Jesus Gnosis Story of Simon by Philip

Jesus Gnosis Story of Simon by Philip
Author: Thomas Ragland
Publisher: Trafford Publishing
Total Pages: 107
Release: 2009-08-17
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1426913656

In this Gnostic tale, the Apostle Philip details the captivating journey of Simon, one of the first disciples to witness Jesus during the formation of early Christianity.

Jesus Gnosis: Ulysses, Dionysus, Baal, and Lucifer

Jesus Gnosis: Ulysses, Dionysus, Baal, and Lucifer
Author: Thomas Ragland
Publisher: Lulu.com
Total Pages: 155
Release: 2015-05-28
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 098925111X

A study in the meaning of Jesus as seen through the lens of legends and ideas related to Dionysus, Baal, Lucifer, and Ulysses.

Peace, Love and Jesus

Peace, Love and Jesus
Author: Thomas Ragland
Publisher: Lulu.com
Total Pages: 202
Release: 2017-01-26
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 0989251128

A consideration of how the Buddhist and Taoist ideas resonate through the Jesus parables, stories, and teachings. A consideration of what this would have meant in the context of the Third Jewish Roman War that lasted from the years 132 through 135. A consideration of Emperor Hadrian. A consideration of the fabled Gnostic teacher Basilides. A consideration of the fall of Messianic Judaism. A consideration of what this all would have meant to those standing in Aelia Capitolina in the aftermath of so much destruction.

Sermon on the Mount by Jesus

Sermon on the Mount by Jesus
Author: Thomas Ragland
Publisher: Lulu.com
Total Pages: 182
Release: 2013-04
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0989251101

All of the verses from chapters five through seven of the Gospel of Matthew, also known as the Sermon on the Mount, explored in resonance with quotes from others scriptures - Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, and Pagan, the threads of ideas tie together traditions from different languages and cultures and ages. Each preserved insight from the spectrum of traditions serves to shine lights of meaning and focus on the ideas presented. In the end it is observed that Jesus takes on the best of human ideas and presents them as an external message from the sacred mountain. This message is not just for Moses, but is for all of us. We are all invited to sit and contemplate.

The Sacred Embrace of Jesus and Mary

The Sacred Embrace of Jesus and Mary
Author: Jean-Yves Leloup
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 147
Release: 2006-02-24
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 1594776296

An examination of how the teachings of Jesus reveal the essential role of sexuality in spiritual growth and transformation • Shows that Jesus did not come to redeem humanity from the life of the flesh, but to honor it as a spiritual path • Uses Hebrew, gnostic, and early Christian source texts to reveal the true context of the words attributed to Jesus • Explores the spiritual and physical relationship shared by Jesus and Mary Magdalene Of all the major religions, Christianity is the only one that has utterly rejected sexuality as one of the many paths that can lead to enlightenment and salvation. But if Jesus was indeed “the Word made flesh” and serious consideration is given to the mystery of his Incarnation, is it reasonable that physical love would have been prohibited to him? Drawing from the canonical and apocryphal gospels, the Hebrew esoteric tradition, and gnosticism, Jean-Yves Leloup shows that Jesus did not come to save humanity from the life of the flesh but to save the life of the flesh so that it would truly transfigure all people. Leloup explains that when Saint Paul said it was good to be without women, he did not cite any words of Jesus in support of this contention. In fact, Paul’s statement utterly contradicts the words of God in Genesis: “It is not good that man should be alone.” Leloup argues that the elimination of the divine feminine and sacred sexuality set in motion by Paul’s words does not reflect the true teachings of Christ, and that the transformation of Jesus into a celibate is the true heresy. His research restores Christ’s true human sexuality and shows it to be a vital part of humanity’s spirituality. Leloup contends that by understanding the sacred nature of the embrace shared by man and woman as a true reflection of humanity made in God’s image, Christianity can again become the powerful path of transfiguration Christ intended.

Gnosis

Gnosis
Author: Philip Gardiner
Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser
Total Pages: 385
Release: 2006-09-15
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 1601639732

An examination of the alluring mysteries surrounding the ancient temple, revealing answers to questions that have puzzled generations. Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem—reputed to be the source of the most esoteric knowledge in human history—has fascinated scholars, seekers and dreamers for centuries. Generations of scholars and researchers have tried in vain to discover the fabled Temple of Solomon, only to be confronted by one problem after another. All the problems raised by these disparate and often desperate people have now been fully answered and can be revealed to the world. Through his own involvement in secret societies and his tenacious spirit, Philip Gardiner has unearthed the secrets of the Temple. From the Queen of Sheba and the arcane secrets of the Christian Gnostics to the Muslim Sufi and Hindu Avatars, Gnosis weaves a tale that is both profound and precise. Gardiner declares that the truth of Solomon’s Temple has been known all along within the realm of esoteric understanding. Only one question remains: Is the world ready for the truth? Find the true secret of the Knights Templar and the mysteries of the ancients. Find the truth for yourself in Gnosis. Praise for Gnosis “Controversial, provocative, even profoundly “irritating” to some. . . . Gardiner eruditely challenges us all with this refreshing study . . . from the Garden of Eden into more modern times.” —Dr. Karen Ralls, medieval historian and author of The Templars and the Grail “Gnosis is a refreshing creation of true spiritual teaching—as well as being a damn good read. Gardiner possesses that rare ability to weave history, mythology and spiritual tradition into writing that is both understandable and enjoyable. Gnosis will fascinate readers with its complex insights into spirituality.” —Gnostic Communications internet magazine “In this remarkable and thought-provoking book, Gardiner has literally undressed the sacred mystical language of our ancestors and reveals one of the most profound Biblical concepts to be exposed in recent times.” —Ernest Scott, author of The People of the Secret

Simon Magus: The First Gnostic?

Simon Magus: The First Gnostic?
Author: Stephen Haar
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter
Total Pages: 412
Release: 2012-10-24
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 3110898829

This latest comprehensive work on Simon Magus lends new impetus to the investigation of Early Christianity and questions surrounding the origin and nature of Gnosticism. Major contributions of this study include: (1), a departure from the traditional exegesis of Acts 8, 5-24 (the first narrative source of Simon), and the later following reports of ancient Christian writers; (2), an overview of the literature of Graeco-Roman antiquity to determine the contribution of "magic" and "the Magoi" in the development of perceptions and descriptions of Simon; and (3), the inclusion of social science explanation models and modern estimations of "identity", in a creative approach to questions surrounding the phenomenon of Simon.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Mary Magdalene

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Mary Magdalene
Author: Lesa Bellevie
Publisher: Alpha Books
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2005
Genre: Bible
ISBN: 9781592573455

Who was Mary Magdalene, really? Mary Magdalene plays a prominent role in the Bible, but who was she, really? How did her identity change from an intimate friend of Christ to a prostitute? The Complete Idiot's Guide to Mary Magdaleneexplores the woman she was, who she might have been, what we know for a fact, and how the persona of Mary of Magdalene has been interpreted and reinterpreted over the last 2,000 years. " Offers a balanced, easy-to-follow look at a very controversial subject " Includes scriptural references throughout and a quick look-up appendix to track mentions of Mary Magdalene, as well as resources and a chronology