The Gnostic Podcast

GP027: The Gnostic Gospel of Thomas

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:51:02 +0000

The Gnostic Gospel of Thomas is one of the most important discoveries of modern times, giving us a different picture of who Jesus was. In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest examines the once lost Gospel of Thomas. He begins by explaining how the Gospel was discovered near the city of Hag Hammadi, Egypt. He gives a little background about an early group of Christians called Gnostics. Jay also spend some time on the date that the Gospel of Thomas was first written. He also deals with the authorship and the language it was written in. Jay also claim that Thomas is not a secret Gospel, despite claims to the contrary. He also explains what the hidden or mystic saying were and what their real purpose is. He compares these saying to the Zen Buddhists koan. He also shows why they are not to be taken literally. He further explains that the Gospel of Thomas is or is not Gnostic depending on how you define Gnostic. He closes the podcast by dealing with Elaine Pagels theory that the Gospel of John was written to contradict the Gospel of Thomas. Truly an eye opening podcast for those interested in the historical Jesus.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “Cruise Control” by Azoora

CALL-IN LINE
If you have any comments, questions, or would just like to share how this program has touched your life, please call (505) 750-3121 and leave a voice message to be played on the show.

RESOURCES
Bookstore – Discover recommended books about Gnosticism
Scriptures – Discover the writings Jay considers to be Scripture.
Gnostic Christian Beliefs – What do Gnostic Christians believe?
Yahoo Group – Become a part of the community of Gnostic Christians.
About Jay Forrest – Who is Jay Forrest and what is his background.
Ask Jay a Question – Call or email your question to be answered on the Podcast.

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GP026: Hell Does Not Exist

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:45:43 +0000

Hell is not a place of torment in the literal flames of fire where souls suffer forever and ever. In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest explains the true meaning of two Greek words that are translated hell in Bible translations, hades and gehenna. As Jay explains, hades is simply the grave. And gehenna is actually refers to the garbage dump just outside of Jerusalem that was constantly burning trash. As Jay explains, gehenna was used by Jesus to figuratively refer to the annihilation of the soul. Gehenna could be translated garbage dump, as Jay illustrates in a number of passages. Jay also explains the two passages that seem to teach that hell is a place of torment, specifically Luke 16 and in the book of Revelation. The first is a parable and should not be taken literally. And the second, the book of Revelation, is a book that really should not be in the Bible. He lists a several reasons that Revelation should not be included in the Bible, including its non-acceptance in the East and the fact that it is a forgery. He concludes by saying that hell is not a place, but a state of non-being. Hell does not exist.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “Breathe ” by Jennifer Avalon

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GP025: What Do Gnostic Christians Believe?

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 23:43:04 +0000

Have you ever wondered what Gnostic Christians believe and how these beliefs fit together with one another? In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest gives you an overview of what he believes on over a dozen topics. This topics include The Experience of God, The Safest Way to God, the Scriptures, Apostolic Tradition, The Holy Trinity, Creation and Evolution, Jehovah, Humanity and Sin, Jesus Christ, Salvation through Gnosis, Holographic Simulation, Spiritual Resurrection, The Holy Spirit, The Sacraments, Priesthood of All Gnostic Christians, Organic Church Life, and The End of the World. Jay uses the Belief statement from the website as the basis of the podcast, working through each statement and explaining it in more detail.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “Such a Sweet Epiphany” by Jeffrey N Kelley

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GP024: The Gnostic Christian Bible

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:35:34 +0000

The Gnostic Christian Bible consists of 22 books including Mark, Matthew, Luke, Thomas, John, Acts, The Didache, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, Galatians, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Romans, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, Hebrews, James, Peter, Epistle of John, and The Odes of Solomon. In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest returns to the subject of the Gnostic Christian Scriptures and explains his change in perspective. Originally Jay divided the Scriptures into Foundational Scriptures and Interpretative Scriptures. Since then he has modified his view of this division, preferring to call the Foundational Scriptures “the Bible” and the interpretive texts he now refers to as “Apostolic Tradition.” He explains what this apostolic tradition is. He also explains why he accepts pretty much the same New Testament as the proto-orthodox.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “Lighthouse” by Jennifer Avalon

