Customer Reviews

Gnosis and Faith in Early Christianity: An Introduction to Gnosticism

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If I were currently teaching a course on the very complex religious phenomenon of gnosticism in the ancient world to an audience unfamiliar with the subject, this would undoubtedly be on the required reading list. There are at least six reasons for my enthusiasm about this book.
First, the book is simply organized. This perhaps may not be such a feat in and of itself, but with a topic as difficult to pin down as gnosticism, this is done very well. Anyone can follow the author's layout.
Second, Roukema's parlance is not for the scholar, but for the beginner. His syntax is not characterized by multiple subordinate clauses and the fifty-cent words of academia, but is simple and straight-forward. I imagine a high schooler could read this book with as much ease as anyone.
Third, the author simplifies the subject, but does not over simplify -- at least, not too much. When he does, however, he lets you know.
Fourth, although he finally disagrees with the gnostic perspective, his evaluation of it is practically undetectable until the end. That is, it reads very impartially. He is even sympathetic with the gnostic ideology at times.
Fifth, the reader comes away with some interaction with primary sources. While there are no lengthy quotations here (after all, it's just an introductory book), Roukema offers commentary on specific texts he feels are representative of certain communities.
Sixth, there are recommendations for further reading, which puts the icing on this lovely cupcake of a book.