ePub Developing Professional Skills: Workplace Law by Rachel Arnow-Richman; Nantiya Ruan in History

Description

The Secret History of the Gnostics offers long-awaited illumination on the mystical movement that teaches 'gnosis' - knowledge of God as opposed to unquestioning faith. Acclaimed author Andrew Phillip Smith delves into the myths and practices of this ancient movement; exploring its popularity during 2nd century AD; its subsequent decline under the weight of orthodoxy in the Church; and its present-day resurgence. Gnosticism has travelled a fascinating path - from the Manichaeans in Modern Persia between the 3rd and 7th centuries AD; to the triumphs and tragedies of the Cathars in Southern Europe between the 12th and 14th centuries; to; finally; today's Mandaeans in Iraq. However; as the author points out; the revival of Gnosticism extends further than these narrow sects; offering inspiration to a legion of literary figures; including Dan Brown and Philip Pullman. Gnosticism's emphasis on personal over organized religion; in keeping with the doctrine of the early Christian era during which it thrived; has found particular resonance with today's multicultural world. The Secret History of the Gnostics is not simply an authoritative account of one sect's practical beliefs and customs - it is; in effect; a manifesto; an appeal to those inspired by or drawn to the Gnostic faith not to forget its origins.