Coptic Gnostic Library Project

FAIN: RO-10569-70

Claremont Graduate University (Claremont, CA 91711-5909)
James M. Robinson (Project Director: November 1969 to present)

Project to prepare for publication 4-volume English translation of Coptic Gnostic Library, texts of great significance for New Testament research and culture history. ABSTRACT: Prepare for publication 4-volume English translation of Coptic Gnostic Library. Discovery in Egypt of this early Christian sect's texts considered by scholars to be perhaps more important to New Testament study than Dead Sea Scrolls to Old Testament study. Reveals Hellenistic combination of differing beliefs in religion, philosophy, etc. that was characterstic to Coptic Gnostic sect which included in its sacred beliefs Christian, Jewish and pagan ideas and beliefs. Sect exercised strong influence on Jewish, Christian and other religions of contemporary Roman Empire. Was supressed when Empire officially converted to Christianity. Great signficance for New Testament research and cultural history; give view of currents of thought, faith and speculation in Mediterranean world during first centuries AD, focus of beginnings from which modern Western Judeo-Christian culture has grown. Continuation of H67-0-86, H68-0-132. Prestige of American scholars in field has risen to central role in UNESCO plans to publish photographs of orginal texts, and in archaeological plans related to site of discovery of texts.