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GP023: The Sacrament of the Bridal Chamber

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:21:09 +0000

The sacrament of the bridal chamber was the Gnostic name for that mystical union of one’s spirit with God. In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest explains the meaning of the bridal chamber, eliminating common misconceptions that have arisen because the romantic language used concerning it. Some have wrongly thought that the bridal chamber deals with physical relations, while others have conceived of it as marriage without physical relations. As Jay shows, the Gnostic texts describe the bridal chamber as the place and the experience of God’s presence. Jay also explains how this union with God includes the union of soul and spirit, symbolized by Adam and Eve. “God himself pursues a love relationship with you,” writes Henry Blackaby and Claude King, “He is the One who takes the initiative to bring you into this kind of relationship. He created you for a love relationship with himself. That is the very purpose of your life. This love relationship can and should be real and personal to you.” And the bridal chamber is the place of that intimacy with God.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “Do You Know the Love of the Father” by graphite412

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GP022: The Sacrament of Redemption

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:43:37 +0000

The sacrament of redemption was a Gnostic Christian ritual for the dying that consisted of putting oil and water on the head of the person. In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest explains the meaning and symbolism of one of the Gnostic Christians most obscure rituals, the sacrament of redemption (apolytrosis). The sacrament of redemption was a ritual that reaffirm one’s baptism and chrismation. It was a sacrament that prepares a person for his journey to heaven. Jay calls it the sacrament of ascension, because it helps the Gnostic on his journey back to his Divine source in the pleroma (the fullness of true reality). Jay also compares this sacrament to the Roman Catholic practice of Viaticum and Extreme Unction. He then ends the podcast with a detailed explanation on how to conduct the sacrament. This this sure to shed some light on what can be one of the most mysterious of the Gnostic Christian sacraments.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “Dust” by Josh Woodward

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GP021: The Gnosis of the Eucharist

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:31:38 +0000

The Real Presence is the spiritual presence of Christ in the physical form of the bread and cup of the Holy Eucharist. In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest explains the origin and meaning of the Eucharist, which is also known as Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper. The Eucharist came to be known as transubstantiation in the Roman Catholic Church, which means that they believe that the whole substance of the bread and wine are transformed into the substance of the literal and physical body of Christ. Protestants reacting to this turned it into a mere memorial. The Eastern Orthodox, although they believed in the Real Presence, refused to define how the change took place. Their view could be called the mystery view. Jay then examines the Gospel of Philip and the Didache in order to develop a modern Gnostic Christian view. This view Jay call mystical incarnation. It’s the belief that the bread and wine are transformed into vehicles of Christ’s present, they are really the body and blood of Christ.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “Mystical” by And Kings Will Come From Your Body

BOOKSTORE
Gnosis: The Nature and History of Gnosticism
The Gnostic Gospels
Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew

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GP020: The Sacrament of Chrism

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:05:50 +0000

Chrism is a sacrament that is an outward and visible sign of anointing with oil and laying of hands that is suppose to bring the Holy Spirit upon the person to empower them for life and ministry. In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest explains the the origin and meaning of chrism. He explains that chrism became Chrismation in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Confirmation in the Roman Catholic Church. Chrism is suppose to cause the Holy Spirit to fill the person and give them power to be witnesses to Christ. It is the anointing for priestly ministry as a Gnostic Christian and enables the Gnostic to preform all other sacraments. This empowering of the Holy Spirit is called many things in the Scriptures, such as the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the gift of the Spirit, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Jay ends the podcast with a detailed description on how to preform the sacrament of chrism.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “The Spirit” by Big Bad Sun

BOOKSTORE
Gnosis: The Nature and History of Gnosticism
The Gnostic Gospels
Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew

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GP019: Gnostic Water Baptism

