Watch Introducing Gnosticism: Understanding the Worldview Behind The DaVinci Code

Introducing Gnosticism: Understanding the Worldview Behind The DaVinci Code is a documentary that provides insight into the Gnostic beliefs that inspired Dan Brown's best-selling novel, The DaVinci Code. The film is directed by Michael S. Heiser, an expert in Biblical Studies and Ancient Near Eastern Languages. The documentary begins by exploring the origins of Gnosticism, which is a religious and philosophical movement that originated in the Hellenistic period. It explains that Gnostics believed in a secret knowledge or gnosis that would lead them to salvation. This knowledge came from a divine source and was believed to be beyond the reach of ordinary human experience.

Heiser explains that Gnostics believed that the physical world was created by a lesser god or demiurge, who was not the true god. This belief led them to reject the material world and focus on the spiritual realm. They believed that salvation could be attained by freeing oneself from the constraints of the physical body and ascending to the spiritual realm where the true god resided.

The documentary then explores how Gnosticism influenced early Christianity. Heiser explains that early Christians were influenced by Gnostic ideas and that some of the New Testament writings reflect this influence. For example, the Gospel of John contains ideas that are similar to those found in Gnostic texts.

The film also explores how Gnosticism declined in popularity and was eventually rejected by mainstream Christianity. Heiser explains that the early Church Fathers saw Gnosticism as a heresy that threatened the integrity of Christian doctrine. They rejected Gnostic ideas and worked to suppress Gnostic texts.

Finally, the documentary explores how Gnosticism resurfaced in modern times and how it has influenced popular culture. It provides examples of how Gnostic ideas have appeared in literature and film, including The DaVinci Code.

The documentary provides a comprehensive overview of Gnosticism and its influence on Christianity and popular culture. It is an engaging and informative film that will appeal to anyone interested in religious and philosophical movements.

Overall, Introducing Gnosticism: Understanding the Worldview Behind The DaVinci Code is a thought-provoking documentary that offers a fresh perspective on the Gnostic beliefs that underpin Dan Brown's best-selling novel. It sheds light on an often-overlooked religious and philosophical movement and provides a deeper understanding of the ideas that have shaped Western culture.