The Gnostics: History • Tradition • Scriptures • Influence

by Andrew Phillip Smith

The Gnostics brilliantly illuminates the mystical movement that teaches knowledge of God rather than unquestioning faith. In today’s multicultural world, the Gnostic doctrine of personal over organised religion is growing hugely in influence.

• Discover the myths and practices of this ancient movement
• Follow the path of Gnosticism through the triumphs and tragedies of the Cathars, the Manichaeans and, in today’s Iraq, the Mandaeans
• Witness the dramatic discoveries of the Gnostic gospels – including the Gospel of Judas – lost for fifteen centuries

Genres: Religion, Gnosticism, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Christianity, History

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2008

Reviews

[Edward · Rating 4 out of 5]

The original gnostics were Christian-related, but used myth and metaphor to usually turn conventional Biblical beliefs upside down. "Salvation" in most gnostic beliefs (it should be emphasized that diversity, not dogma, is the norm in most gnostic outlooks) on knowledge, not on faith or deeds as in most Christian sects. The world is characterized as being in a state of ignorance. Interestingly, the author finds traces of ancient gnostic belief in the contemporary graphic novel writer, Alan Moore, author of THE WATCHMEN. What is the notion of "virtual reality" but a variant on gnostic beliefs that we live in a world of "ignorance"?

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

A reasonably good introduction and overview of the theology and history of the Gnostics, but difficult to follow. Many terms are presented with only sketchy details about their meaning requiring a lot of time spent searching for additional details (i.e., thanks WikiTap!(iPhone app)).

[Joel Zartman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. Agrees in general with the things people say about gnostics. Not thrilling, but then, neither was the object of this study.