A Gnostic Book of Hours: Keys to Inner Wisdom

by June K. Singer

Book Overview

Within the Nag Hammadi Library, thought to have been written during the first two centuries c.e., are ancient texts written by a group who called themselves the Gnostics. June Singer has recast the wisdom found in these texts into a book of hours, the traditional framework for an ongoing meditative practice. Its purpose is to enable readers to maintain an awareness of the presence of the divine mystery within the everyday world.

A Gnostic...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0892540672
• ISBN13: 9780892540679
• Release Date: June 2003
• Publisher: Nicolas-Hays
• Length: 164 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.2" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A Unique Spiritual Devotional Book

I purchased A Gnostic Book of Hours a few years ago and found it, at that time, disappointing and confusing. But years passed and my life changed. More than that, my spiritual life took an unexpected turn. I had begun what I would now call a Gnostic journey. I wondered why my religion taught me (and my fellow followers) that the informed consciences of authority figures within the church were wiser than MY or (or others') informed consciences. Moreover, those authorities had the power to withhold certain religious consolations from me if I (or others) didn't adhere to their dogmas. While I questioned those teachings, I did not question my faith, many aspects of which were taught to me by the church. That is when I began to read Elaine Pagel's books on the gnostic gospels and discovered that there have always been seekers like me, and my discomfort with having to accept the dictates of someone else's conscience was neither new nor a sin. Eventually, longing for more prayerful reading, I remembered that I already had June Singer's "Gnostic Book of Hours". fThat was when every word in became enlightening. It provided teaching that I needed and direction that promoted spiritual growth rather than obedience. It helped me to shed negative feelings about myself and my journey. It has become one of my treasured devotional books. I have read it through four times and plan to continue reading it. I don't follow the traditional "hours" but read what I can each day. I would recommend this book to anyone who believes that wisdom is often found in one's own heart and yet who feels in need of some direction from ancient, time- honored sources.