Gnosis - The Mysteries and Christianity
An anthology of Essene, Gnostic and Christian writings
with an introduction and commentary by Andrew Welburn

In Gnosis, Andrew Welburn shows how orthodox Christianity has been subjected to many re-interpretations which seek to remove elements of mythology and to 'de-mystify' its traditions. He describes a parallel Christian development in which a strong current of renewal finds inspiration from the spirit and essential character of the early Churches.

The texts of the Dead Sea Scrolls and Nag Hammadi and more recent research on ancient documents have thrown an unexpected light on the roots and emerging faith of the first Christians. Fresh insights into these texts reveal that the early Christians drew inspiration from a number of sources, such as the Judaic mystery tradition, the Essenes and other gnostic sects.

Andrew Welburn presents a selection of the most important early texts, together with an authoritative and fascinating commentary. He shows how the new insights gained into the writings of the early Christians reaffirm the existence of Mystery knowledge at the very heart of the Christian tradition. 

Floris Books
348pp; hardback
ISBN: 0 86315 183 3

Andrew Welburn is a fellow of New College, Oxford.  He is the author of several books on the Romantic tradition, and also of The Beginnings of Christianity.
 

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