The Secret Book Of John: The Gnostic Gospel / Annotated & Explained (Skylight Illuminations) (Paperback)

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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: The Gnostic Gospel—Annotated & Explained 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 worshiping 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 savior and saved ceases to exist—you must save yourself and in doing so save God.

From the Inside Flap
The Gnostic history of God comes to life

"The ultimate goal of humanity is to come to understand this myth, the gospel of the Secret Book of John, in such a way that the pattern of devolution from the fullness of God to humanity’s imprisonment in matter is reversed. To understand the events of our fall reveals to us a map for our journey of ascent. We will emerge free from matter … return to an established position in the mind of God, and never leave again." —from the Introduction

"Gnosis is the yeast that lifts the dough of revelation above the arid flatland of religious convention. Stevan Davies’ The Secret Book of John is very yeasty. Taste and see!" —Rabbi Rami Shapiro, author of The Hebrew Prophets: Annotated and Explained

"Breathes new life into the Gnostic gospel message—their ‘good news.’ Davies’ translation and clarifying commentary help to unlock their secrets of salvation for the contemporary seeker." —Charles W. Hedrick, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, religious studies, Southwest Missouri State University

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