Gnosticism: From Nag Hammadi to the Gospel of Judas [repost]

The three centuries following the death of Jesus were a momentous and turbulent era in Western religious thought. During this time, as Christianity began its massive ascent, distancing itself from paganism and Judaism, other important currents of religious belief appeared, in what became an epoch of intense theological conflict and debate.

In this age of burgeoning faith, few if any influences on the theological landscape were as significant or far-reaching as the religious movements known to us as Gnosticism. Gnosticism, one of the most fascinating and perplexing phenomena in Western religious history, intersected deeply with early Christian thought, sparking religious ideologies that competed with the theological thinking that came to define Christianity. And, though Gnosticism was eventually branded as heretical by the emerging orthodox church, the church formed many of its most central doctrines in response to Gnostic ideas.

But what was Gnosticism? Why did its ideas and mythology appeal to so many people? How did it influence other faiths, including Judaism, Christianity and Islam?And why did Christianity— while showing clear signs of Gnostic influence—condemn it?

This course takes on these provocative questions and more, in a narrative that unfolds as an enthralling religious detective story—penetrating the mysteries of a stigmatized yet profoundly important legacy of religious thought. Among many intriguing features of the story, you’ll learn that:

What we call “Gnosticism” comprises a number of related religious ideologies and movements, all of which sought “gnosis,” or immediate, direct, and intimate knowledge of God;
Gnostic groups reinterpreted and often rewrote Jewish and Christian scriptures, creating religious mythologies that struck deep chords in contemporary seekers;
Gnostic thought and practice reveal to us the precursors of the mystical tradition within Christianity.
Throughout its existence, Gnosticism maintained a continuing, contentious dialogue with Christian thought. Ultimately, such core Christian concepts as original sin, the immaculate conception, and heresy developed in response to Gnosticism. To study the history and theology of Gnosticism is to gain a deeply revealing view into how canonical Christianity developed as it did, and to comprehend some highly influential alternative religious paths in the West—the paths of gnosis.

In Gnosticism: From Nag Hammadi to the Gospel of Judas, Professor David Brakke of The Ohio State University is your guide in a richly detailed immersion in the theology, sacred writings, rituals, and outstanding human figures of the Gnostic movements. At the heart of the story is the 1945 discovery of the Nag Hammadi codices, a mysterious cache of ancient documents unearthed in the Egyptian desert, that gave us firsthand accounts of the Gnostics’ beliefs, practices, and ways of life. Studying these invaluable texts, along with more recent discoveries, such as the astonishing Gospel of Judas and Gospel According to Mary, gives you a profound look at Gnostic spirituality and its singular impact on religious history.

While fully respectful of traditional Christian beliefs, this course provides a valuable perspective on the development of Western religions and Christian theology.

Introduction to the Study of Religion

Religion in the Ancient Mediterranean World

Great World Religions: Christianity

Religions of the Axial Age: An Approach to the World's Religions

Great World Religions: Hinduism

Great World Religions: Islam

Great World Religions: Buddhism

Great World Religions: Judaism

Sex & God: How Religion Distorts Sexuality

Exploring the Roots of Religion

From Jesus to Constantine: A History of Early Christianity

Historical Jesus

History of Christianity in the Reformation Era

The World of Biblical Israel

Popes and the Papacy: A History

Early Christianity the Experience of the Divine

Introduction to Judaism

Beginnings of Judaism

Fall of the Pagans and the Origins of Medieval Christianity

Book of Genesis

Biblical Wisdom Literature

Lives of Great Christians

Buddhism and Modern Psychology

Lost Christianities: Christian...he Battles over Authentication

Comparative Religion

Cultural Literacy for Religion...ll-Educated Person Should Know

Jesus and His Jewish Influences

God and Mankind: Comparative Religions

Reading Biblical Literature: Genesis to Revelation