Elements of Gnosticism

by Stuart Holroyd

Book Overview

Aiming to clear away the mystery and misinformation which has resulted in a distorted understanding of its real significance, this book explores the subject of Gnosticism, a word which derives from the Greek gnosis, meaning knowledge. It provides an outline of the principal beliefs and teachings of the Gnostics, and presents an historical account of the Gnostic tradition, including its relationship with Christianity and the essential differences and...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1852304014
• ISBN13: 9781852304010
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: Element Books
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.0" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

I Love Gnosticism

I will love this book and its content for so long as I am on earth: of course until something dramatic to the contrary emerges. The book is a good intorduction into Gnosticism. It gives you the various interpretations of Genesis within the Gnosticism approach: there are two different and opposing Gods in the universe. Gnosticism gives me answers to questions that I have always pondered on: why does "God" (the God of wind/storm) behave so cruelly sometimes (especially in the Old Testament), may be even today. It provides various Gnostic schools of thought . Very simple and illuminating. Although it does not dwell deeply into the subjects, it does provide you with a good basic understanding of Gnosticism. Read together with "The Nag Hammadi Library in English" (the bible for the Gnostics), it will really blow your mind. Of course, it is not for orthodox conventional Christians, yet they may benefit from it, if they are willing of course!

Excellent historical overview by a fine author.

A concise historical overview of an oft surpressed current of Western thought with which not many today are familiar. The writing is engaging and thoughtfully organized. My only reservation is that the work's brevity may necessarily make some of Holroyd's associations seem slightly glib. However; viewed as a springboard to the topic, the book is superb. I highly recommend it to those with an interest in comparitive religion or history, or to anyone who delights in exploring ideas that have been deemed at times to dangerous for print.

The best introduction to Gnosticism available!

The best introduction to Gnosticism available! I read it in one day! Why was Gnosticism crushed by the Catholic Church? Why do many experts believe it will soon return as never before? Fundamentalist Christians - read this book and weep!