The Apocalypse of the Reluctant Gnostics

This book presents a comparison of the Gnostic worldviews of Carl G. Jung and science-fiction author, Philip K. Dick, two figures who have done far more than most to revive an interest in the Gnostic tradition in the modern world. Despite profoundly different approaches - one was a depth psychologist whose unique insights and approach to psychology forced him to explore the depths of the unconscious in a way that inevitably led him to touch frequently on metaphysical or spiritual matters; the other was an author of science-fiction - there are some striking parallels between their unique Gnostic visions.

With the relatively recent publication of both Jung's and Dick's personal journals - The Red Book (2009), and, The Exegesis of Philip K. Dick (2011), respectively - in which they articulate their Gnostic visions, it seems timely to make this comparison.

“'Few readers of either Jung or Dick have Dr Douglas's deep engagement with both, or his long-term experience with the primary Gnostic material discovered at Nag Hammadi in 1945. In "The Reluctant Gnostics", Stuart painstakingly unpacks and aligns key themes in gnostic myth, and the works of Jung and Dick andfinds surprising connections and startling resonances between them. Stuart's careful and grounded work here enriches his sources, allowing readers a refreshing taste of the common stream of gnosis pouring from three such different springs.'-The Most Reverend Timothy Mansfield, PhD, Ep. Gn., Bishop of New South Wales, Apostolic Johannite Church 'Did you swallow the red pill only to find yourself more confused? If so, you should avail yourself of Stuart Douglas's thoughtful, generous, and accessible synthesis of modern gnostic themes and teachings. Comparing and contrasting two of our world's greatest Matrix refuseniks--Carl Jung and Philip K. Dick--Douglas not only brings the Nag Hammadi library into the transpersonal light, but makes one of the most successful spiritual raids yet on PKD's dizzying Exegesis.'-Erik Davis, author of Nomad Codes: Adventures in Modern Esoterica , host of the Expanding Mind podcast "In The Apocalypse of the Reluctant Gnostics, Stuart Douglas has achieved an extremely impressive synthesis. He analyzes and contrasts the "Gnostic" experiences and insights of depth psychologist Carl Jung and science fiction author Philip K. Dick with the mythic cosmology of ancient Gnosticism, and brings them all together into an accessible psycho-spiritual understanding that is both inspiring and undogmatic. My initial skepticism was won over and dispelled by Douglas's sincerity and remarkably clear vision. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has been touched by the works of Jung, P.K. Dick, or the scriptures of the Gnostic Gospels."-Jay Kinney, founder and publisher of Gnosis: A Journal of the Western Inner Traditions 'A vivid and bracing account of two very different but equally unorthodox thinkers. It compacts a great deal of knowledge about both Jung and Dick into a brief and manageable space.'-Richard Smoley, author of Forbidden Faith: The Secret History of Gnosticism”

'Few readers of either Jung or Dick have Dr Douglas's deep engagement with both, or his long-term experience with the primary Gnostic material discovered at Nag Hammadi in 1945. In "The Reluctant Gnostics", Stuart painstakingly unpacks and aligns key themes in gnostic myth, and the works of Jung and Dick and finds surprising connections and startling resonances between them. Stuart's careful and grounded work here enriches his sources, allowing readers a refreshing taste of the common stream of gnosis pouring from three such different springs.'-The Most Reverend Timothy Mansfield, PhD, Ep. Gn., Bishop of New South Wales, Apostolic Johannite Church

'Did you swallow the red pill only to find yourself more confused? If so, you should avail yourself of Stuart Douglas’s thoughtful, generous, and accessible synthesis of modern gnostic themes and teachings. Comparing and contrasting two of our world’s greatest Matrix refuseniks--Carl Jung and Philip K. Dick--Douglas not only brings the Nag Hammadi library into the transpersonal light, but makes one of the most successful spiritual raids yet on PKD’s dizzying Exegesis.'-Erik Davis, author of Nomad Codes: Adventures in Modern Esoterica, host of the Expanding Mind podcast

"In The Apocalypse of the Reluctant Gnostics, Stuart Douglas has achieved an extremely impressive synthesis. He analyzes and contrasts the "Gnostic" experiences and insights of depth psychologist Carl Jung and science fiction author Philip K. Dick with the mythic cosmology of ancient Gnosticism, and brings them all together into an accessible psycho-spiritual understanding that is both inspiring and undogmatic. My initial skepticism was won over and dispelled by Douglas’s sincerity and remarkably clear vision. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has been touched by the works of Jung, P.K. Dick, or the scriptures of the Gnostic Gospels."-Jay Kinney, founder and publisher of Gnosis: A Journal of the Western Inner Traditions

'A vivid and bracing account of two very different but equally unorthodox thinkers. It compacts a great deal of knowledge about both Jung and Dick into a brief and manageable space.'-Richard Smoley, author of Forbidden Faith: The Secret History of Gnosticism

Stuart Douglas has had a life-long interest in the mysterious and the unknown and completed his PhD in transpersonal psychology after an earlier career as a systems analyst. His specialist areas of interest include the intersection of Jungian psychology and Gnosticism and, more generally, ancient wisdom and contemplative traditions.

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