Gnosis: The Nature and History of Gnosticism

by Kurt Rudolph

Presents a readable and appealing introduction to what otherwise might seem an inaccessible religion of late antiquity.

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

413 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

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."

[Sarah Pangloss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scholarly. Comprehensive. Intense. Yet readable. The best study of the Gnostic sects; great for a personal library as a great resource and reference. Gnosticism 101.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so glad when it was over. . . .

[Christ-pher · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always start with original texts, and where you have translations, start with those instead of "new interpretations" or what you've seen with Ancient Greece and Edith Hamilton, etc. That we have original texts from the so-called Gnostic (early Christian) traditions is gift, so don't look at gift miracle in it rotten tomato, if you know what I mean (I don't).

That said, you need context and background in order to tackle original Gnostic material. Kurt Rudolph's book is a decent introduction after you've realized a popular series like what Elaine Pagels has written doesn't quite satisfy scratching the Gnostic itch. You will also realize how a book like this makes it essential that any study of Gnosticism must be in tandem with a study of Jewish mysticism previous to and after Christ (chiefly in the Kabbalah). And what else? Oh yeah, the study of Christianity, which is difficult for a lazy English-speaker like me who hasn't ventured outside of the King James as far as versions go.

Check this out with The Gnostic Bible and The Other Bible anthologies edited by Willis Barnstone.

[Ignacio Plancarte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A complete comprehensive guide to everything you’d want to know about gnosis. It covers everything from mythological and cosmological teachings, to the history behind the different schools and sects of gnosis, and the discovery of the nag hammadi library which made it possible for this book to even be made.
Reading deeply into gnosis and learning about what it truly means to be a gnostic was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had learning about a religion. It has such a profound take on what it means to be human and definitely won’t lose its grip on me. For anyone even remotely interested with spirituality I highly recommend delving into this fascinating religious movement.

[Rene · Rating 4 out of 5]

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."

[Josephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very informative book.

[عطيه محام]

it's good book , i like it so much

[Wil · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good read

[Dariusz Płochocki · Rating 4 out of 5]

"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.