Perhaps the most debated and intriguing topic in Gnosticism is where it began. Was it a Christian side effect? Did it originate from Persian or other pagan mysteries? Was it just another Jewish heresy? We probe deep into history and theology to find out where exactly the Gnostics sprouted out of in mankind’s imagination. Astral Guest—Birger A. Pearson, author of ‘Ancient Gnosticism: Traditions and Literature’, ‘Gnosticism, Judaism and Egyptian Christianity’ and one of the original translators of the Nag Hammadi Library (and also the new one by Marvin Meyer). Topics Discussed: --Yet more evidence that Gnosticism not only predates Christianity but is more than likely the first Christianity. --Understanding that the root of all Gnostic philosophy is what is called Classic or Sethian Gnosticism. --How and why the writings of Plato are the bedrock of all Gnostic thought. --The real possibility that the early Gnostics believed that only a small percentage of humans had the Divine Spark (soul). --How Gnosticism peaked when Valentinus reconciled Gnostic theology with the theology of the Catholic Church. --Trying to quell the tide of many scholars not only trying to redefine Gnosticism but erase the term all together. --Birger’s story on how he became involved with James Robinson and the Nag Hammadi Project, including his struggles and victories in translating the ancient Coptic manuscripts. --Touching on one of the first and last remaining Gnostics of history—The Mandeans. And much more! It’s very hard to speak to someone closer to the Gnostic ground zero than Birger.