This collection presents innovative research by scholars from across the globe in celebration of Gabriele Boccaccini’s sixtieth birthday and to honor his contribution to the study of early Judaism and Christianity. In harmony with Boccaccini’s determination to promote the study of Second Temple Judaism in its own right, this volume includes studies on various issues raised in early Jewish apocalyptic literature (e.g., 1 Enoch, 2 Baruch, 4 Ezra), the Dead Sea Scrolls, and other early Jewish texts, from Tobit to Ben Sira to Philo and beyond. The volume also provides several investigations on early Christianity in intimate conversation with its Jewish sources, consistent with Boccaccini’s efforts to transcend confessional and disciplinary divisions by situating the origins of Christianity firmly within Second Temple Judaism. Finally, the volume includes essays that look at Jewish-Christian relations in the centuries following the Second Temple period, a harvest of Boccaccini’s labor to rethink the relationship between Judaism and Christianity in light of their shared yet contested heritage.

This monograph represents a critical juncture in Thomas studies since it dispels the belief that the Gospel of Thomas originates from gnostic traditions. Rather, Jewish mystical and Hermetic origins are proposed and examined. Following this analysis, the anthropogony and soteriology of Thomas are discussed. The Thomasites taught that they were the elect children of the Father, originating from the Light. The human, however, became unworthy of these luminous beginnings and was separated from the divine when Adam sinned. Now he must purify himself by leading an encratite lifestyle. He is to ascend into heaven, seeking a visio dei which will transform him into his original immortal state and grant him citizenship in the Kingdom.

Mysterious, thought-provoking, and intriguing, The Word of Gnosis: A Light in the Darkness of Universal Forgetfulness is Tait Zinszer's new book that compiles excerpts from various ancient manuscripts that were the foundation of much of the biblical creation and flood stories. His intentions are to write into history the truth that the gods of the ancient world once walked among man; and that the cities they built, can still be explored today. He also cross references several of these manuscripts to show the reader that the flood of Noah and the Hebrew exodus from Egypt may have been caused by a cosmic nemesis that roams our galaxy called the Destroyer the biblical Wormwood. His book primarily targets anyone interested in acquiring deeper knowledge of the Divine, as well as self-knowledge, and challenges the reader to embrace the ancient myths of the gods as historical fact! The Word of Gnosis gives the reader a lot to reflect upon long after they have turned its last pages.

Move over Augustine! Look out Aquinas! This is the first exegetical work on day one of Genesis to agree with all Scripture. With the profound simplicity of a layman yet the penetrating density of a mystic, this text is a fountain of Scriptural revelation to guide both heart and mind. Unparalleled, "The Revelation of Angelic Creation" for the first time draws back the veil on "what" Wisdom is and its composite origin (the first hypostasis); the angelic creation: how it came to be and its composite nature; the "when," "how," and "why" of the angelic rebellion and fall, along with the restructuring of the unseen cosmos in the aftermath of said rebellion. Also, for good measure, the two-yes two!-gardens of Eden will be exposed. This work will set new theological precedence in all these areas and much more. Scriptural discourse is now forever altered. That which was spoken in the darkness of pre-creation, finally, is brought to light. Joe is the run-of-the-mill regular kind of guy who friends and acquaintances have called a prophet. Born and raised in southern California, his employment background consists of Production Control, Sales, Painting Contracting and a stint as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor. His hobbies include Bonsai, Koi, and stained-glass. Marital Status: still pursuing Sophia (Wisdom).