A Dictionary of Gnosticism - Softcover

Andrew Phillip Smith

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0835608697 ISBN 13: 9780835608695

Publisher: Quest Books,U.S., 2009

Synopsis

A Dictionary of Gnosticism is a scholarly yet accessible guide that covers the people, mythology, movements, scripture, and technical terms related to this pre-Christian Western religion. It contains nearly 1700 entries, from Aachiaram, an angel in the Secret Book of John to Zostrianos, a third-century Gnostic text, and is a reliable reference for the Nag Hammadi library and other Gnostic texts. An introduction explains who the Gnostics were and provides a whirlwind tour through the history of this captivating movement.

About this title

Review:

This book is the answer to the prayers of students and practitioners of Gnosticism from far and wide. Andrew Phillip Smith has given us a readable, informative and accurate compendium of words, names and concepts of Gnostic interest that will be welcomed and used abundantly.
--Dr. Stephan A. Hoeller, Bishop of the Ecclesia Gnostica and author of "Gnosticism: New Light on the Ancient Tradition of Inner Knowing"

Not only is this an excellent aid for anyone trying to make sense out of the complicated cosmologies and scriptures of the ancient Gnostics, but it also provides an overview of gnostic movements and mystics down through the centuries.
--Jay Kinney, author of "The Masonic Myth" and "The Inner West"
A long-awaited and indispensable grammar of classical Gnosticism - essential for any serious student, and a practical gem for the curious.
--Jordan Stratford, author of "Living Gnosticism"
More than a dictionary for reference and research, this book is an index of ideas and suggestions. Readers interested in Gnosticism and related alternative religions of earlier times will find a whole host of new ideas and leads and directions for further inquiry. Think of the book as a thousand starting points for your explorations into spiritual unknowns!
--Stevan Davies, Professor of Religious Studies, Misericordia University
"A Dictionary of Gnosticism" is a valuable resource for any student of Gnosis. If you need a helpful translator of the language, or a sympathetic guide to the beliefs of these extraordinary women and men who lived a long time ago, in a world far, far away, then this is the book for you. Think of it as the 'Lonely Cosmos Guide to Gnosis', and always pack a copy when you are setting out for that strange and exciting country. Have a great trip!
--Timothy Freke and Peter Gandy authors of "The Jesus Mysteries" and "The Gospel of the Second Coming"


"This book is the answer to the prayers of students and practitioners of Gnosticism from far and wide. Andrew Phillip Smith has given us a readable, informative and accurate compendium of words, names and concepts of Gnostic interest that will be welcomed and used abundantly.
" --Dr. Stephan A. Hoeller, Bishop of the Ecclesia Gnostica and author of "Gnosticism: New Light on the Ancient Tradition of Inner Knowing"

"Not only is this an excellent aid for anyone trying to make sense out of the complicated cosmologies and scriptures of the ancient Gnostics, but it also provides an overview of gnostic movements and mystics down through the centuries.
" --Jay Kinney, author of "The Masonic Myth" and "The Inner West
"

"A long-awaited and indispensable grammar of classical Gnosticism - essential for any serious student, and a practical gem for the curious.
" --Jordan Stratford, author of "Living Gnosticism
"

"More than a dictionary for reference and research, this book is an index of ideas and suggestions. Readers interested in Gnosticism and related alternative religions of earlier times will find a whole host of new ideas and leads and directions for further inquiry. Think of the book as a thousand starting points for your explorations into spiritual unknowns" --Stevan Davies, Professor of Religious Studies, Misericordia University

""A Dictionary of Gnosticism" is a valuable resource for any student of Gnosis. If you need a helpful translator of the language, or a sympathetic guide to the beliefs of these extraordinary women and men who lived a long time ago, in a world far, far away, then this is the book for you. Think of it as the 'Lonely Cosmos Guide to Gnosis', and always pack a copy when you are setting out for that strange and exciting country. Have a great trip!
" --Timothy Freke and Peter Gandy, authors of "The Jesus Mysteries" and "The Gospel of the Second Coming
"

About the Author:

Andrew Phillip Smith has been investigating early Christianity and Gnosticism for over a decade, sharing the results in presentations and writings. He is the author of The Lost Sayings of Jesus: Teachings from Ancient Christian, Jewish, Gnostic and Islamic Sources Annotated & Explained; The Gospel of Philip: Annotated & Explained (all SkyLight Paths) and The Gospel of Thomas: A New Version Based on Its Inner Meaning.

About this edition

• Publisher: Quest Books,U.S.
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0835608697
• ISBN 13: 9780835608695
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 296