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Gnosticism & Christian Mysticism

The Gnostic Gospels

by Elaine Pagels

Elaine Pagels' widely read 1979 study introduced the Nag Hammadi texts to a broad audience. She examines themes such as the resurrection, the nature of God, the role of women and the authority of bishops, arguing that debates between Gnostic and emerging orthodox Christians had political as well as theological dimensions. Accessible and influential, it remains a common entry point into the study of Gnosticism, though readers should pair it with more recent scholarship.

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