Jesus and the Lost Goddess: The Secret Teachings of the Original Christians

This is an absolutely amazing book. It is definitely a 'must read' for those who want to expand their knowledge of religion.

This book is excellent in showing to the reader the true meaning of gnosis. In fact, I found it to be one of the most insightful and knowledgeable books I have read concerning the hidden meaning of words, ideas, people and places in the Christian Bible. Without being preachy Freke has shared his great understanding of the analogies in the Bible and helps us to understand that the words written there are to be taken any way but literally. His bibliography and footnotes are well worth reading and are chocker-block full of historical information. Our world is so totally out of balance now. Dr Freke shows that the Lost Goddess ie. Sophia, anima, the feminine etc. is needed for balance within our society. It is not until the "two become one ie. The Mystical Marriage" unites that what divides us that true consciousness and communion with God can take place. The key is to end our separateness with God/energy/whatever and become unified within ourselves (The Kingdom is Within) and within our world. The book is very well written and will be used as a source of reference and spiritual guidance by me for many years to come. I highly recommend this book to all of those interested in the spirit as opposed to "religion."

Great book, well written and extensively researched and foot-nooted. A refreshing read for anyone interested in the teachings and meaning of Jesus and the subsequent birth of the formal Church, especially put in the context of the time and place of his alleged ministry. Makes cogent, articulate arguments for many of their hypothesis; in fact after reading it, you'll wonder how it is not clear to the rest of the world. It also demonstrates quite clearly that the winners do indeed get to write the history, and the truth often gets lost along the way. As can be seen by some of the reviews posted here, not something that fundamentalist/ literalists will enjoy or even credence ( there are no leaps of faith required here, merely an open mind), but anyone who wants to know why we thirst for the 'divine' will enjoy this book.

After reading this book I've come away with a better understanding of a way of Christianity that was sadly suppressed by the political power-brokers of the day, namely the Roman Empire and ideologically rigid bishops. The authors examination of Paul as a Gnostic leader is very revealing. The deep connections between Gnostic teachings and Neo-platonic philosophy are also very penetrating. Best of all, I think I have a better handle on the whole notion of the Holy Spirit. Its a sublimation of the Goddess Sophia, which, in turn, is a sublimation of spiritual becoming in a corporeal context. (This interpretation will resonate with process theologians.) In short, this is a stunning book which will stimulate a lot of reflection.