Gnosticism, despite its savage suppression, has played an important role in the development of Western ideas, from the Renaissance to the esoteric revivals of the 19th and 20th century. We take an efficient outing of the Gnostic legacy in history. Special Guest-- Richard Smoley, author of 'Forbidden Faith: The Gnostic Legacy', 'Inner Christianity: A Guide to the Esoteric Tradition', 'Hidden Wisdom: A Guide to the Western Inner Traditions' and editor of Quest Books and former editor of Gnosis. Topics Discussed: --How a Gnostic spark was essential in bringing about the Renaissance. --The influence of the Kabbalah and Hermetical ideals that shaped Christian and loosened Christian theology into the Enlightenment Period. --How beans (yes beans) point to the fact that all mystery religions originated in Egypt. --We revisit the Troubadours and their revival of Romantic Love that changed Western Civilization (for better or worse). --A look into the origins of the Rosicrucians and their Christian gnosis. --How many enlightenment figures were actually influence by the Hermetical Ideals as much as rationality (just one is example Des Cartes, who was a Rosicrucian). --We comb through the various secret societies like the Freemasons and how their Hermetical Ideals broke the back of The Church. --How the discovery of the Pistis Sophia gave birth to the occult movements of the 19th century including the rise of the Theosophical Society. --Elaine Pagels--more important than the Nag Hammadi Library in resuscitating Gnosticism? -And much, much more! Richard does not play around with his keen scholarship.