The Elements of Gnosticism (The "Elements of..." Series) [Paperback]

Stuart Holroyd (Author)

Book Description

Series: The "Elements of..." Series | Publication Date: December 1997

Gnosis is Greek for knowledge, gnosticism offers a dramatic account of creation and has both similarities and significant differences from Christianity. In ancient times, Gnosticism rivalled Christianity in popularity, and now is finding an increasing following in the West. Its central beliefs is that the creation is not divine and that only the soul of man has any true goodness. This text explains the meaning of Gnosticism, giving details of its history and relationship with Christianity. Discussion is included on the Gnostics themselves and the main teachings of the faith, as well as the major schools of Gnostic thought and literature.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Element Books Ltd; 2nd edition (December 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1862041466
• ISBN-13: 978-1862041462
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,303,685 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Love Gnosticism, November 23, 1999

By 

O. B. Makhubela (South Africa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Elements of Gnosticism (The "Elements of..." Series) (Paperback)

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!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best introduction to Gnosticism available!, October 4, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Elements of Gnosticism (Paperback)

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!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent historical overview by a fine author., May 18, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Elements of Gnosticism (The "Elements of..." Series) (Paperback)

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.