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Gnosticism: From Nag Hammadi to the Gospel of Judas cover art

Gnosticism: From Nag Hammadi to the Gospel of Judas

By: David Brakke, The Great Courses
Narrated by: David Brakke
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Summary

Gnosticism, one of the most fascinating and perplexing phenomena in Western religious history, sparked religious ideologies that competed with many other religions of the time, including the theological thinking that came to define Christianity. And, though the emerging Orthodox Church eventually condemned Gnosticism as heretical, the church formed many of its most central doctrines (such as original sin, the Immaculate Conception, and even the concept of heresy) in response to Gnostic ideas.

This fascinating 24-lecture course is a richly detailed guide to the theology, sacred writings, rituals, and outstanding human figures of the Gnostic movements. What we call "Gnosticism" comprised a number of related religious ideologies and movements, all of which sought "gnosis," or immediate, direct, and intimate knowledge of God. The Gnostics had many scriptures, but unlike the holy texts of other religions, Gnostic scriptures were often modified over time. Gnostic cosmology was extraordinarily intricate and multidimensional, but religious myth was simply a means to the ultimate end of gnosis.

Follow Gnostic ideology and its vivid impact on Western thought through the centuries, from its role in early religions and its re-emergence in medieval spirituality to its remarkable traces in modern popular culture, from science fiction novels like Blade Runner to Hollywood films like The Matrix. In delving into the paths of gnosis, you'll discover a compelling, alternative current of religious practice in the West, and reveal Gnostic influence resonating in Western spirituality even in the present day.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2015 The Great Courses (P)2015 The Teaching Company, LLC

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High quality study of Gnosticism

Would you listen to Gnosticism: From Nag Hammadi to the Gospel of Judas again? Why?

As a PhD in Theology, who gets questions on Gnosticism, I found this comprehensive study excellent. Many years ago the topic perhaps got a couple of pages in a New Tetament introduction, today it s a subject attracting courses from many perspectives.

What did you like best about this story?

The scope and depth of the lectures.the discussion on the views of the Alternative Christianity school(s) of thought.

Any additional comments?

It will be interesting to. See what emerges next from the Great Courses religion and Theology departments

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7 people found this helpful

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Excellent

I found this lecture series to be of much interest. The depth was perfect for myself, someone who had some familiarity with gnosticism through articles, videos and podcasts, but not an academic level of knowledge.

If you have taken a course on gnosticism before, you might not learn much more. If you haven't, then this is a superb introduction.

I was appreciative that a number of related topics were covered here: Valentinus, Irenaeus, Mani, Cathars, Augustine. I might have enjoyed more references to nag hammadi texts.

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6 people found this helpful

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complex made simple

very interesting and great narration. each chapter was summerised and difficult ideas were presented in a understandable way. I learned a lot about different gnostic and Christian religions and their subtleties. Will listen to it again as it's a very fascinating subject.

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fantastic .I have really enjoyed listening to it

it was long but it had ti be quite a complex issue I suppose thanks

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Excellent

Great lecture series covering the subject. Excellent style and narration. I worried it would be dry but quite the opposite.

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Fascinating

Hard to comprehend that a religious view has died out and so forgotten, it seems in many ways more in tune with today than mainstream Christianity. Excellent presentation, widely knowledgeable and relevant.

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A thorough and detailed overview of Gnosticism

Overall, a very informative course. The first few lectures were a bit overlong, going into a lot of detail over dozens of small variation in names and other mythical elements. Might be a little puzzling at first, but everything becomes much clearer as time passes. Very good performance by the narrator: clear and adequately paced presentation in good English. Made me understand better how things like Christianity, Platonism, Manichaeism and Jewish mysticism link up. I recommend it!

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mind expanding christian history

will be listening to this again! essential info for the enquirer into early christian thought

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so interesting from start to finish.

I loved it! Really accessible 30 min lecture format makes it so user friendly, brilliant.

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Great course on a complex subject

Brilliant overview that filled in a few gaps I had. The format was great and really helped draw connections through seemingly disparate aspects of religious and social history. Clear, direct narration too. Highly recommended.

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