Hard to imagine a better introduction to gnosticism

books:


	• Gnosticism: New Light on the Ancient Tradition of Inner Knowing Stephen A Hoeller Quest Books, 2002 - 220 pages average customer review:based on 19 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

A good introduction to Gnosticism

Gnosticism provides an alternative view to what is essential in Christianity. A religion should never become just an empty 'belief' - so if you are curious about Gnosticism, then this is a pretty good introduction into the subject. Though, a layperson may find this book slightly confusing at times because many new concepts are introduced in it. -So I'd suggest you use a highlight pen to sort out the most interesting contents.

Other religions were mentioned in the book too. There was something about Mandaeans, Manicheans and Cathars - three religions that bear a distinctly Gnostic character. And parallels were drawn also to the Hindu and the Buddhist traditions.

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A Great Introduction

This is a great place to begin for the seeker who wishes to learn about the path of Gnosticism. The problem is that Gnosticism is largely an umbrella term for a wide body of sometimes conflicting beliefs and traditions, which pre-date even Christianity. Much of the books available, while scholarly, are often long-winded and confusing. Perhaps this is due to the nature of the Gnostic path itself, being heavily based on myth and symbol, unique to each individual. Dr. Stephan A. Hoeller, whose contributions to the 20th century Gnostic revival are immeasurable, has done a fine job of assembling some of the basic tenets, influences, and history of Gnosticism, in this introductory book.

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Hard to imagine a better introduction to gnosticism

This is a wonderful book. I love this book, from the cover with the colourized woodcut of the Quester breaking through to another world, to the informative back cover. I recommend it to anyone interested in Gnosticism, the history of Christianity, or even to someone just looking to read something learned, fascinating, but unusual. I particularly recommend it to the person who may feel they have gnostic sensibilities. To such a person this book will be a revelation. In Gnosticism Dr. Hoeller took so many of what were to me intriguing loose ends and wove them into the beginnings of a substantial personal gnostic fabric. After reading this book, I was left feeling much happier in the knowledge that I was following, and indeed was a part of, an ancient tradition, and that there have always been others, and are currently a significant minority of others, who think in a similar way to me. Indeed, the book leaves one with the feeling that doors have been opened, but that, consequently, much more can now be accomplished, always bearing in mind that, 'The subject (Gnosticism) is not one that lends itself to an all too elementary treatment; rather, it requires a certain subtlety of thinking and a proclivity for an intuitive perception.' Preface, xi.

While Dr. Hoeller is always a consummate scholar, the book is written in a contemporary, readable, and extremely entertaining style. It has an excellent index, bibliography, and a helpful glossary. Highly recommended.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4

This authoritative introduction reveals Gnosticism as the indigenous mystical tradition of the West and considers its message to Judeo-Christianity in the twenty-first century.

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