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Gnosticism & Christian Mysticism

The Gnostic Religion

by Hans Jonas

Hans Jonas' classic study, first published in English in 1958, offers a broad interpretation of Gnosticism as a distinct religious outlook marked by radical dualism, cosmic alienation and salvation through knowledge. Drawing on Mandaean, Manichaean, Valentinian and Hermetic sources, Jonas also reflects on parallels with modern existentialism. Written before most Nag Hammadi texts were widely available, it remains a foundational and philosophically rich account of the Gnostic worldview.

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