Gnosticism: From Nag Hammadi to the Gospel of Judas

By: David Brakke, The Great Courses

Narrated by: David Brakke

Gnosticism, one of the most fascinating and perplexing phenomena in Western religious history, sparked religious ideologies that competed with many other religions of the time, including the theological thinking that came to define Christianity. And, though the emerging Orthodox Church eventually condemned Gnosticism as heretical, the church formed many of its most central doctrines (such as original sin, the Immaculate Conception, and even the concept of heresy) in response to Gnostic ideas.

This fascinating 24-lecture course is a richly detailed guide to the theology, sacred writings, rituals, and outstanding human figures of the Gnostic movements. What we call "Gnosticism" comprised a number of related religious ideologies and movements, all of which sought "gnosis," or immediate, direct, and intimate knowledge of God. The Gnostics had many scriptures, but unlike the holy texts of other religions, Gnostic scriptures were often modified over time. Gnostic cosmology was extraordinarily intricate and multidimensional, but religious myth was simply a means to the ultimate end of gnosis.

Follow Gnostic ideology and its vivid impact on Western thought through the centuries, from its role in early religions and its re-emergence in medieval spirituality to its remarkable traces in modern popular culture, from science fiction novels like Blade Runner to Hollywood films like The Matrix. In delving into the paths of gnosis, you'll discover a compelling, alternative current of religious practice in the West, and reveal Gnostic influence resonating in Western spirituality even in the present day.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2015 The Great Courses (P)2015 The Teaching Company, LLC

Incredibly interesting

I have been interested in knowing more about gnosticism and this series of lectures satisfied my curiousity and offered even more. The narrator wasn't perfect, but it didn't really bother me. So much interesting information!

Really good introduction

This was a nice overview of Gnosticism. The only thing I would note is that the teacher showed some obvious biases in some of the content and misrepresents or at least oversimplifies Christian doctrine a few times.

A great book

really loved it. It is easy to listen to and explains so much
about the early Church, gnosticism, early Church leaders,
and so much more. If you are interested in this subject this is book for you.

David Brakke is a Great speaker.

Awesome series by a gifted speaker Brakke covers all the bases. I wish he had more lecture series. Highly recommended.

this is so good

this is a great overview of what is known about gnostics and similar groups from existing texts and historical record. Fascinating lectures!

Excellent course

Amazing professor! It’s very knowledgeable! Loved it!
I bought other courses with him as well.

Excellent

quality course, super informative - enjoyed immensely!!!

I highly recommend this course to those that are interested in historical subjects.

fascinating inside into dismissed faiths

Getting to know the boiling pot of interpretations, ancient thought influences and conflicting understandings in the origins of what would come to be the Christian Creed, while casting light on what these transcendental discoveries were, help made of this course priceless in so many levels.

know the real bible

can't know the bible without knowing whats missing from it as well. i love all that is gnosis

interesting read, enlightening

I especially enjoyed the last chapter, related to the modern world and Gonsticism today and what it has influenced.