light

Directory:
Current Lectures at the WGS
Web Lectures
Ecclesia Gnostica
Los Angeles  Gnostic Society
Seattle Gnostic Society
Portland Gnostic Society

Return to
Gnosis Archive

WASATCH GNOSTIC SOCIETY

Salt Lake City, Utah


Lectures by Dr. Lance Owens
Wasatch Gnostic Society
2002 - 2007


 

Spring 2007 Lecture Series

The Gnostic Gospels
Four Introductory Lectures

Sixty years ago an extraordinary library of ancient Christian writings was discovered buried in the sands of Egypt near the village of Nag Hammadi. Concurrent with their first publication in English translation three decades ago, Dr. Elaine Pagels authored an introductory book about the discovery, The Gnostic Gospels. This classic work has introduced a generation of readers to the vision of a Christian tradition once condemned as heresy.

Since Dr. Pagels pioneering publication there have been many new scholarly insights into the Gnostic Gospels. In recent years the importance of these ancient documents has also reached wider popular recognition. Dan Brown’s best-selling novel, The Da Vinci Code, certainly helped catalyzed interest. But aside from that fictionalized treatment, books about the meaning and message of the Gnostic Gospels by respected professors of religious studies have lately been best-sellers. Last year's National Geographic Society television special about the newly discovered Gospel of Judas brought the story of the Gnostic Gospels to an even wider audience.

So what are the Gnostic Gospels?  In this series of four lectures we will take an unbiased look at these ancient documents and attempt to explain what they are, who wrote them, why they were lost or destroyed, and what message they bring to our modern age.

All lectures in this series are presented by Dr. Lance Owens. Lectures are free and open to the public, and will be held at the Salt Lake Public Library, Anderson-Foothill Branch, located at 1135 South 2100 East, Salt Lake City. (Click here for directions to the library.)

 

Lecture Schedule

Monday, April 2 at 7 pm
Rediscovering a Lost Christianity: The Gnostic Gospels

Monday, April 9 at 7 pm
The Gospel of Thomas: The Oldest Surviving Gospel?
     Click to Listen to the Lecture
     (MP3 format - 83 minutes)

Monday, April 16 at 7 pm
Gnosis of the Beloved Disciple: John’s Secret Revelation

Monday, April 23 at 7 pm
The Gospel of Mary Magdalene: Feminine Mystery in Christianity
     Click to Listen to the Lecture
     (MP3 format - 80 minutes)

 

Suggested Readings and Resources

Lecture 1:  Rediscovering a Lost Christianity: The Gnostic Gospels

On Line Resources: 

The Nag Hammadi Library, section of the Gnosis Archive.

Recommending Reading:

The Gnostic Discoveries:  The Impact of the Nag Hammadi Library  by Marvin Meyer 

Another masterful introductory work by Marvin Meyer, one of the leading scholars of Gnosticism and editor of the new 2007 edition of the Nag Hammadi Library (now published under the title The Nag Hammadi Scriptures). Meyer seems particularly interested in making the message and significance of the Gnostic texts intelligible to a general readership. In this wonderful little book he introduces the Nag Hammadi discovery, the themes and visions of the Gnostic texts, and the way in which the discovery of these documents is transforming our understanding Christianity's origins. Even if you have read the other introductions to the Nag Hammadi library collection, this book merits attention -- and if you are entirely new to the subject, this is a great place to start.  For a taste of the book, read the introductory chapter, provided here.   Buy the Book

Lecture 2: The Gospel of Thomas: The Oldest Surviving Gospel?