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:12:12 +0000

Gnostic water baptism is a sacrament that is an outward and visible sign of immersion in water in the name of the Trinity that is suppose to produce a dying to self and a raising to a new life in union and communion with God. In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest explains the distinctly Gnostic view of baptism as a means to a spiritual experience. Unlike the sacramental branches of Christianity who have turned it into a dead ritual, and the Protestants, who have turned it into a mere symbol, the Gnostics hold to the apostle Paul view that baptism produced an experience of identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. In other words, baptism was a mystical rite of initiation that produced a dying to self and a raising to God-consciousness. For the Gnostics baptism was suppose to do something in one’s inner being. Jay also discusses the mode of baptism, what formula one is suppose to use, who can preform baptisms, and ends with a discussion about original sin and infant baptism.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “Wade in the Water” by The Spirit of Light

BOOKSTORE
Gnosis: The Nature and History of Gnosticism
The Gnostic Gospels
Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew

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GP018: An Introduction to the Five Gnostic Sacraments

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:40:15 +0000

A Sacrament is a mystical practice or event which is outward and visible sign of an inward spiritual influence, instituted by Christ, which is received by a person prepared and receptive to that Divine influence. In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest introduces the Gnostic understanding of the five sacraments listed in the Gospel of Philip. Jay begins with defining what a mystery is and how a mystery is the same thing as a sacrament. He then looks at the nature of the sacraments, what are they. He shares the Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox viewpoints concerning the sacraments before moving on to the Protestant view. He then explains the Gnostic view and shows where the five sacraments probably originate in the Gospel of Thomas. He ends the podcast with a quick survey of the five sacraments: “baptism, chrism, eucharist, redemption, and bridal chamber” (Gospel of Philip, NHS p. 173).

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “Path of Heart” by Sun Palace

BOOKSTORE
Gnosis: The Nature and History of Gnosticism
The Gnostic Gospels
Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew

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GP017: God Our Heavenly Mother

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 02:07:07 +0000

Most people picture God as a man and the Trinity as three men, but the Gnostics thought of the Holy Spirit as Sophia, who is God our heavenly Mother. In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest explains that the Holy Spirit is actually a “she” in the Hebrew Scriptures. That is right, to the Jews the Holy Spirit was female. As Jay explains, the Gnostics continued the Jewish tradition of a feminine Spirit. He also explains that the Holy Spirit had a name, Sophia, which is the Greek word for wisdom. Jay takes you through a number of passages that show that Wisdom, or Sophia, was personalized in such books as Proverbs and the Wisdom of Solomon. He explains that Sophia was part of creating the world. Jay also explains that the word “spirit” is neuter in Greek, and examines a couple of passages in the Gospel of John where most Bible translators actually change the pronoun from a neuter (it) to a masculine (he). However, Jay argues, if we must use a personal pronoun instead of “it”, why not “she” and “her”? Unfortunately the Orthodox mindset has influenced even the translation of our Scriptures. It is a fact of history that the Orthodox churches have tended to bar women from clergy roles and relegated them to second class citizens. Among the Gnostics this was not true. Could part of the reason be that they view the feminine as part of the Divine nature?

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “Loved and Full of Grace” by Miriam Venus

BOOKSTORE
The Gnostic Gospels
Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew

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GP016: The Priesthood of All Gnostics

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:49:47 +0000

All Gnostic Christians, both male and female, are priests through their baptism and chrismation. In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest explains the Scriptural basis for the priesthood of all Gnostics. He demonstrates that originally the work of the ministry has given equally to all Christians. That all Christians become priests through their baptism and are empowered to preform priestly service through Chrismation. He also explains how the current ordained clergy system, as seen in both Catholic and Protestant Churches, came into being as a devise to counter heresy, gnosticism in particular. He shows that the original churches started by the apostle Paul had no official leadership. The clergy laity split developed in the proto-orthodox camp in their effort to force consensus. The Gnostics were faithful to Paul and held out against the ordained clergy system. This podcast will challenge preconceived ideas and call all Gnostics to reclaim their priesthood. A very important podcast.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “World (in your eyes)” by Meguiddo

BOOKSTORE
Reimagining Church: Pursuing the Dream of Organic Christianity
The Gnostic Gospels
Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew

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GP014: Dan Brown’s School of Theology

