A Simple Explanation of the Gnostic Gospel is a clear and eye-opening guide to understanding Gnostic wisdom and the Tripartite Tractate. I really appreciated how the author took something that could easily feel complicated and made it deeply approachable, laying it out from the very beginning of creation through to the ultimate purpose of our lives. Reading this gave me a fresh sense of peace and a deeper connection to spiritual truths that somehow already felt familiar, and I enjoyed the way it encouraged me to reflect on my own place in the bigger cosmic story. A great addition to the perennial philosophy, with interesting inclusions of Tibetan Buddhism and Jung. The author does well to explain this cosmology, frequently going over progress made. Practically speaking, the suggested practice seems to be one of belief in salvation from the Christ, leading to greater peace of mind, and a commitment to the simple golden rule: working with other beings for the good of the whole in order to glorify God. If your soul’s been feeling a little homesick, this book is basically its GPS back to where it belongs! I picked up A Simple Explanation of the Gnostic Gospel thinking it might be heavy, but wow—it’s like talking to a super wise friend who’s just explaining what’s always been sitting quietly inside you. 🤯💬 It’s deep, it’s cozy, and it totally blew my mind (in the best way). If you’ve ever wondered if you’re meant for more (spoiler: you ARE), you seriously need to read this. 🕊️📖

A Simple Explanation of the Gnostic Gospel by Cyd Ropp ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 28, 2024 A well-researched, impassioned case for Gnosticism. A 21st-century Gnostic explores the seminal text of her faith in this nonfiction work. “Valentinian Gnosticism is a form of proto-Christianity,” writes Ropp in the book’s introduction, asserting her belief that “it is the true, original form of Christianity.” Focusing on the third- or fourth-century Gnostic work the Tripartite Tractate of the Nag Hammadi codices, the author explores an alternative branch of Christianity that was deemed heretical and “wiped out” by Catholicism. In contrast to Roman Catholicism, per Ropp, Gnosticism “encourages a personal relationship with the “God Above All Gods,” eschews hierarchical leadership and rituals, and holds that no church or earthly institution “can give you gnosis” (mystical knowledge). Aiming to “demystify” the “arcane language” of the Tripartite Tractate, as well as to connect the work to the more well-known themes articulated in the Christian New Testament, Ropp systematically walks readers through the major ideas posited in the Gnostic text. Unlike other biblical books, according to the author, the Tripartite Tractate is closer to a philosophical rumination than a collection of myths, as it establishes a thesis about a divine Father before working through the logical implications of that proposition. Ropp’s analytical approach informs her emphasis on applying Gnosticism to modern life, as the author deeply believes that “Gnostic faith is not blind faith but reasonable faith.” Holding a doctorate in classical rhetoric, Ropp is the host of the Gnostic Insights podcast and author of The Gnostic Gospel Illuminated (2019). Here, she offers readers a scholarly exploration of the Tripartite Tractate that challenges popular assumptions, such as the claim by many that Gnosticism is a New Age religion. Her academic approach, backed by scholarly references, is balanced by an engaging writing style geared toward readers unfamiliar with the esoteric nuances of Gnosticism. The work’s accessibility is further supported by a lengthy glossary of terminology as well as the inclusion of full-color images, diagrams, and other visual aids. Even readers unconvinced about the veracity of Gnosticism will find a stimulating reflection on the nature of meaning, knowledge, and truth. A well-researched, impassioned case for Gnosticism. Pub Date: Aug. 28, 2024 ISBN: 9798218985042 Page Count: 312