Gnosis: The Nature and History of Gnosticism by Kurt Rudolph

Gnosis: The Nature and History of Gnosticism Reviews

• 
  Marianne

  This is a truly excellent study of Gnosticism and its development and how it relates to other major ancient religions and systems of thought. Of particular interest: the relationship between Gnosticism and early Christianity, the apocryphal texts, the Catholic Church, certain mystical traditions, and certain metaphysical/spiritual ideas including reincarnation ("rebirth" or "transmigration of souls"), the nature of the human being and the nature of the soul, the nature of Christ, the nature of the Old Testament God, the origin of the local universe, "the call," particles of light, and the "spark."
• 
  Sara

  I was so glad when it was over. . . .
• 
  Christ-pher

  Cogent synopsis of the complex theology and history of Gnosticism (proto-Christian, Christian, and other).
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  Melody Schwarting

  An excellent and detailed examination of gnosis/gnosticism. This is really helpful for church historians looking to have a more measured understanding of gnosticism--Rudolph helpfully includes a discussion of heresiographic texts, and what aspects might be accurate and inaccurate. He solidly bases his work in the Nag Hammadi findings, with a good description of their origins and scholarship (spoiler: the history is almost Indiana Jones-worthy, and including grave robbing). I'm so glad this is available in English and has a lot of pictures and illustrations that help visualize this vast, ancient, syncretistic religion. Only one strand, the Mandeans, has made it to the present. Rudolph has contributed great research in that area.
• 
  Rene

  Siimon-Maag
  "Kord olevat Siimon lasknud ennast maha matta, et demonstreerida oma ülestõusmist, ei olevat aga enam ellu ärganud. Teise versiooni järgi olevat ta, et näidata Peetrusele oma imevõimeid, võtnud ette katse lennata Rooma kohal, kuid Peetrus olevat lasknud tal, hüüdes Kristuse poole, alla kukkuda. Siimon murdnud reieluu ja surnud."
• 
  Ondřej

  I wouldn't exactly call it readable and appealing, rather a demanding but rewarding scholarly analysis of Gnosticism.
• 
  Wil

  It is a good read
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  Dariusz Płochocki

  "Państwo to naprawdę przeczytali?"
  Gruntowy przekrój przez wczesnochrześcijańską gnozę, o ile oczywiście człek nie zagubi się w gąszczu pism i opisach kto ile eonów gdzie wyróżniał.