Seek to See Him: Ascent and Vision Mysticism in the Gospel of Thomas (1996 De Conick), book
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Seek to See Him: Ascent and Vision Mysticism in the Gospel of Thomas (1996 De Conick), book (1996) is a book by April D. De Conick.
Abstract
"This monograph represents a critical juncture in studies of the Gospel of Thomas since it dispels the belief that the Gospel originates from gnostic traditions. Rather, Jewish mystical and Hermetic origins are proposed and examined. Following this analysis, the anthropogony and soteriology of Thomas are discussed. The Thomasites taught that they were the elect children of the Father, originating from the Light. The human, however, became unworthy of these luminous beginnings and was separated from the divine when Adam sinned. In order to regain that original immortal state and gain citizenship in Heaven, the Thomasites believed that the human must lead an encratite lifestyle and ascend into heaven, seeking a "visio dei"."--Publisher description.
Editions
Published in Leiden: Brill, 1996.
TContents
- Part One: Introduction
- 1. The Problem: Is Thomas Gnostic?
- 2. The Solution: Thomas is Mystical
- Part Two: Ascent Lore in Thomas: Logion 50
- 3. The Triad of Questions in Logion 50 and Mystical Ascent
- 4. The Triad of Answers in Logion 50 and Tradition History
- Part Three: Vision Mysticism in Thomas: Logia 15, 83, 89, 27, 37, and 84
- 5. The Vision of God or His Kavod
- 6. Preparations for the Visio Dei in Logia 27 and 27
- 7. Vision of the Images in Logion 84
- Part Four: Conclusion
- 8. The Background and Theology of Thomas in Summary