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Summary: Christian hating?
Review: This book is as 'fundamentalist' as it is 'revisionist,' in a certain way. It provides an excellent insight into a lot of questions concerning early Christianity. Labeling Pagels a Christian hater is like still grumbling about Martin Luther. It just doesn't make any sense. I'm in a seminar being taught by her this year and, as far as I can see, she has nothing but the greatest respect for Christianity.
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Summary: Informative and Eye-Opening
Review: Elaine Pagels has shred the veil of time-distance to offer this rare glimpse into the "human, all too human" history of the inception of Christianity. The pervasive and popular misperception tends to be that Christianity arose after the death of Christ when the mantle was taken up by his remaining disciples and Paul (following a visionary conversion en route to Damascus) who travelled land and sea to disseminate Christ's teachings and preach his divinity and resurrection. As the research of this book reveals, the truth is as far from this rosy-lensed, storybook version as east is from west ... if not further._The Gnostic Gospels_ lays bare the dirty little secrets of tawdry personality politics underlying the formation of institutionalized Christianity and the established doctrines thereof. Pagels paints a more realistic portrait of the age-old institutional struggle between gnosis (revealed spiritual insight/wisdom received fresh, personally and individually) and orthodoxy (the codification of human consensus upon previously received gnosis, the fossilized corpse of yesterday's conversations with the divine which come to be called "orthodox theology" and to which any fresh understanding is demanded to conform in order to be considered "truth"). If modern Christians are not asking themselves where the real miraculous power and vitality are, where the LIVING spiritual connection is (beyond strained emotionalism, bully-pulpits and the smug, lazy certainty that they alone possess "the truth"), well, they ought to be. Pagels' book can definitely shed some light on that subject. In her clear and objective presentation of the struggles to define establishment in the early churches, she inadvertently reminds the reader of a crucial and central reality. The genuine foundation of a living spiritual connection is, in fact, the essence of all that we call "gnosis," and the establishment of fixed orthodoxy through human consensus proves its death-knell time and again. --Shedona Chevalier--
Rating:
Summary: A very scholarly, interesting work
Review: When I first heard of the Nag Hammadi find, in the Egyptian desert in 1945, I was entranced. It was as significant as the Dead Sea scrolls, because of the determined attempt to destroy all evidence of the Gnostics and their literature by the Constantinians. So, I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet with Dr. Pagels briefly, in 1981, in New York, accompanied by my friend Dr. John Kiley. I highly recommend this book. The scholarship and research is evident, and yet it is clearly written so that any interested person can enjoy it without being burdened by the jargon of academia. A fascinating book, which will increase your knowledge of the Gnostic Christians exponentially. Also recommended: 'Josephus: The Complete Works: Flavius Josephus, translated by Thomas Nelson; 'The Road to Damascus,' by Joseph Pierre.
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Summary: Scholarly Yet Understandable
Review: Not for the timid of heart nor those fearful of intellectual honesty. If you need others to control your thinking for you, don't read this!
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Summary: Good to find out why Gnosticism is not widely accepted
Review: I have always wondered why I was never taught about the origins of Christianity. This book is an interesting read because it presents facts about the history of Christianity. This book is a stepping stone for those individuals who want to find out more because it makes you curious as to the why Christian religion has developed the way it has. If you are the least bit curious, you should read this book to stimulate yourself to find out more.....
Rating:
Summary: A Guide to Spiritual Understanding
Review: Gnosticism is a grossly misunderstood form of early christianity whose precepts were only made widely available with the discovery of ancient texts in the 1940's at Nag Hammadi, Egypt. Elaine Pagels brings to the reader, not only the historical relevance of these "lost gospels" to light, but the deeper significance of the gnostic beliefs. With a sympathetic,yet scholarly hand,she is able to give the reader invaluable insight to the teachings of Gnosticism. Her writing style is tight and direct, making "The Gnostic Gospels" absorbing reading. This book should be first on the list of "must read" for any student of gnosticism.
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Summary: eternalspirit.com
Review: Elaine Pagels illuminates for us the mysterious Gnostic sects and sacred Nag Hammidi writings which are so crucial for a better understanding of the revelation of God. Her historical reconstruction helps us comprehend the setting by which the New Testament developed, including both the support of its development and its unfortunate shortcomings. A must read alongside the ancient sacred writings found in Nag Hammidi, which is essential reading for any serious seeker of Spiritual truth.
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Summary: interesting study of early christian history
Review: The author has done a good job of presenting the writings found at Nag Hammadi in their proper historical setting. She presents the formation of the early catholic church and the conflict between the writers of the gnostic gospels.
I would classify this book as a history, but it does bring such ideas up as should our beliefs/ideas remain static? Or can we grow in our knowledge/understanding of the divine?
Rating: 
Summary: Rejected... NOT surpressed....
Review: To agree with one reviewer and educate another.... These gospels were rejected because of their questionable authority. While the four biblical gospels are the truth. If there is any question about the trustworthiness of the bible ( historically speaking ) then you shoud read " EVIDENCE THAT DEMANDS A VERDICT & MORE EVEDENCE THAT DEMANDS A VERDICT- Josh McDowell " these books will quickly dispell what is the truth. But i gave this book 3 stars because it was an interesting read... though off base some.
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Summary: Essential reference and inspired introduction to Gnosticism
Review: I found this book an excellent read and also a fairly 'easy' read, compared with several others I tried. It was my first introduction to the topic of Gnosticism and it opened the door nicely. Within days I purchased the Nag Hammadi Library and I have since purchased other titles by Elaine Pagels which have 'opened my eyes'. Thanks for all your worthwhile work on these matters Elaine. Love & peace, John
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