The Gnostic Gospels

Written by:
Elaine Pagels
Narrated by:
Lorna Raver

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
15
Narrator
3
Release Date
February 2006
Duration
7 hours 5 minutes
Summary
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."
Reviews
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Carol Meissner

When writing about historical writings that have been hidden from the populace for perhaps a thousand years, a reader of the spoken word needs to have interest in her own voice. In this recording, that just doesn't happen. Good thing I knew enough to turn the CDs off while driving or I would have certainly slept. Hmmmm, maybe I did sleep. Don't waste your time...

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Northern Girl

This was interesting, but dry at the same time. There's a lot of information about the Gnostic faith and how they differed from the Christian faith, but not as much information as I expected. There would be parts where I perked up and thought, finally, here's some interesting info, but would very soon feel a little bored again. I guess what I'm saying is I expected more on the Gnostic faith and less about Christianity. I already know the Christian side of it, I was hoping for a bigger insight into the Gnostic faith. I have a little more insight into the Gnostic faith now, but not as much as I had hoped for.

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