The Secret Book of John by Stevan L. Davies

it also turns the creation of Genesis on its head, keeping the events but reversing the roles. of particular interest to me was the approach it takes to the creation-asserting a spiritual creation before the physical, the divine spark in all humans, the eternal nature of companions, etc. The Gnostic faith is complex and very different from most mythologies you've heard. It provides deeper insight into the understanding that in Gnosticism the distinction between savior and saved ceases to exist you must save yourself and in doing so save God.'Ī fascinating read displaying the complex ideas of the Gnostic philosophy, making it probably as approachable as anything can. This SkyLight Illuminations edition presents the most important and valued book in Gnostic religion with insightful yet unobtrusive commentary. Now you can experience and understand this foundational teaching even if you have no previous knowledge of Gnosticism. He illuminates the Gnostics' ardent call for self-awareness and introspection, and the empowering message that divine wholeness will be restored not by worshiping false gods in an illusory material world but by our recognition of the inherent divinity within ourselves. Drawing connections to Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, kabbalistic Judaism, and Sufism, Davies focuses on the mythology and psychology of the Gnostic religious quest. The Secret Book of John: The Gnostic Gospel Annotated & Explained decodes the principal themes, historical foundation, and spiritual contexts of this challenging yet fundamental Gnostic teaching.

Part of the library of books found in Nag Hammadi, Egypt, in 1945, this central myth of Gnosticism tells the story of how God fell from perfect Oneness to imprisonment in the material world, and how by knowing our divine nature and our divine origins that we are one with God we reverse God's descent and find our salvation. The Secret Book of John is the most significant and influential text of the ancient Gnostic religion. This ancient Gnostic text can be a companion for your own spiritual quest

The Secret Book of John by Stevan L. Davies