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Cracking the Gnostic Code: The Powers in Gnosticism

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Walter Wink is the sort of writer who leaves me with the feeling of being better informed and better able to explore my own insights and principles, whether I happen to agree with him or not. His exploration of the subject of the Powers That Be is very well researched and thorough. This work is the application of insights from his Powers That Be trilogy, to Gnosticism.

Though he is not a specialist in Gnosticism, though he does not identify with Gnosticism, though he in one or two places makes a generalization about Gnosticism that I would correct with more nuance or reference to a text/teaching that varies from the generalization, I find his treatment of the subject of Gnosticism to be immensely relevant to an understanding of Gnosticism, Christianity, the ancient world, politics, and theology.

As regards Christianity and Gnosticism, he argues as a non-Gnostic Christian, that a renewed dialog between Christianity and the ancient Gnostic texts can help highlight and re-inforce themes in the NT regarding the powers that be, allowing Christians to re-consider and more deeply understand the Christian challenge as against the domination system of this world. He argues for Christians learning from this part of Gnosticism without becoming Gnostic.

As regards Gnosticism and the Powers That Be, his understanding of the social/historical context is very helpful. He draws attention to the fact that there were political implications in writing Gnostic texts which portray hierarchies of cosmic forces resembling the structure of the Roman Empire and its centurions as ignorant archons(rulers) with henchmen. He emphasizes the critique against the worldly powers of abuse, domination, control, and injustice, in the context of ancient Christian Gnosticism.

A must read for Christians, Gnostics, and any who are interested in the subject of religion and the fight against the misuse of power.