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:09:33 +0000

Angels and Demons, The Da Vinci Code, and The Lost Symbol are three of Dan Brown’s best selling novels. In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest explores the theology of Dan Brown as seen in these three books. The Da Vinci Code will be the focus of this podcast, as it contains the most concerning God, the Church, and the Bible. We explore who Dan Brown is, including his education and background. We explore the idea about Jesus and Mary Magdalene being married. We also trace this idea back to the book entitled Holy Blood, Holy Grail by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincon. We explore the true history of the Priory of Sion. We also delve into the theology of Dan Brown on such topics as what role did emperor Constantine really play in the formation of the Bible, was Jesus determined to be God by the Council of Nicene, was Mary Magdalene appointed by Jesus to be the head of the Church, did the Gnostic Gospels tell of a romantic relationship between Jesus and Mary, did the church suppress women, and did the church suppress scientific advancements. Through all this you will discover why Jay believes that Dan Brown has done a service to humanity.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “Listen” by Tryad

BOOKSTORE
The Da Vinci Code
Angels & Demons
The Lost Symbol
Truth and Fiction in The Da Vinci Code by Bart Ehrman
Illuminating Angels & Demons: The Unauthorized Guide
Cracking The Da Vinci Code: The Unauthorized Guide
Decoding The Lost Symbol: The Unauthorized Expert Guide
Holy Blood, Holy Grail Illustrated Edition

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GP013: Gnostics and the Unknown God

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Mon, 24 May 2010 14:32:10 +0000

In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest explains what a world view is, giving a number of illustrations to help people visualize it. A world view is the view or interpretation which we have of reality as a whole. It is our comprehensive philosophy of God, nature, life, death, and history. It is our over all perspective, our fundamental point of view, our basic outlook upon life. Jay briefly discusses the eight major world views: Theism, Atheism, Agnosticism, Pantheism, Panentheism, Deism, Finite Godism, and Polytheism. Then he turns the searchlight on the Gnostic Christians. What did the Gnostics believe concerning the nature of God. He concludes that the Gnostic Christians were Theistic, believing that God is infinite, being both transcendent and imminent. Jay then looks at the Gnostic concept of the unknown God, explaining that God is unknown for two reasons. First, because God is above and beyond the universe. And secondly, because God is beyond conception. From this Jay shows that the so called negative theology of Christian mysticism is rooted in the Gnostic idea of the unknown God.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “Unknown God” by John Collins

BOOKSTORE
Perspectives: Understanding and Evaluating Today’s World Views

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GP012: The Truth of Evolution

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Fri, 14 May 2010 14:34:05 +0000

In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest examines the truth of evolution. Jay first explores the failure of creationism and then explores the evidence for evolution. He also explains that there are two problems with the “how” of evolution, but this in no way brings into question the theory itself. He then explains how to save Genesis, concluding that the only way to save it is to treat it as poetry and allegory, not as literal history. He also deals with the story of Adam and Eve. Then he explores evolution and Gnostic Christianity, explaining that, “Of course, Gnostics would have no trouble believing in evolution, since the sparks of the divine are trapped in matter and trying to ascend to heaven.” He concludes that Gnostic Christians would be considered Theistic Evolutionists today. He then explains how the holographic simulation, as explained in the previous two podcasts, fits in with the truth of evolution. He ends the podcast by explaining why evolution proves Gnostic Christianity. This podcast is sure to get the young Earth creationists upset.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “Revolving Door” by The TenGooz

BOOKSTORE
The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief
Thank God for Evolution
Show Me God: What the Message from Space Is Telling Us About God (Wonders, 1)

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GP011: The Purpose of Creation

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Fri, 07 May 2010 16:47:58 +0000

In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest continues the quantum journey into the wonderful and weird world of modern physics. In the last podcast we discovered that the universe is a holographic simulation. In this episode we will explore what this means to us who are in this simulation. We will discuss how our DNA is a software program and that we are, in fact, a sophisticated, comnscious program, with free will, who is living in a digital simulation. We will also discover the reason behind the simulation – we will discover why God made the simulation. We will learn that the purpose is to test us, to make sure we loving. We will also illustrate that this one idea of the simulation effects all other teachings and ideas of our modern Gnostic Christianity. We conclude by saying that the world is the womb, or matrix, of souls. The purpose is to grow the soul until it ripens and then take the ripened souls to the real world.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “Solar System” by Jamison Young

