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Gnosticism: From Nag Hammadi to the Gospel of Judas

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Gnosticism: From Nag Hammadi to the Gospel of Judas

By: David Brakke, The Great Courses
Narrated by: David Brakke
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About this listen

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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What listeners say about Gnosticism: From Nag Hammadi to the Gospel of Judas

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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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excellent lecture series

suitable depth for an audible course. many courses are too shallow. you learn at a suitable depth on this course while still being able to follow along.

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A Balanced & Informed Introduction to the Subject

Provides a balanced & informed overview of the history, theology & influence of Gnostic schools of thought. Marvellous.

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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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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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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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mind expanding christian history

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

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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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Fantastic overview

David Brakke has really outdone himself with these lectures. As someone interested in studying all the offshoots of the early church, these lectures gave me an accessible birds eye view of the entire landscape, different sects, early schools, and how historically things have evolved in the last 2000 years. The lectures take time to assimilate but that’s only because of the painstakingly detailed and passionate discussion of the topic at hand. Thank you David for bringing me up to speed quickly on some many key topics, people and movements of the early and later Church.

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This was really interesting and informative.

Going to give it a second listen a lot to take in, but very good, makes me want to look more in ancient philosophy!

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