Publisher Description

The astounding discovery in December 1945 by an Egyptian peasant of desert caves filled with jars of ancient papyrus manuscripts, known collectively as the Nag Hammadi Library, was the archaeological find of the century. These fragments at Nag Hammadi, painstakingly restored and translated, reveal a fascinating alternative perspective on Jesus and the beliefs of many of his earliest followers. Some of these alternative views, including Jesus' relationship to Mary Magdalene, were recently sensationalized by Dan Brown in his bestseller The Da Vinci Code. Books on Gnosticism have continued to enjoy a lift from the popularity of that novel, and the fortcoming movie should continue to spur sales of these more serious books on gnosticism.

Author Biography

Marvin Meyer is one of the foremost scholars on early Christianity and texts about Jesus outside the New Testament. He is Griset Professor of Bible and Christian Studies at Chapman University in Orange, California. Among his recent books are The Gospel of Judas, The Gnostic Gospels of Jesus, The Gospels of Mary, The Gospel of Thomas, and The Nag Hammadi Scriptures.

Long Description

The Meaning of the Nag Hammadi, now in paperback opens the with the thrilling adventure story of the discovery of the ancient Papyrii at Nag Hammadi. Muhammad Ali, the fellahin, discovered the sealed jar, he feared that it might contain a jinni, or spirit, but also had heard of hidden treasures in such jars. Greed overcame his fears and when he smashed open the jar, gold seemed to float into the air. To his disappointment, it was papyrus fragmenst, not gold, but for scholars around the world, it was invaluable. Meyer then discusses the pre-Christian forms of wisdom that went onto influence what Christians believe today. In addition, some Nag Hammadi texts are attributed to Valentinus, a man who almost became Pope, and whose rejection changed the church in significant ways. Text by text, 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.

Description for Teachers/Educators

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

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