BOOKSTORE
What the Bleep Do We Know!? DVD
The Holographic Universe
What the Bleep Do We Know!?: Paperback
The Tao of Physics: An Exploration of the Parallels between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism
Physics For the Rest of Us
The Mind of God: The Scientific Basis for a Rational World

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GP010: The World is a Holographic Simulation

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Sat, 01 May 2010 20:03:27 +0000

In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest takes the quantum leap into the wonderful and weird world of modern physics. This podcast will lay the basis for many upcoming podcasts, and it really forms the foundation for our understanding of Gnostic Christianity. Here Gnostic thought meets Quantum Mechanics. In this podcast we discover that, unlike the proto-orthodox, the Gnostics viewed the world as an illusion. Now modern science tells us that they were right, the World is an Illusion. The world is a hologram, or at least operates like a hologram. and furthermore, to use an analogy, the world or universe is a computer simulation. This podcast will leave you with one unanswered question, “why?” If all this is merely a simulation in some kind of hologram, then what is the purpose of it? Stay tune to the next podcast for the answer.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “Slip Into Surreal” by Liquid Zen

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GP009: Q&A: Homosexuality, Catholic Bashing, Pedophile Priests, etc.

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:04:06 +0000

In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest answers several listener questions. The first is concerning whether the podcast bashes Catholics. The second question deals with the subjectivism of Gnostic views. The third question deals with whether John’s Gospel was written to contradict the Gospel of Thomas. The fourth question is whether the Gnostic Christian teachings are so far fetched as to be laughable. The fifth question is really a series of questions regarding podcast 8: The Gnostic Apostle Paul. The sixth question deals with whether Gnosticism is the Dark Side. In question seven Jay deals with the the Gnostic Christian position on homosexuality. The eighth question tackles the issue of pedophile Priests and how the Roman Catholic Church has handled the matter. And the last question deals with Roman Catholic-Style clergy and services. This podcast is sure to offend someone and edify others.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “Dear godhatesfags.com” by And Kings Will Come From Your Body

BOOKSTORE
The Gnostic Gospels
Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew

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GP008: Ten Gnostic Christian Values

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 20:54:53 +0000

In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest explores ten Gnostic Christian values. These are values that help define and mold the Gnostic Christian. The first value is relational gatherings, which speaks about the purpose and meaning of church. The second value is the equality of all, which goes against racism and sexism. The third value is the priesthood of the Gnostic, which goes against the now accepted distinction between clergy and laity. The fourth value is freedom of thought, which goes against the dogmatic attitude which became common place in Christianity. The firth value is freedom of conscience, which goes again the judgmental and legalistic attitude which became common place in Christianity. The sixth value is ecumenicalism, which means that Gnostic recognize that true Christians are found in every church. The seventh value is interfaith relations, which means that Gnostics believe that mystics of all religions have found gnosis and are therefore saved. The eighth value is creativity, which means that Gnostics believe in engaging culture and transforming it into a means of knowing God. The ninth value is compassion, for Gnostics have always been non-violent and believe that we were meant to give compassionately from the heart. And the tenth value is balance, Gnostics believe is keeping mysticism and rationalism in balance and avoiding extremes. These ten values will help a lot of people better understand the strengths of Gnostic Christianity. It will also help challenge other Gnostic Christians to remain true to our strengths.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “Heaven” by Ammonite

BOOKSTORE
Pagan Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices
Forbidden Faith: The Secret History of Gnosticism
The Gnostic Gospels
Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew

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GP007: The Gnostic Apostle Paul

