GNOSTICISM AND CHRISTIANITY

Abstract

New BlackfriarsVolume 42, Issue 488 p. 4-19 GNOSTICISM AND CHRISTIANITY The Nag-Hammadi Discoveries1 Joseph Bourke o.p. , Joseph Bourke o.p. Search for more papers by this author Joseph Bourke o.p. , Joseph Bourke o.p. Search for more papers by this author First published: January 1961 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-2005.1961.tb06843.x The text of a paper read at the Aquinas Centre, London, on November 10, 1960. This article is offered pot as an original contribution on the subject, which the author is not qualified to make, but as a synthesis of the conclusions drawn in certain of the more important recent publications. Notable among these is The Secret Books of the Egyptian Gnostics (Hollis and Garter, 1960; 42s.), by J. Doresse. This is the most complete and authoritative account so far available in English of the discoveries and their significance by the scholar who was the first to recognize that significance, and who has since shown himself to be a world authority on the nature, origins, history and influence of Gnostic literature in general, and of the Nag-Hammadi manuscripts in particular. Newly Discovered Gnostic Writings (S.C.M. Press, 1960; 7s. 6d.), by W. C. van Unnik, is in many ways the ideal short introduction for the uninitiated. It gives a clear account of the discovery, of the nature and significance of Gnosticism, and a brief description of four of the most important treatises, and it provides a useful bibliography. In Gnosticism and Early Christianity (Columbia University Press, 1959; 31s. 6d.) R. M. Grant tackles with courage and authority the vexed question of the relationship between Gnosticism and early Christianity. The signal merit of his approach is that he takes due cognizance of the various forms of Jewish apocalyptic as possible alternatives to Gnosticism proper, in assessing pre-Christian influences on certain areas of New Testament thought. Perhaps he slightly underestimates the importance of the idealization of wisdom in pre-Gnostic Judaism, as a common influence on both Gnosticism and the New Testament. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Volume42, Issue488January 1961Pages 4-19 RelatedInformation