Gnosticism and Its Metamorphoses: Dynamics of Development and Reworking of Gnostic Texts and Motifs from Antiquity to the Twentieth Century (Judaïsme Ancien Et Origines Du Christianisme) [Paperback] Annese, Andrea and Berno, Francesco

ISBN 10: 2503616992 / ISBN 13: 9782503616995

Published by Brepols Publishers, 2025

About this Item

New paperback being listed as used due to tiny bend top edge of back cover. Clean unread copy.

Seller Inventory # W26-002ChurchHist13

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Gnosticism and Its Metamorphoses: Dynamics of Development and Reworking of Gnostic Texts and Motifs from Antiquity to the Twentieth Century (Judaïsme Ancien Et Origines Du Christianisme) [Paperback] Annese, Andrea and Berno, Francesco
• Publisher: Brepols Publishers
• Publication Date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 2503616992
• ISBN 13: 9782503616995
• Binding: paperback
• Condition: As New
• Weight: 44 ounces

About this title

Synopsis

The complex and multifaceted religious phenomenon called Gnosticism (a heuristic category) continues to fascinate both specialists and the wider audience. This volume explores the "metamorphoses" of Gnosticism, through the analysis of selected examples. Late antique Gnostic groups and schools of thought developed and even changed their ideas when interacting with other religious groups and with various sources. Confrontation and polemics with the so-called "Great Church" and with other Christian groups were crucial to doctrinal elaboration (of all parties involved). On a different side, one can trace the metamorphoses of Gnostic ideas through the centuries, as these ideas influenced, and were reinterpreted by, other religious and cultural traditions and currents, from Manichaeism to medieval dualistic movements, modern esotericism, and even contemporary literature. The essays gathered in this volume focus on two main topics, namely how ancient Gnostic groups developed their doctrines by interpreting and reworking their wide range of sources (Jewish, early Christian, Platonic ones, etc.), and how ancient Gnostic ideas and motifs survived - with new forms - in later philosophical, religious, and literary works, up to the twentieth century. The volume consists of three sections, the first being dedicated to early anti-Gnostic controversy in texts embedding Jewish-Christian and Petrine traditions and using Gnostic motifs for polemical purposes; the second to some treatises from the Nag Hammadi corpus and other Gnostic manuscripts (plus Epiphanius' Panarion) so as to provide fresh insights into late antique Gnostic texts and groups; and the third to three case studies of the modern reception and reworking of Gnostic writings and ideas.