The Gnostic Gospels

By: Elaine Pagels

Narrated by: Lorna Raver

The Gnostic Gospels provides engaging listening for those seeking a broader perspective on the early development of Christianity. Author and noted scholar Elaine Pagels suggests that Christianity could have developed quite differently if Gnostic texts had become part of the Christian canon. Without a doubt: Gnosticism celebrates God as both Mother and Father, shows a very human Jesus's relationship to Mary Magdalene, suggests the Resurrection is better understood symbolically, and speaks to self-knowledge as the route to union with God. Pagels argues that Christian orthodoxy grew out of the political considerations of the day, serving to legitimize and consolidate early church leadership. Her contrast of that developing orthodoxy with Gnostic teachings presents an intriguing trajectory on a world faith as it "might have become."

Critic reviews

"The first major and eminently readable book on gnosticism benefiting from the discovery in 1945 of a collection of Gnostic Christian texts at Nag Hammadi in Egypt." --The New York Times Book Review

Just the beginning

Beautifully narrated, and a good introduction to the subject matter. Now I have more questions, of course, so I know this was just the beginning for me. Grateful to both author and narrator for giving me back some things I couldn't learn effectively at the hands of lofty theology professors once upon a time.

Great Information, Incredible Reading!

As someone with only cursory knowledge of Gnosticism this book was an excellent starting point.
It’s examination of early Christianity was humanizing.

I could listen to Lorna Raver read a Car Owner’s Manual and I would be in heaven. She’s incredible, warm, and authoritative all at the same time.

Review

Provide great information in both religions and gnostic history. Recommend it for any student if faith.

Informative

I am new to early Christianity and I like to hear the many accounts of the early churches or belief. Gnostic gospels are something important to know about and how they’ve changed the course of history.

excellent overall info about the gnostic gospels

it is a great overview of the gnostic gospels and historicity. Not an in-depth look at any one thing but a panoramic look at all early gnosticism and early Christian conflict with itself.