The above graphic reminds me of a sign at the Bronx Zoo when I was young. Perhaps it is still there. As I walked from animal group to group,, I noticed this immense sign that trumpeted the world's most dangerous animal. I was wary of getting too close. When I arrived, I saw myself in a mirror. The placard revealed that humans were the most dangeorus animal.
I studied Gnosticism with Elaine Pagels and have kept up my interest. I am no scholar. Very much an amateur. Pagels would be the first to tell you that Gnosticism is not pure Christianity. Rather, it is as loony as any other branch. It is not purer. Rather than purer, it is exotic to us. It is a shock to know these gospels existed. Long before Nag Hammadi, scholars knew something was going on within orthodox Christianity from Paul's letters.
Elaine Pagels books are easy reading. I purchased a Dummies or something similar guide to the Gnostics.
P.S. I hate reading massive articles on my computer screen. Can't people sum up the articles they reference in two to three sentences. All of law is summarized in a few sentences. People can read more details if they are interested. I often feel as though someone is imposing volumes of writings on me. Most of the time I don't care what the articles say. I can go forth and do Google Scholar or an academic database. I come here b/c I am interested in the views of live peoplle here. A link does wonders.
