Review by Booklist Review
There are plenty of books about Gnosticism, but instead of just interpreting Gnostic Gospels in relation to Christianity, Smoley takes a more inclusive approach, showing how Gnosticism has flourished in one form or another throughout the ages, rearing its head today in the popularity of The Da Vinci Code0 and the myriad books that have followed in its wake. Smoley begins with an introduction to the Gnostics, tracing their beliefs back to the Egyptians. He then moves forward in history, discussing in readable style the Gnostics' battles with orthodoxy as well as Gnosticism's evolution and its links to other forms of mysticism, including kabbalah. Throughout, Smoley makes the point that the appeal of Gnosticism, whatever its form, stems from a lack of vitality in Christianity, which in turn derives from the fact that "crucial material about the earliest era of Christianity seems to be missing." Although Smoley writes in a popular style, he never lacks for scholarship. The many readers interested in Gnosticism will find new and valuable ways of looking at the topic here. --Ilene Cooper Copyright 2006 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Tackling the perplexing, if not esoteric, topic of Gnosticism has proved a daunting challenge for most who have tried to introduce it to the general reading public. Not so for Smoley, former editor of the journal Gnosis. This clear, concise (albeit cursory in spots) primer traces the Gnostic threads of philosophy, religion, science and popular culture from their biblical references through to their 21st-century appearances in novels and film. Moving easily from one century to the next while at the same time connecting them to each other, Smoley is at once thoughtful and thought-provoking, suggesting that if the history of the Gnostic legacy were a drama, he'd script it in two acts, divided between the "rise and fall of the great dualist heresy... [and]... the entrance of Kabbalah" into Western heritage. Beside the usual examples of the Gospel of Thomas, the Cathars, Rosicrucians and Masons, he resuscitates Manichaeism and Hesychasm. He highlights not only William Blake and Carl Jung, but Theosophy maven Helena Blavatsky, German philosopher Eric Voegelin and, surprisingly, literary critic Harold Bloom. Throughout, Smoley reinforces that Gnosticism is, and always has been, here to stay. He paves a wide, clear path to understanding it, accessible even to the weekend seeker. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
In his latest work, Smoley (former editor, Gnosis; Hidden Wisdom: A Guide to the Western Inner Traditions) provides a popularized history of the ancient, esoteric religion known as Gnosticism. Drawing on an impressive mastery of the subject matter, he traces Gnosticism from the first century C.E. to the present. High points include a discussion of the lost religion of Manichaeism (a precursor to Gnosticism) and of how Gnosticism may have influenced Judaism and early Christianity. Smoley concludes by arguing that Gnosticism should be placed on the same level as institutionalized religion and science. Though orthodox theists and scientists may disagree, he presents a compelling and accessible argument. A thoroughly enjoyable read; highly recommended for all libraries with strong religious collections. [The publication of Forbidden Faith is timed in conjunction with the May 19 theatrical release of The Da Vinci Code, starring Tom Hanks.-Ed.]-Brad S. Matthies, Butler Univ. Lib., Indianapolis (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Forbidden faith . . . in what? A look at the elusive legacy of Gnosticism and its mystical counterparts. In his sometimes disjointed narrative, Smoley (Inner Christianity, 2002, etc.) launches from the Da Vinci Code platform to introduce Gnosticism to the general public. His first chapter does a capable job of depicting Gnosticism as it's known from Christianity's early history. The author describes it as a belief aimed at gnosis (spiritual enlightenment) rather than at salvation. Heavily influenced by Plato and Eastern philosophies, Gnostics painted a far different picture of the creation and of Jesus than that taught by what Smoley calls "proto-Catholics." Hence, the creed was slowly but viciously beaten out of existence by the official church. Much of the rest of the book discusses people and systems of thought only tangentially connected to Gnosticism, including Manichaeism, Catharism and Rosicrucianism. The Kabbalah often seems to be more of a unifying thread in these pages than Gnosticism; indeed, Smoley admits that some of the connections he forms are "oblique." Though much of it is interesting, the reader often tends to wonder what this actually has to do with the Gnostics. He returns more fully to his topic in the concluding paragraphs, which explore the historical and social implications of renewed interest in Gnosticism over the past several decades. Though it influenced a wide range of intellectuals, from William Blake to Karl Jung, Gnosticism did not enter modern popular consciousness until the 1970s. The archaeological recovery and publication of the Nag Hammadi texts, coincident with the emergence of New Age thought, feminism and similar movements, prepared the groundwork for a Gnostic resurgence. This has led, directly or indirectly, to such cultural expressions as The Matrix and The Da Vinci Code. More an exploration of gnosis itself than of Gnosticism the religion. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Review by Library Journal Review
Review by Kirkus Book Review
