This definitive introduction to the gnostic scriptures provides a crucial look at the theology; religious atmosphere; and literary traditions of ancient Christianity and Hellenistic Judaism.
#2547078 in Books 2008-02-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.37 x 6.46 x 9.41l; 1.74 #File Name: 0300117183336 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A revised perspective on early Puritans who came to AmericaBy FossilloverThe title of this work uses the word "Pilgrims" but as explained in the introductory material this word is not used to refer to separatists that settled Plymouth; but rather is to be taken in the generic sense of a religious person making a pilgrimage. The question that is considered relates to why so many Puritans who left England; later returned. The traditional answer to this question has been that with the depression in New England the 1640s and the ascendancy of the puritan faction in England; not only did people stop emigrating but several; including such noted figures as Hugh Peter; decided to return. Rather than using generic reasons; Susan Hartman Moore; delves into the lives of many individuals to show the variety of experiences and beliefs that compelled individuals to return. In this context the experience in Boston is not seen as a “city on a hill†for others to imitate but more of an experiment. We see puritans in England working through parish churches to create various degrees of “covenanted†communities and at various degrees of difference from the Church of England. The author has an excellent understanding of the diversity of puritan thought and brings this out with a number of well-written vignettes. However; I did notice in the footnotes that several statements are documented by referencing secondary rather than primary sources. I do not mean to imply any problem with her scholarship; but only wish the footnotes had been more detailed so that we could regularly know which original sources were being used. No doubt this is due to publishers demands of keeping the text shorter.This is an excellent book; particularly if you have read David Cressy’s “Coming Over.†You will get a deeper understanding of the diversity of puritan thought and a new perspective on the role of New England within the puritan movement.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Kenneth WalshA wonderful read!1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. excellent scholarship new informationBy Sooner ReaderI ordered this book because I am researching ancestors for this period who were involved in the Puritan movement; the English Civil War; and the migration to New England. This fulfilled all my expectations; giving me the information I had hoped for; many additional sources to research; and - amazingly; I discovered that the subject of her prologue and prompt for this book was a neighbor of my ancestor in 17th C.London. Footnotes are specially complete and worth reading; and the body of the work fascinating; scholarly but not dull. This work explains many of the puzzles of 17th C England to 21st C.Americans.If you're interested in colonial America; you should read this.
