THE SECRET BOOK OF JOHN is the most significant and influential text of the ancient Gnostic religion. 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 decodes the principal themes, historical foundation and spiritual contexts of this challenging yet fundamental Gnostic teaching. Drawing connections to Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, kabbalistic Judaism and Sufism, Davies focuses on the mythology and psychology of the Gnostic religious quest. He illuminates the Gnostics' ardent call for self-awareness and introspection and the empowering message that divine wholeness will be restored not by worshipping false gods in an illusory material world but by our recognition of the inherent divinity within ourselves. Now you can experience and understand this foundational teaching even if you have no previous knowledge of Gnosticism. This SkyLight Illuminations edition presents the most important and valued book in Gnostic religion with insightful yet unobtrusive commentary. It provides deeper insight into the understanding that in Gnosticism the distinction between saviour and saved ceases to exist - you must save yourself and in doing so save God.

About the Author
Stevan Davies is professor of religious studies at Misericordia University and has studied the non-canonical gospels and acts for over thirty years.


Book Information
ISBN 9781594730825
Author Stevan Davies
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint SkyLight Paths Publishing,US
Publisher Jewish Lights Publishing
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 140mm * 14mm