Publication
Wheaton, Ill. : Quest Books, 2002.
Call number
Commentary / Hoell
ISBN
0835608166 / 9780835608169
Collections
Physical description
xi, 257 p.; 23 cm
Description
Gnosticism developed alongside Judeo-Christianity over two thousand years ago, but with an important difference: It emphasizes, not faith, but direct perception of God--Gnosticism being derived from the Greek word gnosis, meaning "knowledge." Given the controversial premise that one can know God directly, the history of Gnosticism is an unfolding drama of passion, political intrigue, martyrdom, and mystery. Dr. Hoeller traces this fascinating story throughout time and shows how Gnosticism has inspired such great thinkers as Voltaire, Blake, Yeats, Hesse, Melville, and Jung.
Language
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The gnostic religion : the message of the alien God and the beginnings of Christianity by Hans Jonas
User reviews
LibraryThing member poetontheone
If one wishes to gather a basic understanding of Gnostic tradition, its lineage, and its relevance in contemporary thought this is as good a place to start as any. It is comprehensive enough in scope, but being an introduction it does not delve too deep into any one component of its subject. The
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tone of the book is its major flaw. Hoeller at times comes across as proselytizing and dogmatic, and at times seems unprofessional, at times injecting his prose with awkardly placed irony and colloquial talk, or referencing his own work and expertise. It is hoped that a critical reader can pass can pass over the work's shortcomings, that they neither dismiss it nor embrace it as some sort of self help tract, andd see it as a general and helpful introduction to a long and fruitful set of traditions. The appended reading list is balanced and extensive. He who has ears, let him hear. He who seeks, and continues to seek, shall find. Show Less