Long before Gnosticism was formally named, seekers pursued a deeply personal, mystical knowledge of God - believing this sacred insight could free humanity from suffering and spiritual ignorance.

While all religions acknowledge an imperfect world, Gnostics uniquely taught that creation itself was flawed - implicating the creator rather than humanity. This radical theology, condemned as heresy in early Christianity, led to persecution, especially given the sect's liberal views on gender equality, sexuality, and religious tolerance.

In The Essence of the Gnostics, Bernard Simon delivers a compelling exploration of ancient Gnostic spirituality, its controversial worldview, and the modern revival of interest in Gnostic philosophy and mysticism.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Mystic Wisdom introduces four of the world's most influential mystical traditions - Gnosticism, Sufism, Kabbalah, and Buddhism - tracing the history of these movements and their exploration of personal and spiritual transformation.