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OverviewThis authoritative, fully accessible guide to early Christian movements sheds light on the hidden histories and intriguing mysteries that fueled the extraordinary success of books ranging from Dan Brown's blockbuster The Da Vinci Code to Elaine Pagels's critically acclaimed Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas. From its earliest days, Christianity has been marked by a rich diversity of beliefs and practices. Different interpretations of Jesus' life and mission, as well as conflicting views about worship and rituals, gave rise to numerous sects in the first centuries C.E. Condemned as heretical by the official Church, these early movements were lost to history until the twentieth century, when the discovery of ancient documents opened a new perspective on the evolution of Christianity. The Beliefnet(R) Guide to Gnosticism and Other Vanished Christianities is a fascinating look at the diverse strands of the early Christian church. It examines the alternative Christian ideas propagated by the Gnostics, Sethians, Valentinians, Marcionites, Encratites, and Montanists, illuminating the philosophical sources and religious traditions that fostered them. Special attention is given to sects that presented the greatest challenges to the developing orthodoxy: the Hermeticists, the Manicheans, and the Neoplatonists. There are also thought-provoking discussions about the secret Gospel of Mark and the Gospels of Mary and Thomas, and the newly discovered Gospel of the Savior. From the premier source of information on religion and spirituality, the Beliefnet Guides introduce you to the major traditions, leaders, and issues of faith in the world today. Full Product DetailsAuthor: Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins Richard Valantasis (Iliff School of Theology St. Louis University Iliff School of Theology) , Dr Marcus J BorgPublisher: Random House USA Inc Imprint: Three Leaves Publishing Dimensions: Width: 14.30cm , Height: 1.40cm , Length: 21.10cm Weight: 0.172kg ISBN: 9780385514552ISBN 10: 0385514557 Pages: 159 Publication Date: 01 January 2006 Audience: General/trade , General Format: Paperback Publisher's Status: Active Availability: To order Stock availability from the supplier is unknown. We will order it for you and ship this item to you once it is received by us. Table of ContentsReviewsAuthor InformationRICHARD VALANTASIS is professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado. He is the author of several books, including Spiritual Guides of the Third Century, The Gospel of Thomas, and Reading Jesus: A Commentary on the Sayings of Jesus. An ordained Episcopal priest, Valantasis is well-known for his fresh translations and analyses of the New Testament and esoteric writings. He lives in Denver, Colorado. Tab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |