Ancient Gnosticism: Traditions and Literature

Even as public interest is attracted to this esoteric religion, Escholars have debated its origins, its relationship to Judaismand Christianity, and even whether one distinctive and separateGnostic "religion" ever existed. Birger Pearson's expert andaccessible introduction brings the reader into the debate.Directly addressing the nettling questions of origins anddefinition, Pearson situates the advent of Gnosticism within theGreco-Roman religious world and critically appraises the sources.With illustrations, maps, timeline, and bibliography, Pearson'svolume facilitates the pursuit of gnosis, at least historically, bygeneral readers, students and scholars alike.