THE GNOSTIC GOSPELS

Documents unearthed in Egypt fifty years ago have revolutionized the study of early Christianity, showing the developing religion to be much more lively and diverse than previously thought. Elaine Pagels explores the meaning and impact of books like the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Truth as they relate to Christianity two thousand years ago and today. Lorna Raver is solid as narrator, enunciating difficult phrases clearly. The book is a scholarly work, and the first disc, a review of previous literature, is dry and hard to follow by ear. But from the second chapter on, the material is easier to absorb. Through effective pacing, Raver helps breaks down difficult concepts, allowing each to sink in before moving to the next. R.C.G. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 06]