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

Informative and Insightful

An excellent presentation of an oft-referenced but rarely understood collection of documents, subjects, and groups known by the catch-all term "gnostic". Professor Brakke provides overviews and analyses of the documents discovered at Nag Hammadi (and other finds) to illuminate and distinguish the diverse, rich traditions which produced them. He demonstrates an impressive level of expertise regarding the historical, philosophical, and spiritual backgrounds of each document and each tradition. He also provides a refreshing perspective on what happened to these groups, how they influenced faiths and concepts both ancient and modern, and how they might have developed from their unique cultural settings. Highly recommended!

Amazed this view of Christianity has remained "underground".

As promised you are given "secrete" knowledge that seems to plug in many holes or questions I think many Christians have but are trained to feel too guilty to ask or pursue answers.
It seems like the ultimate undertaking of bringing he "best" of what people like about myth, religion, philosophy and story telling in general into one broad stroke.
Even as a former Christian...I can admit this story might have been harder to walk away from IMO.

5 stars indeed.

succeeded at sparking genuine interest into the origin of religion. which was what I set out to do. expanded on a lot of ideas I had thought of myself and answered in detail many questions I had ventured to ask. hearty lecture for anyone who's curious.

Want to learn about Gnosticism? Start here.

Great content and presentation. Recommended for beginners to the subject and those already in the Gnosis. Ahem.

More than just Gnosticism

Absolutely loved this course. Not only did it greatly cover Gnosticism but it also covered early Christianity and showed how well both Gnosticism and Orthodox affected each other. Honestly a must listen for people into early Christianity.