Who were the Gnostics? And how did the Gnostic movement influence the development of Christianity in antiquity? Is it true that the Church rejected Gnosticism? This book offers an illuminating discussion of recent scholarly debates over the concept of “Gnosticism†and the nature of early Christian diversity. Acknowledging that the category “Gnosticism†is flawed and must be reformed; David Brakke argues for a more careful approach to gathering evidence for the ancient Christian movement known as the Gnostic school of thought. He shows how Gnostic myth and ritual addressed basic human concerns about alienation and meaning; offered a message of salvation in Jesus; and provided a way for people to regain knowledge of God; the ultimate source of their being.Rather than depicting the Gnostics as heretics or as the losers in the fight to define Christianity; Brakke argues that the Gnostics participated in an ongoing reinvention of Christianity; in which other Christians not only rejected their ideas but also adapted and transformed them. This book will challenge scholars to think in news ways; but it also provides an accessible introduction to the Gnostics and their fellow early Christians.
#361924 in Books 2015-10-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.30 x 1.20 x 6.50l; .0 #File Name: 0674055276384 pages
Review
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Originalists: Please Take NoticeBy Ronald H. ClarkThis is a book of remarkable scholarship; reflecting intensive research and writing over a period of several years. The focus of the book are the notes taken by James Madison during the 1787 Constitutional Convention. These notes have become important sources of information for what the drafters of the document intended to accomplish. Madison was no stenographer; he took rough notes and later transcribed them--but his attention was sometimes selective in what he chose to record. In addition to a valuable introduction; setting the political context for the convention; the book is divided into five sections.In section I; the author discusses legislative diaries and Madison's prior experience in the Confederation Congress with them. Section II describes Madison's techniques for taking his working notes in the convention. In the process; the author follows the development of some key decisions made by the delegates as to procedures and various issues. Madison apparently would translate speakers' remarks into his own terminology; and speeches (including his own) remained a problem. Some of his own positions he omitted from the record.Section III is interesting from several perspectives. We learn that although Madison has been termed "the father of the Constitution;" in actuality he lost more battles than he won. He wanted to severely limit state power by imposing a federal "legislative veto" over state laws; as well as a "council of revision" to ensure proper statutes by Congress. He very strongly favored proportional representation by population in both houses of Congress; which would have foreclosed equal state representation in the Senate. He hoped the Senate would play a key role in protecting property (including slaves) from legislative attacks. He lost on these points; and others; but in the process as the author recounts he developed his mature political thought. Eventually; Madison became engrossed in drafting committees and detail work and once again pushed some of his goals (e.g.;expansive legislative power) through his editing efforts.As Part IV recounts; due to his growing committee responsibilities; Madison eventually abandoned taking thorough notes; which hampered him later when he tried to write material covering this period. His rough notes proved unsatisfactory for this purpose; and this is one source of probable error in his final notes. In fact; he never published his notes while alive; although he sporadically added and subtracted material depending upon the political demands he faced. He kept them secret; except from Jefferson; and relied upon them--as did Jefferson--in ratification and congressional debates. Part V goes into detail as to how he corrected and revised the notes. I found interesting that Jefferson; who had been in Paris during the convention; initially was not too concerned with the decisions reached in Philadelphia in his political activities upon his return ("the earth belongs to the living"); but when Vice President under Adams he became more conventional in his views. Madison joined Jefferson in using the term "compact" to describe the Constitution in the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions; a position his own secret notes repudiated.Ultimately; due to decades of changes; additions; and subtractions Madison realized that it was impossible to reclaim the original convention and what had transpired there. This book drives home an important lesson about using historical material with the assumption that it is an accurate reflection of the drafters' (or framers' for that matter) intent. Madison's notes have always been; and continue to be; a primary resource for those seeking to resolve present constitutional issues through the aegis of historical documents. Yet the author skillfully demonstrates their substantial shortcomings. In the process; we are thankful to the author for educating us about the convention; explaining how Madison developed his political views; and the strange journey of his notes. Context is everything sometimes; and that certainly is true in constitutional interpretation.7 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Brilliant and provocativeBy A. H.After seeing the rave review in the Wall Street Journal and the recent Washington Post front page; I eagerly read this compelling book. A must for anyone –scholars; politicians; or amateurs like myself—who wants to understand where our Constitution came from. Highly recommended.0 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Three StarsBy Joe H.Read this for a US Constitutional History class. Interesting but dry at times. Could've been 100 pages shorter.
