The Gnostics: History*Tradition*Scriptures*Influence

by Andrew Phillip Smith

According to the ancient Gnostics--the early Christians who wrote such controversial texts as the recently discovered Gospel of Judas--we are all capable of "gnosis," or direct knowledge of the true reality that lies behind the material world. Andrew Phillip Smith, author of respected works on the lost sayings of Jesus, the Gospel of Philip, and other Gnostic subjects, now offers a highly accessible layman's introduction to this long-suppressed philosophy that offers an intriguing alternative to accepted Christian beliefs. With references to "The Da Vinci Code," "The Matrix," and other fictions inspired by the Gnostic worldview, this is an eye-opening, and possibly life-changing book meant to revive forgotten traditions, and perhaps even allow readers to experience gnosis themselves.

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

256 pages, Paperback

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.