The word Gnostic is derived from a Greek term meaning direct knowledge. Tony Sunderland sets out to explore the spiritual teachings of Gnosticism in The Secret Religion: Unveiling Hidden Beliefs and Ancient Mysteries in Christianity. The Gnostic beliefs were largely rejected by the fledgling Catholic church and were condemned as heresy. A new interest in Gnosticism was awakened by the discovery of ancient manuscripts at Nag Hammadi in Egypt in 1945. The so-called Gnostic Gospels were not included in the Christian Bible and are reviewed in detail. A comparison with conventional Christian doctrines is inevitable and perhaps long overdue. Gnostics saw Jesus in a somewhat different light to the early church, which was strongly influenced by Paul’s teachings. Sunderland delves into this in depth and joins other scholars in questioning the origin and consistency of some of the writings attributable to Paul. He also echoes the view that Christianity became less about the teachings of Jesus and more about his status as savior, overshadowed by the formation of a strict church hierarchy.

Tony Sunderland adopts a refreshingly new approach in his work. Gnostics are by definition an elite group of intellectuals who seek a deeper meaning to spirituality. The author chronicles the evolution of Gnosticism before examining later influences that range from the Protestant Reformation to existentialism and modern science. Interestingly, some secret societies incorporate Gnostic doctrines. He poses pertinent questions as to the relevance of religion in an age where individuals are less concerned with vague promises of salvation and an afterlife, seeming to be more enamored with an artificial world provided by social media and escapist material that provides new realities. The promised Armageddon has yet to materialize, denting the credibility of biblical prophecy regarding the threat of a judgment day and the return of Jesus. The Secret Religion provides a thought-provoking look at how the Christian religion has evolved through the ages and what has shaped it. The book is thoroughly researched and the insights are compellingly presented. The book is illustrated with religious artworks and has an extensive list of references, and an index. This will appeal to all students of Christianity and its early origins. It is highly recommended.

In The Secret Religion, Tony Sunderland examines the evolution of religious thought in Western society by analyzing Christianity's secretive esoteric tradition known as Gnosticism and the views of the orthodox church. The book exposes discrepancies and conflicts in the evolution of Western religions, from Paul's and Peter's beliefs to the contrasting views of Catholics and Protestants. Also, readers explore the secret forms of gnosis, Christianity's defense of faith in the face of an existential crisis of belief, the major theme in the Gospel of Philip, and more profound topics that shine a light on Western religion. Apart from its historical analyses, the book also examines evidence of existential gnosticism in popular culture, enlightening essays about today's music and arts, and the relationship between gnosis and technology.

I loved that the book contains evidence from a plethora of biblical verses, as well as the Nag Hammadi scriptures and other gnostic-inspired works. Also, readers interested in doing more research will appreciate the resourceful pages at the end, with endnotes and a bibliography section. The religious topics are examined from an outsider's perspective. Readers are advised to view the sources of some doctrines with varying degrees of skepticism and are presented with multiple views on various subjects. The Secret Religion will appeal to those who love history and analyzing information from various sources. Tony Sunderland's tastefully sophisticated work engages you mentally and helps you see the world through a clearer, more informed lens. It has ignited my faith in humanity's ability to evolve, to let go of ancient myths, and to choose peace-fostering truth over destructive dogmatism. With books like The Secret Religion, there's hope for civilization and the future of life on Earth.