The Gnostic Discoveries

Description

The Meaning of the Nag Hammadi, now in paperback opens the with the thrilling adventure story of the discovery of the ancient Papyrii at Nag Hammadi. Muhammad Ali, the fellahin, discovered the sealed jar, he feared that it might contain a jinni, or spirit, but also had heard of hidden treasures in such jars. Greed overcame his fears and when he smashed open the jar, gold seemed to float into the air. To his disappointment, it was papyrus fragmenst, not gold, but for scholars around the world, it was invaluable.Meyer then discusses the pre–Christian forms of wisdom that went onto influence what Christians believe today. In addition, some Nag Hammadi texts are attributed to Valentinus, a man who almost became Pope, and whose rejection changed the church in significant ways. Text by text, Meyer traces the history and impact of this great find on the Church, right up to our current beliefs and popular cultural fascination with this officially suppressed secret knowledge about Jesus and his followers.

First Sentence

SINCE THE DISCOVERY of the ancient texts that comprise the Nag Hammadi library, the world of the historical Jesus, the schools of Judaism and Greco-Roman religion, and the varieties of Christianity has begun to look remarkably different than it did once upon a time.

Subjects

Other Editions

• The Gnostic Discoveries: The Impact of the Nag Hammadi LibraryHarperOne2006-12-12
• The Gnostic DiscoveriesHarperOne2005-11-08
• The Gnostic DiscoveriesHardcoverHarperOne2005-11-08
• Gnostic DiscoveriesPaperbackDarton, Longman & Todd Ltd.2006-11-14
• The Gnostic DiscoveriesPaperbackHarperOne2006-12-12