Title: Seek to See HimAnother in Baylor's new Library of Early Christology reprint series, on which more here and links.
Sub-title: Ascent and Vision Mysticism in the Gospel of Thomas
Series: (Library of Early Christology Series)
By (author): April D. DeConick
ISBN10-13: 1481307924 : 9781481307925
Format: Paperback
Size: 230x155mm
Pages: 225
Weight: .400 Kg.
Published: Baylor University Press (US) - July 2017
List Price: 25.99 Pounds Sterling
Availability: In Stock Qty Available: 5
Subjects: Church history : New Testaments : Biblical studies & exegesis : Christian theology
April DeConick argues that the Gospel of Thomas, contrary to the way Thomas is normally understood, does not originate from gnostic traditions. Instead, she proposes that Thomas is best explained by Hermetic and Second Temple Jewish mystical traditions. DeConick substantiates her proposal by first examining the developmental stages of the Gospel of Thomas, questioning the classification of Thomas as gnostic on the basis of Thomas' dualism and his speculation about original sin. DeConick carefully delineates the difference between Thomas' and gnostic views of the world and of salvation before going on to demonstrate the crucial role of purification, heavenly ascent, and visio dei -- final transformation through an experience of seeing God -- in this Gospel. In the end, DeConick shows that Thomas is best explained as arising from the fusion of Jewish Mysticism and Hermetic praxis and not as being shaped by gnostic traditions.
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