Pistis Sophia [Kindle Edition]

G.R.S. Mead (Author, Translator)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This is G.R.S. Mead's translation of the Pistis Sophia, the most extensive Gnostic scripture available until the discovery of Nag Hammadi texts in 1945.

The Pistis Sopha is a startling blend of primitive Christianity and Hellenic Paganism, with other elements such as reincarnation, Astrology, Mystery religion and Hermetic magic. The Goddess makes an appearance in the guise of Sophia, a fallen angel.

The text is notable because the female disciples of Jesus are treated as active participants in the discourse, in a way that would be unimaginable in later Christianity. Tensions between the men and women disciples are not glossed over. On p. 47, Peter complains that Mary and the other women disciples are monopolizing the discussion with Jesus: "My Lord, we will not endure this woman, for she taketh the opportunity from us and hath let none of us speak, but she discourseth many times." Later, Mary (p. 135) expresses her misgivings about Peter: "I am afraid of Peter, because he threatened me and hateth our sex."--J.B. Hare

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)

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Product Details

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 306 KB
• Print Length: 224 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Evinity Publishing Inc; 1.0 edition (May 26, 2009)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B002BA5HQY
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #205,207 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "extraordinaire", May 4, 2000

By 

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

This review is from: Pistis Sophia (Paperback)

Ignore the 5 stars and put 6 stars instead! I am still wandering why it took such a long time for me to review this extraordinary gospel. This is one of the most easy to read and follow gospel within the Gnostic gospels, and indeed amongst many of the gospels. The language is clear and the gospel is well structured. Pistis is indeed a rare gospel: it tells of the secret words that you must say for you to reach the highest God and Goddess (not the God of creation); it informs you of the many gods and goddesses that exist and the levels of space they occupy. Mind you, all these is said by Jesus himself, that is the Gnostic Jesus. Mary Magdala (Jesus' partner) is so intelligent in her questions and answers, in fact Jesus tells her that her spirit has been purified and therefore at its best (of course hoping that this is a genuine praise and not based on partner favouritism). But yes, Mary Magadala, beside the praises from her partner, is quite outstanding. She even tells Jesus that she is scared of Peter since St Peter hates the female race! Do not expect anything canonical or convetional from this gospel. It is a very disturbing gospel, yet very powerful indeed. It even explains the difficult parables: "5 will be in a house and 3 will rise against 2 and 2 against 3..." It also explains the parable of the coin - give to Caesar that which belongs to him... This is one gospel, which I must concur, I also do not understand why it has not received much attention as the other gospels!

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great introduction to Christian Gnostic Universe, December 12, 1999

By 

"burunduk" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pistis Sophia: A Gnostic Gospel (Steinerbooks, 1724) (Hardcover)

Although considered a minor Gnostic text by some scholars of Gnosticism, this document provides an excellent introduction to the universe of a Christian Gnostic of the time of Christ. After reading this I would suggest to go on to "Nag Hammadi" and "The Apocryphal New Testament : A Collection of Apocryphal Christian Literature in an English Translation."

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Metaphysical teachings of Jesus, October 26, 2002

By 

Jhershierra (Houston, Texas United States 77056) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pistis Sophia (Paperback)

This gospel can be read on many levels, Jesus explains the mysteries of Life to his disciples and his beloved Mary Magdeline. These discussions take place after his resurrection and describe his ascension into heaven and his return. Explaining the many levels (mysteries of the universe) also using Sophia (fallen angel and her redemption) as examples for greater understanding. Jesus was the alchemical blueprint for which humanity was to follow. We have greatly misunderstood his purpose and in reading this text you can only gather one level unless you understand that humanity's purpose is to make the ascension/resurrection and that we are all sons and daughters of the ONE I AM. ...