Against the protestant gnostics
Philip J. Lee (Author)
In this penetrating and provocative assessment of the current state of religion and its effects on society at large, Philip J. Lee criticizes conservatives and liberals alike as he traces gnostic motifs to the very roots of American Protestantism. With references to an extraordinary spectrum of writings from sources as diverse as John Calvin, Martin Buber, Tom Wolfe, Margaret Atwood, and Emily Dickinson, he probes the effects of gnostic thinking on a wide range of issues. Calling for the restoration of a dialectical faith and practice, the book points to positive ways of restoring health to en
1 online resource (368 pages)
9780195359190, 0195359194
1035662274
PART I: GNOSTICISM IN CONFLICT WITH THE FAITH; 1. Gnosticism as a Type of Religion; 2. Gnosticism as a Heresy; 3. Gnosticism Within the Orthodox Faith; PART II: GNOSTICISM IN ASCENDANCE IN NORTH AMERICA; 4. Alienation: From Gratitude to Despair; 5. Protestant Gnosis: From Holy Event to Private Illumination; 6. Modern Escape-from the Home of the Brave?; 7. Narcissism: From the Sacred Community to the Inner Self; 8. Elitism: From the Many to the Few; 9. Syncretism: From the Particular to the Nebulous PART III: GNOSTICISM ESTABLISHED WITHIN NORTH AMERICAN PROTESTANTISM: RESULTS AND REFORM10. Results of a Gnosticized Protestantism; 11. The Degnosticizing of Protestantism: The Renewal of Hope; Epilogue; Notes; Bibliography; Index; A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; Y; Z