Looking for Books About Gnosticism, Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism?

Anyone have any suggestions for books about the belief systems of Gnosticism, Zoroastrianism, or Manichaeism? I am less interested in the history of the religions as I am in their theological ideas. Thanks.

Does it have to be books? Why don't you just Google those subjects? The Internet is your friend.

any textbook used for a college level World Religions class, discusses the thought behind the faith.

Gnosticism is magic arts elements nature realms of have and Eartha steal plain and hell realms
Zoroastrianism is culture regulation haven and hell
monarchism science astology reconation
the theology of all 3 of them

You may want to take a look at these books : Living Gnosis- A Practical Guide to Gnostic Christianity by Tau Malachi
Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices by Mary Boyce.

I hope it helps...

'The Nag Hammadi Library. ' [one-volume anthology of gnostic gospels.]
The 'Gathas' and 'Zend-Avesta' are sacred texts of Zoroastrianism.
Not sure about Manichaeism. Hope that's helpful.

http://www.gnostic-church.org/believe.htm


http://essenes.net/ (orthodox Manichean church)
WNW.amazon.com

The Gnostic Gospels -pa gels (anything by pa gels, is a good beginning)


The Mandaeans of Iraq and Iran Their Cults, Customs, Magic Legends, and Folklore by E. S. Drower and Jorunn Jacobsen Buckley ,

mandarins are related to the Manichean's..good Andean texts are however expensive. ES Drower is arguably the giant in the field

The Gnostic Jung & sermons to the dead
Hoeller edition (gnostic bishop)

the gnostic bible by W barnstone

SOPHIA: Goddess of Wisdom, Bride of God by Caitlin Matthews (2001 edition) Not strictly Gnostic, but a valuable look at Sophia.

St. Irenaeus of Lyons: Against the Heresies

Irenaeus like most gnostic writings is based upon destroying Gnosticism. Nevertheless if you are looking for beliefs and practices this is a valuable source. Others include Origin,Clemetine Justin Martyr etc.

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/

http://magdelene.net/naghammadi.htm

Meister Eckhart

Plotinus the enneads (neo platonism)

A good book on cosmology!

etc etc etc

Hi there,
I would recommend any of the books by author and Gnostic cleric of thirty years, Stephan Hoeller, such as "Gnosticism: New Light on the Ancient Tradition of Inner Knowing," or one of his earlier books, "Jung and the Lost Gospels: Insights Into the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi Library." You can also see him speak with other authors as well, in the DVD documentary, "DaVinci Code, Decoded," based on a book of the same title.
~ JenDaphne