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:46:51 +0000

In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest examines five major teachings of the Apostle Paul. In each of the five areas we examine the proto-orthodox answer and then we examine the Gnostic answer. First, Gnostics believe in salvation through experiential knowledge, while the catholics or proto-orthodox believe in salvation by faith. Secondly, Gnostics believe that Satan is the god of this world, while proto-orthodox believe the Father of Jesus is the God of this world. Thirdly, Gnostics believe in secret or escoteric teachings, while proto-orthodox believe in only public teachings – no secret or hidden teachings. Fourthly, Gnostics believe in a spiritual resurrection, while proto-orthodox believe in a physical resurrection. And lastly, Gnostics believe that death is the pentalty of sin, while proto-orthodox believe that endless suffering in hell is the penalty. The conclusion? In each and every case Paul’s teaching corresponds to the Gnostic answer, not the proto-orthodox answer. This is very significant. It means that the Gnostics were closer to Paul’s teachings than the proto-orthodox. Furthermore, it means that Gnostic Christianity has at least as a legitimate claim to being true Christianity as any other branch.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “Tree Of Love” by Jami Sieber

BOOKSTORE
The Gnostic Paul: Gnostic Exegesis of the Pauline Letters
Forbidden Faith: The Secret History of Gnosticism
The Gnostic Gospels
Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew

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GP006: The Gnostic Christian Scriptures

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:15:16 +0000

In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest explains a Gnostic perspective of the Scriptures. In the first part Jay explains common terms used in the discussion of Scripture, such as inspiration, revelation, and errancy. These concepts will effect how one treats the Scriptures and what one expects when they approach them. Jay clearly states that the Scriptures are fallible, and yet they are a reliable guide into a relationship with God. Jay explains that the purpose of Scripture is to lead us into a union and communion with God. In the second part Jay deals with the Gnostic Christian Scriptures, dividing them into Foundational Scriptures and Interpretative Scriptures. He explains that the Foundational Scriptures date from the first century and best preserve the teaching of Jesus and his apostles. Interpretative Scriptures are those writing in the second and third century that can be traced to Valentinus and his school. These writings are secondary to the Foundational Scriptures, but offer us a mystical interpretation and application of them. This podcast is an important one in understand the foundations of Gnostic Christianity.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “That’s Why” by Jason Silver

BOOKSTORE
Jesus, Interrupted: Revealing the Hidden Contradictions in the Bible

Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew
The Gnostic Gospels

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GP005: God Told Me to Kill You

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 03:05:24 +0000

In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest deals with one of the most controversial question that divided the early church – the God of the Jewish Scriptures. Most people don’t know much about the Old Testament part of their Bibles…. all that is about to change. Jay reveals the God of the Old Testament in all his severity. Passage after passage reveals a God of war, and cruelty, and brutality. For many, this is very upsetting and disturbing. Passage after passage we hear Jehovah God telling the Israelites to kill men, women, and infants. He commands to destroy entire nations – complete and utter genocide. Jay then explains the options proposed by three early Christian groups: The Marcionites, who reject the entire Old Testament; the Catholic or proto-orthodox group who accepted the entire Old Testament, and the Valentinian who viewed it as a fallible patchwork of a number of sources. As you will learn, the Gnostic Christian solution is the best one once you see all the facts laid out. You can’t completely reject the Jewish Scriptures because Jesus and the apostle quoted approvingly of them, and you can’t completely accept the Jewish Scriptures because that means God approves of war, genocide, and the wholesale slaughter of infants and babies and pregnant women. This podcast is sure to be an eye opening experience, even if a little uncomfortable.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “The Greatest of These is Love” by Tony Bardon

BOOKSTORE
Jesus, Interrupted: Revealing the Hidden Contradictions in the Bible

Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew
The Gnostic Gospels

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GP004: Your Bible’s Wrong

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 02:26:47 +0000

In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest tackles the question of who wrote the Bible, who chose which books would be in the New Testament, and were their choices right. If you always believed that God gave us the Bible and that the New Testament always had 27 books in it, this episode may rock your world. The fact is that scholars have know for a while that there are books in the Bible that are forgeries. That is right, there are books in the Bible that scholars believe lie about their authorship. They claim to be written by an Apostle but are not. Which means that that the Bible as you have it today is wrong. Forgeries have no place in the Bible. This opens the question that if they got even one book wrong, how many other books did they get wrong? And then, what about the lost Gospels like Thomas, should they be added to the Bible? The further you study, the more you realize that you need to know for yourself the answer to these questions, because your conservative pastor is surely not going to tell you the objective truth.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “Little White Church” by Steven Dunston

