The Gnostic Discoveries

The Gnostic Discoveries opens with a thrilling adventure story: the discovery of the ancient Papyri at Nag Hammadi. Hidden in sealed jars and lost for centuries, the papyri have revealed much about early Christianity, including alternative views that were suppressed by the early Church. Author Marvin Meyer traces the history and impact of this great find on the Church, right up to our current beliefs and popular cultural fascination with this officially suppressed secret knowledge about Jesus and his followers. Marvin Meyer is one of the foremost scholars on Gnosticism, the Nag Hammadi library, and texts about Jesus outside the New Testament. He is Griset Professor of Bible and Christian Studies and director of the Albert Schweitzer Institute at Chapman University, Orange, California. Among his more recent books are The Gospels of Mary, The Gospel of Thomas: The Hidden Sayings of Jesus, The Gnostic Bible, and Secret Gospels: Essays on Thomas and the Secret Gospel of Mark. “The author’s concise presentation will appeal to many readers. Meyer writes clearly, bringing both the people and the times of the early Gnostic writings to life and making them accessible to scholar and layperson alike.” - Publishers Weekly