This eye-opening collection of texts sheds light on the esoteric
knowledge of Gnosticism, revealing intimate conversations between Jesus
and his Disciples.
In 1945, several gospels, hidden since the first century, were found in
the Egyptian Desert at Nag Hammadi. This discovery caused a sensation as
the scrolls revealed the mysteries of the Gnostics--a movement which
emerged during the formative period of Christianity. 'Gnosis', from the
Greek, broadly meaning 'hidden spiritual knowledge', was associated with
renouncing the material world, and focusing on attaining the life of the
Holy Spirit. Many Christian sects are derived from the esoteric
knowledge of Gnosticism.
The gospels selected here by Alan Jacobs reveal intimate conversations
between Jesus and his Disciples. The Gospel of Mary Magdalene sheds new
light on his relationship with his favorite follower, while the Gospel
of Thomas consists of mini-parables of deep inward and symbolic
meaning--many of which are not found in the New Testament. The wisdom in
this inspiring collection of texts is wholly relevant to our lives
today, addressing the questions of good and evil, sin and suffering, and
the path to salvation.