realized in the afterlife.
"The kingdom of God is neither an organization nor an institution, because it does not depend on earthly and human factors. The church is a place of divine action, and therefore the organ and instrument of salvation, but it cannot be said that it is the Kingdom of God on earth."
https://catholicleaguepolonia.org/fam...
The author supports his statement by contrasting the Gnostic belief that the heavenly is good and the earthly is bad with the Christian idea that heaven and earth are good because God created them. In Christianity it is the carnal nature that is defeated. Some church fathers refer to a bodily resurrection like Job (19:26), but Job also used the term poetically (7:5).
The author refers to the New Heaven and New Jerusalem, but never refers to the New Earth. It is always just the earth. In Revelation heaven and earth have fled and there is no place for them (Rev 20:11). The New Heaven and New Earth merge in chapter 21. The church father Tertullian described this as a new state of existence.
Historical-critical interpretation is an extremely literal form of interpretation where the scripture writer's psychology is determined by the political and social pressures of the time. It was developed in the 17th and 18th centuries and is used by academicians like Bart Erdman and Elaine Pagels.
According to the author, modern people have outgrown ancient systems of belief and look towards new technologies like AI and trans-humanism for salvation.
“However, the end of days of Paul and Peter have not eventuated. There has been no divine Armageddon or judgement of the risen dead.” loc. 132,820
Mr. Sunderland describes Catholic eschatology.
“The final kingdom of God on earth will include the risen and immortal body and soul.” loc. 29,274
He might have a hard time convincing some Catholics of that.
According to Catholic teaching, the "Kingdom of God" is considered to be both present in the Church's work on Earth and a future reality that will be fully realized at the Second Coming of Christ, meaning that while there is a sense of a future earthly kingdom, it is not a physical reign on Earth as some interpretations might suggest; the focus is on the spiritual aspect of the Kingdom of God that is already present through the Church and will be fully realized in the afterlife.
"The kingdom of God is neither an organization nor an institution, because it does not depend on earthly and human factors. The church is a place of divine action, and therefore the organ and instrument of salvation, but it cannot be said that it is the Kingdom of God on earth."
https://catholicleaguepolonia.org/fam...
The author supports his statement by contrasting the Gnostic belief that the heavenly is good and the earthly is bad with the Christian idea that heaven and earth are good because God created them. In Christianity it is the carnal nature that is defeated. Some church fathers refer to a bodily resurrection like Job (19:26), but Job also used the term poetically (7:5).
The author refers to the New Heaven and New Jerusalem, but never refers to the New Earth. It is always just the earth. In Revelation heaven and earth have fled and there is no place for them (Rev 20:11). The New Heaven and New Earth merge in chapter 21. The church father Tertullian described this as a new state of existence.
Historical-critical interpretation is an extremely literal form of interpretation where the scripture writer's psychology is determined by the political and social pressures of the time. It was developed in the 17th and 18th centuries and is used by academicians like Bart Erdman and Elaine Pagels.
According to the author, modern people have outgrown ancient systems of belief and look towards new technologies like AI and trans-humanism for salvation.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews