Christianity, according to Paul Carus, is the "grandchild of ancient paganism," its character predetermined by everything that came before it, growing naturally from preceding ages to become "the fulfilment of the times, the pleroma of the ages." Arguing that Christianity was derived not from Judaism but was the legitimate result of "the religious development of mankind," the author presents his case, in this work first published in 1909, for the "gentile character" of Christianity. While his interpretation may be provocative, his explorations into paganism, Gnostic movements, kindred sects, and the origins of Judaism make this book essential reading for anyone interested in the history of religion. American philosopher and theologian PAUL CARUS (1852-1919) also wrote The Religion of Science (1893), The Gospel of Buddha (1894), and The History of the Devil (1900).

This volume, On the Mysteries, by Iamblichus (Abamun) is a unique form or scripture out of the Ancient Egyptian religious tradition. It is written in a form that is not usual or which is not usually found in the remnants of Ancient Egyptian scriptures. It is in the form of teacher and disciple, much like the Eastern scriptures such as Bhagavad Gita or the Upanishads. This form of writing may not have been necessary in Ancient times, because the format of teaching in Egypt was different prior to the conquest period by the Persians, Assyrians, Greeks and later the Romans. The question and answer format can be found but such extensive discourses and corrections of misunderstandings within the context of a teacher - disciple relationship is not usual. It therefore provides extensive insights into the times when it was written and the state of practice of Ancient Egyptian and other mystery religions. This has important implications for our times because we are today, as in the Greco-Roman period, also besieged with varied religions and new age philosophies as well as social strife and war. How can we understand our times and also make sense of the forest of spiritual traditions? How can we cut through the cacophony of religious fanaticism, and ignorance as well as misconceptions about the mysteries on the other in order to discover the true purpose of religion and the secret teachings that open up the mysteries of life and the way to enlightenment and immortality? This book, which comes to us from so long ago, offers us transcendental wisdom that applied to the world two thousand years ago as well as our world today.

This book is a facsimile reprint and may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages.

This book is a facsimile reprint and may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages.

This Book Is An Essay On The Origin Of Christianity. Chapter Headings Include: Christianity Predetermined By The Needs Of The Age; Pre-Christian Gnosticism; How The Gentle Savior Changed Into The Christ.

Twenty-two centuries ago in Alexandria, a sect of philosopher-poets fashioned a myth the strands of which weave through Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Greek philosophy, and inspired the legends of the Holy Grail. Long banished to the realm of notorious heresy, the myths of the Gnostics took root in the fertile imagination of the nineteenth century's artistic movements and esoteric circles, bearing fruit in the daily spiritual practice of thousands today. In 1945, a library of Gnostic writings surfaced form the Egyptian desert, allowing the movement--after 1500 years of propaganda and slander--to speak with its own voice. Rich in imagery, nostalgic in tone, Gnosticism quietly restores Wisdom to her place as a Goddess in Western religion, reveres Eve as the first saint, and acknowledges Mary Magdelene as foremost of the Apostles.

Even as public interest is attracted to this esoteric religion, Escholars have debated its origins, its relationship to Judaism and Christianity, and even whether one distinctive and separate Gnostic "religion" ever existed. Birger Pearson's expert and accessible introduction brings the reader into the debate. Directly addressing the nettling questions of origins and definition, Pearson situates the advent of Gnosticism within the Greco-Roman religious world and critically appraises the sources. With illustrations, maps, timeline, and bibliography, Pearson's volume facilitates the pursuit of gnosis, at least historically, by general readers, students and scholars alike.

With A Sketch Of His Work, Life, And Character By The Earl Of Carnarvon.

About the Book The Diagram Star is explaining the whole mystery of religious belief. The book is revealing a reconstruction of the world history based on the formula used by the Masters of the past. The main character in this historical and highly political novel, Oskar Karlsen, is in his real life an invalid. He is creating a role play on Internet were he gives him self the title Master and states that his aim is to flood the whole world with knowledge and drown the religious belief. Flooding the world with knowledge will be done by the use of Internet. Oskar conclude that when the formula is used on all the gospel stories in the Bible, they become a total different story. The formula can be used on all the dominating religions and sects in the world. His message to the world is that all the gospel stories are a camouflage over knowledge, and they were the work of the Masters of the past. Oskar Karlsens role play on Internet is threatening the way of life for the richest of the rich people in the world. They depend on the religions, the national borders and the dictating economy to get even richer, while an increasing number of humans dies daily of causes caused by poverty. In order to make the world a better place for all humans, knowledge of the Diagram Star have to return to all people. Then the religious belief will vanish into thin air. Some rich sponsors are giving the invalid Oskar an expensive operation that most likely can cure his disability. Even if he is warned that the sponsors will use the operation to kill him, he is determent to do it and use the interest of the world press to advertise his role play all over the world. Will he succeed? With the use of Internet and yourhelp, he certainly will succeed.

Recommended by top scholars in the field of Gnostic studies for many years, but has been virtually impossible to find until now. One of the best books on the subject, essential for any serious researcher. Takes the reader through every facet of the Gnostic experience including sections on The Soul is Sent Forth, Glory of the Indwelling Light, The Way to the Higher Mysteries, The Final Secret of the Self, and The Soul Travels Home. Based on rare, surviving works of ancient Gnostic teachers like Pistis Sophia and the two Books of Ieu. Other sources include the Agnew Codex, Bruce Codex, Akhmim Codex, Jung Codex, Cairo Codex, the Gnostic Acts (of Peter, Andrew, John, Thomas and Philip), the Chaldean Oracles, and various Gnostic hymns, prayers, Gospels and papyri. A virtual gold mine of Gnostic material, some translated and presented here for the first time.