Gnosticism: The Message of the Stranger God and the Beginning of Christianity

Author: Hans Jonas (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: Since the modern transformation of Chinese academia began over a hundred years ago, the research in humanities and social sciences in our country has achieved considerable accomplishments through the relentless efforts of several generations of scholars. Academic translation has played an indispensable role in this process. The pioneering contributions of Yan Fu need not be mentioned; the introduction of Western academic works during the Republican era further accelerated the development of Chinese scholarship, helping Chinese scholars open their eyes to the world and realize that, apart from advanced ships and weapons, there were also academic traditions and knowledge worth introducing. Since the 1980s, Chinese academia has embarked on a wave of introducing foreign academic works that has continued to this day, the impact of which on the accumulation and development of academic thought in China's intellectual circles, as well as its role in promoting social progress, is undeniable. Alongside this new wave of "Western learning flowing eastward," Chinese scholars have also conducted pioneering research in certain fields, publishing numerous important works and valuable papers. Through this process, like grafting a sapling, fruits that blend the essence of both Eastern and Western academia have been produced. We have every reason to expect that academic research rooted in its own profound national traditions, with a clear awareness of local issues, while also incorporating diverse achievements from the international academic community, will continue to flourish and grow. This book studies and discusses the information of the Stranger God and the beginning of Christianity—some philosophical aspects of Gnosticism. The book is divided into three parts: Gnostic Writings—Major Doctrines and Symbolic Language, The Gnostic System, and Gnosticism and Classical Spirit.