Gnostic Writings on the Soul: Annotated & Explained
Gnostic Writings on the Soul: Annotated & Explained
Translation & Annotation by Andrew Phillip Smith
Foreword by Stephan A. Hoeller
Buy Through Amazon.com
Buy Through Amazon.co.uk
5.5 x 8.5, 144 pp, Quality Paperback, ISBN 978-1-59473-220-1
$16.99/£11.99
Andrew’s Comment:
This is three books in one. The intro provides you with a whirlwind tour of the concepts of soul and spirit throughout human history. I’d like to write an entire book about this subject one day because it really is fascinating to see the variety of ideas and yet perceive the common ground that they stand on. The second part looks at the Exegesis on the Soul, a Gnostic writing from the Nag Hammadi library. This presents a beautiful fable of the fall of the soul, a feminine figure, from grace and her return and redemption, which I elucidate and interpret in a Gnostic way. Lastly we have The Hymn of the Pearl, another tale which describes the progress of the soul in quite a different way which nevertheless parallels and complements the Exegesis. Three three aspects of the book interact with each other and the reader should find herself pondering the subjects of soul and spirit.
Publisher’s Blurb:
The inspiration and insight of these Gnostic writings can become a companion on your own spiritual journey.
Just what is a soul, exactly? Where did the idea come from? How do we experience our souls? Two ancient Gnostic texts—The Exegesis on the Soul and The Hymn of the Pearl, both presented here in all-new translations—hold important clues to the development of the soul as a concept and reveal inspiring ways your own soul can remember and return to its unique, divine purpose.
The Exegesis on the Soul depicts the soul as a feminine figure who has fallen into the corrupted world and must find her way back to the Divine. It is the story of the soul’s struggle and redemption that will embolden your own spiritual pilgrimage. The Hymn of the Pearl is an allegorical story about a prince sent to retrieve a precious pearl but who soon forgets his purpose and falls asleep. It is a moving tale of the importance of remembering your soul’s identity and calling—and knowing that only you can fulfill your destiny.
Accessible facing-page commentary explains the Gnostic writings for you even if you have no previous knowledge of Gnosticism or early Christianity. Additional material draws on ancient religions, Platonism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam and modern philosophical and psychological notions of the soul to place the Gnostic teachings in a clear historical context. By following the development of this concept through time, you will more clearly perceive—and respond to—the divine spark found in your own soul.
Endorsements:
“A fascinating guide to new and different ways of thinking. Smith’s presentation of authentic Gnostic texts [conveys] a good understanding of Gnostic conceptions of the soul.”
—Stevan Davies, author of The Gospel of Thomas: Annotated & Explained
“One of the clearest and most accessible entry-points to the wisdom of the ancient Gnostics that I have ever seen.”
—Richard Smoley, author of Forbidden Faith: The Gnostic Legacy
from the Gospels to The Da Vinci Code
“Takes us beyond the limiting literalism of much of contemporary theology. Smith opens a door for us....”
—Ron Miller, chair, religion department, Lake Forest College, and author of
The Gospel of Thomas: A Guidebook for Spiritual Practice
“Artful and erudite ... brings these allegories into three-dimensional relief, making them more memorable, accessible, and significant.”
—Rabbi Elie Kaplan Spitz, author of Does the Soul Survive?
A Jewish Journey to Belief in Afterlife, Past Lives & Living with Purpose
“Smith’s fine introduction and notes [reveal how] Gnosticism helped transform Western ideas about the soul.... Reveals part of our common spiritual heritage.”
—Tamar Frankiel, PhD, author of Kabbalah: A Brief Introduction for Christians
Listen to an interview with Andrew on Gnostic Writings on the Soul
Translation & Annotation by Andrew Phillip Smith
Foreword by Stephan A. Hoeller
Buy Through Amazon.com
Buy Through Amazon.co.uk
5.5 x 8.5, 144 pp, Quality Paperback, ISBN 978-1-59473-220-1
$16.99/£11.99
Andrew’s Comment:
This is three books in one. The intro provides you with a whirlwind tour of the concepts of soul and spirit throughout human history. I’d like to write an entire book about this subject one day because it really is fascinating to see the variety of ideas and yet perceive the common ground that they stand on. The second part looks at the Exegesis on the Soul, a Gnostic writing from the Nag Hammadi library. This presents a beautiful fable of the fall of the soul, a feminine figure, from grace and her return and redemption, which I elucidate and interpret in a Gnostic way. Lastly we have The Hymn of the Pearl, another tale which describes the progress of the soul in quite a different way which nevertheless parallels and complements the Exegesis. Three three aspects of the book interact with each other and the reader should find herself pondering the subjects of soul and spirit.
Publisher’s Blurb:
The inspiration and insight of these Gnostic writings can become a companion on your own spiritual journey.
Just what is a soul, exactly? Where did the idea come from? How do we experience our souls? Two ancient Gnostic texts—The Exegesis on the Soul and The Hymn of the Pearl, both presented here in all-new translations—hold important clues to the development of the soul as a concept and reveal inspiring ways your own soul can remember and return to its unique, divine purpose.
The Exegesis on the Soul depicts the soul as a feminine figure who has fallen into the corrupted world and must find her way back to the Divine. It is the story of the soul’s struggle and redemption that will embolden your own spiritual pilgrimage. The Hymn of the Pearl is an allegorical story about a prince sent to retrieve a precious pearl but who soon forgets his purpose and falls asleep. It is a moving tale of the importance of remembering your soul’s identity and calling—and knowing that only you can fulfill your destiny.
Accessible facing-page commentary explains the Gnostic writings for you even if you have no previous knowledge of Gnosticism or early Christianity. Additional material draws on ancient religions, Platonism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam and modern philosophical and psychological notions of the soul to place the Gnostic teachings in a clear historical context. By following the development of this concept through time, you will more clearly perceive—and respond to—the divine spark found in your own soul.
Endorsements:
“A fascinating guide to new and different ways of thinking. Smith’s presentation of authentic Gnostic texts [conveys] a good understanding of Gnostic conceptions of the soul.”
—Stevan Davies, author of The Gospel of Thomas: Annotated & Explained
“One of the clearest and most accessible entry-points to the wisdom of the ancient Gnostics that I have ever seen.”
—Richard Smoley, author of Forbidden Faith: The Gnostic Legacy
from the Gospels to The Da Vinci Code
“Takes us beyond the limiting literalism of much of contemporary theology. Smith opens a door for us....”
—Ron Miller, chair, religion department, Lake Forest College, and author of
The Gospel of Thomas: A Guidebook for Spiritual Practice
“Artful and erudite ... brings these allegories into three-dimensional relief, making them more memorable, accessible, and significant.”
—Rabbi Elie Kaplan Spitz, author of Does the Soul Survive?
A Jewish Journey to Belief in Afterlife, Past Lives & Living with Purpose
“Smith’s fine introduction and notes [reveal how] Gnosticism helped transform Western ideas about the soul.... Reveals part of our common spiritual heritage.”
—Tamar Frankiel, PhD, author of Kabbalah: A Brief Introduction for Christians
Listen to an interview with Andrew on Gnostic Writings on the Soul