Gnostic Philosophy

February 1, 2005
Churton, an award-winning filmmaker and expert on Christian mysticism (The Gnostics), traces the history of Gnosticism from early Christianity until the present day. From the onset of his book he lays out two ambitious goals: first, rather than focus on the Gnostic movement of early Christianity, he intends to provide the reader a comprehensive exegesis of Gnostic thinkers throughout history. Second, he intends to make his work presentable to both the scholar and the layperson. On the first count Churton succeeds by demonstrating how differing personalities like Aleister Crowley, Jacob B hme, Carl Jung, John Lennon, and others can be linked to the Gnostic tradition. Moreover, he presents a compelling case that identifies Gnostic philosophy as a key influence to the Western esoteric tradition. However, despite these successes, the book's subject matter is beyond the scope of most well-read laypersons, and many would find it daunting to say the least. Recommended for upper-level academic collections that specialize in early Christianity, religion, or philosophy.-Brad Matthies, Butler Univ. Lib., Indianapolis

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 24, 2005
More than a quarter century after his award-winning documentary and book The Gnostics,
Churton returns to the academic love of his life. Exhaustive (but not exhausting) in scope and copiously annotated, his work will spice up virtually any reading list of Gnosticism and early Christianity. Positioning religious and philosophical questions alongside those of science and history, Churton clarifies that while Gnostic philosophy "represents a thoroughgoing inquiry into truth values," it does not adhere to the "literary monolith that we have become accustomed to think of when we use the term philosophy
." With great effort—and resulting effect—he succeeds in writing each one of his 14 chapters as a world unto itself. From the Magi to the Freemasons, the Hermetics to Jimi Hendrix, Churton unfurls an evolving awareness of and quest for truth across the ages. If there is a criticism, it is only that the rich history of the Knights Templar and the ensuing incarnations of the Freemasons could have been balanced with equally detailed study of the Enlightened literati and modern scientists. Seasoned with excerpts from original texts and replete with multicultural narratives, Churton will pique the interest not only of professional academics but anyone interested in the Gnostics through the centuries.