A provocative study of the gnostic gospels and the world of early Christianity as revealed through the Nag Hammadi texts. Gnosticism's Christian form grew to prominence in the 2nd century A.D. Ultimately denounced as heretical by the early church, Gnosticism proposed a revealed knowledge of God ('gnosis' meaning 'knowledge' in Greek), held as a secret tradition of the apostles. In The Gnostic Gospels, author 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.' The Gnostic Gospels provides engaging reading for those seeking a broader perspective on the early development of Christianity. --F. Hall From AudioFile Documents unearthed in Egypt fifty years ago have revolutionized the study of early Christianity, showing the developing religion to be much more lively and diverse than previously thought. Elaine Pagels explores the meaning and impact of books like the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Truth as they relate to Christianity two thousand years ago and today. Lorna Raver is solid as narrator, enunciating difficult phrases clearly. The book is a scholarly work, and the first disc, a review of previous literature, is dry and hard to follow by ear. But from the second chapter on, the material is easier to absorb. Through effective pacing, Raver helps breaks down difficult concepts, allowing each to sink in before moving to the next. R.C.G. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.