Studies in Gnosticism and Alexandrian Christianity (Nag Hammadi and Manichaean Studies) [Hardcover]

R. van den Broek (Author), Roelof Van Den Broek (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1996 | ISBN-10: 9004106545 | ISBN-13: 978-9004106543

The discovery of the Nag Hammadi Library (1945) has given an enormous impetus not only to the study of ancient Gnosticism but also to that of early Christianity in general. Most of the studies contained in this volume deal with mythological conceptions and theological ideas found in various Nag Hammadi writings. The gnostic views on the nature of God and on creation and salvation receive particular attention, ranging from Philo to the medieval Cathars. The Nag Hammadi Library also shed new light on the development of early Alexandrian Christianity and its theology. The book contains six studies which explicitly deal with these topics. This volume is of interest to students of Gnosticism, early Christianity and Graeco-Roman religious and philosophical ideas in general.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 300 pages
• Publisher: Brill Academic Pub (November 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9004106545
• ISBN-13: 978-9004106543
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,962,123 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Studies in Gnosticism and Alexandrian Christianity, November 7, 2009

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This review is from: Studies in Gnosticism and Alexandrian Christianity (Nag Hammadi and Manichaean Studies) (Hardcover)

The study of Gnosticism is now quite impossible without a thorough knowledge of the Nag Hammadi writings and, consequently, of the Coptic language. It is, however, the author's firm conviction that these often extremely difficult texts, as well as Gnosticism in general, can only be understood within the broader religious and philosophical context of the Graeco-Roman world, and that, within that context, Judaism and Christianity should not be isolated, as if they were opposed to the rest of the religious traditions of the ancient world, but must be considered integral parts of it. It is from this point of view that the studies in this collection have been written.

Other titles by R. van den Broek include: Gnosis and Hermeticism from Antiquity to Modern Times (Suny Series in Western Esoteric Traditions) , and From Poimandres to Jacob Bohme: Hermetism, Gnosis and the Christian Tradition. Recommended for libraries devoted to Gnostic studies.