BOOKSTORE
The Canon of the New Testament: Its Origin, Development, and Significance
Jesus, Interrupted: Revealing the Hidden Contradictions in the Bible

Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew
The Gnostic Gospels

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GP003: Simon Magus and Gnostic Christianity

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:15:50 +0000

In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest explores the claim that Simon Magus of Acts chapter 8 is the founder of Gnosticism. The claim was made by the early heresy hunters, but is it true? The simple answer is no. As we explain, there were two other Simons that were confused with this Simon of Acts. The Simon Magus of the book of Acts was a magician and nothing more. He converted to Christianity and that’s all we hear from him. The next Simon was a non-Christian Gnostic who lived a generation or two after the first Simon. Justin and the other heresy hunters got the two confused. The third Simon is actually a code name used by the Ebionites for the apostle Paul. The reason this question is so important is that people wrongly point to Acts 8 to “prove” that Gnosticism was proven wrong by the apostle Peter. The only thing wrong was that Simon Magus was trying to buy the power to give the Holy Spirit. Simon Magus was not a Gnostic and Gnostic Christianity did not start with him. Jesus started Gnostic Christianity, and Thomas, Paul, and John carried on Jesus’ original teaching.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “The Dreamer’s Overture” by J.T. Bruce

BOOKSTORE

Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew
The Gnostic Gospels
Gnosticism: New Light on the Ancient Tradition of Inner Knowing
Simon Magus: An Essay on the Founder of Simonianism

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GP002: Rethinking Church History

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 02:37:35 +0000

In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest challenges us to rethink church history. As he explains, most everything we were taught about early Christianity is false. First, we need to rethink the monolithic idea of early Christianity. Scholars are now saying that early Christianity was diverse and that there was no one church or theology in the beginning. Second, we need to rethink the idea that right always wins. Just because the Gnostics lost doesn’t mean they were wrong. Third, we need to rethink the heresy label. Fourth, we need to rethinking the selective reporting of the early heresy hunters. And finally, we need to rethink the results of the suppression and persecution of the Gnostic Christians. This episode is sure to challenge your ideas of the history of the early Christian church.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “The Gnostic” by Ether Ashe

BOOKSTORE
The Gospel of Mary of Magdala

Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew
The Gnostic Gospels
Gnosticism: New Light on the Ancient Tradition of Inner Knowing

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GP001: What is Gnosis?

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:18:16 +0000

In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest defines gnosis and explains why one’s definition of gnosis will determine what one thinks about the Gnostics and their beliefs. There are two different definitions of what gnosis is. One holds that it is esoteric teachings, which in turn makes the Gnostics out to be Occultists. The other view, put forth here, is that gnosis is the experiential knowledge of God, which in turn makes the Gnostics out to be mystics. Jay says, “For me, a Gnostic is simply a mystic who has the freedom to think.” This podcast definitely sets the focus and tone for upcoming episodes.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “Last Resurrection of the First Bob Dylan” by Broken Poets

BOOKSTORE
Forbidden Faith: The Secret History of Gnosticism
The Gnostic Gospels
Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew

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GP000: Why I Am a Christian Gnostic

jay@gnosticpodcast.com (Jay N. Forrest) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 01:39:11 +0000

In this episode of the Gnostic Podcast Dr. Jay Forrest explains his own spiritual journey from an orthodox Protestant minister to a Gnostic Christian. This is a very personal look into the life of a modern Gnostic Christian. In this episode he discusses the influences that made him reconsider his beliefs about God, the Bible, Church, and Church history. He also shares the three most influential books in his intellectual journey to a Gnostic Christianity. And finally he explains why he started the podcast and what its purpose is.

CREDITS
Theme Music was “I believe” by Dale Rucklos
Closing Song was “The Final Rewind” by Tryad

BOOKSTORE
Orthodoxy and Heresy in Earliest Christianity
The Gnostic Gospels
Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew
What the Bleep Do We Know!?

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