The Gnostic Gospels
In 1945, an Egyptian peasant made an extraordinary archaeological find in Upper Egypt near the town of Nag Hammadi. His discovery proved to be the Gnostic Gospels—the sacred books of one of the earliest Christian sects. In this now-classic National Book Award winner, originally published in 1979, Elaine Pagels draws on those texts to illuminate the world of the first Christians, and to examine the ways in which both Gnostics and the orthodox constructed God, Jesus Christ, and the Church.
The book poses myriad questions. Should the Resurrection be viewed literally or metaphorically? Was there only one God, and could He be both Father and Mother? Pagels explores the answers in terms of both the Gnostic and orthodox traditions, suggesting that the course of Christianity’s development might have been much different if the Gnostic texts had been accepted by the church. In fact, they were deemed heretical—and Pagels examines how the version of Christianity we know was passed down to us, and why it prevailed.
Brilliant, provocative, and stunning in its implications, The Gnostic Gospels is a radical yet accessible reconsideration of the origins of the Christian faith.
Hardcover Book : 224 pages
Publisher: Random House Inc. ( November 12, 1979 )
Item #: 13-590775
ISBN: 9781620901137
Product Dimensions: 6.0 x 9.0 x 0.5inches
Product Weight: 12.0 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Fascinating History 
May 27, 2012
I didn't realize this book was written as long ago as the 70's. I learned so much, esp. about the religion I grew up in blind faith, not knowing so much! Everyone should read this book.
Reviewer: Joan B
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