On Line Resources: 

The Gospel of Thomas Collection, including the complete text of Thomas

Recommending Reading:

The Fifth Gospel: The Gospel of Thomas Comes of Age by Stephen J. Patterson and James M.  Robinson

Very readable edition of the important Gospel of Thomas.  The translation is accompanied by two excellent introductory essays placing Thomas within the historical Gospel context.  The book is written by recognized scholars but addressed to a general audience.  A highly recommended introduction to this important Gnostic Gospel.   Buy the Book

Lecture 3: Gnosis of the Beloved Disciple: John’s Secret Revelation

On Line Resources: 

The Apocryphon of John Collection, including the complete text of The Secret Book of John

Recommending Reading:

The Secret Book of John, translation & annotation by Stevan Davies, Skylight Paths Publishing, 2005

Our first recommendation is Stevan Davies' superb new translation of The Secret Book of John.  Davies has produced a readable translation that is profoundly true to the source material:  it is both accurate and beautiful.  The author provides a useful and detailed verse by verse commentary on facing pages.  For any reader, this is currently the place to start. (Dr. Davies has given us permission to include his translation in this collection, however the commentary is only available in the print edition.)  Stevan Davies is Professor Religious Studies, College Misericordia.  Buy the Book   
Read an excerpt from the Introduction.

The Secret Revelation of John, by Karen King, Harvard University Press, 2006

The second recommended book is Karen King's The Secret Revelation of John.  This is an extensive and scholarly -- but still very readable -- study of the text and the cultural milieu that both influenced, and in turn was influenced by, the Apocryphon Iohannis. Included are translations of the "short" and "long" version of the text (based on the Waldsein and Wisse edition), an in-depth analysis, an extensive multi-faceted commentary, and copious academic notes and citations. Karen King is Winn Professor of Ecclesiastical History, Harvard University.   Buy the Book  
Read an excerpt from the Introduction.
 

Lecture 4:  The Gospel of Mary Magdalene: Feminine Mystery in Christianity

On Line Resources: 

The Gospel of Mary, the complete text of The Gospel of Mary

Recommending Reading:

 The Gospel of Mary of Magdala: Jesus and the First Woman Apostle by Karen King 

The Gospel of Mary Magdalene is one the most surprising and delightful of the rediscovered Gnostic texts. This excellent new print edition of the Gospel of Mary of Magdala by the widely respected scholar Karen King is the best authorative edition available.  It incorporates translations of the Coptic Gospel of Mary found in 1896 in Cairo, along with the two small Greek fragments of the text found at Oxyrhynchus.   Included is a superb introduction along with extensive commentary on the text and its implications for modern understandings of early Christianity.  Highly Recommended.   


Winter 2005 Lecture Series

C.G. JUNG: PORTRAIT OF A TWENTIETH CENTURY WIZARD

 

From Merlin to Gandalf, the figure of the wizard has a primal place in the Western imagination. In our legacy of legends, the wizard stands as intermediary between seen and unseen worlds. He councils and guides men in the perilous journey through the ancient forest of destiny where light and dark forces intermingle.

Occasionally the appellation of “wizard” falls upon a historical figure, an exceptional being who mysteriously touches our collective imaginal definition of a wizard. The Swiss physician and psychologist Carl Gustav Jung was just such a man.

Throughout his long life, Jung labored to share a vision that stretched out beyond the common ken. True to the wizard archetype, he was pitched in his own personal quest between realities seen and unseen, conscious and unconscious, known and forgotten. And in spirit, he remains a consummate guide to the modern soul on the ancient path that “passes through the Great Hedge and leads beyond the familiar world of the Shire.”

In this series of four lectures, Dr. Lance Owens will examine the life and work of C. G. Jung, and reflect upon the nature of his wizardry. In our discussions, we will search to understand the human experience that motivates our enduring interest in Wizards. (This is a special tenth anniversary edition of Dr. Owens’ popular “Jung course”, formerly offered at the University of Utah.)

These lecture will also be available on-line -- just click on the links below.

 

Lecture Schedule:

I. Archetype of the Wizard 
Tuesday, February 1st at 7:00 pm

Listen to the Lecture Now Online  Click Preferred Audio Format: 
(RealAudio(MP3 part 1part 2)

II. Jung and the Tradition of Vision
Tuesday, February 8th at 7:00 pm

Listen to the Lecture Now Online  Click Preferred Audio Format: 
(
RealAudio (MP3 part 1part 2)

III. Jung and the Alchemical Renaissance
Tuesday, February 15th at 7:00 pm

Listen to the Lecture Now Online  Click Preferred Audio Format: 
(
RealAudio (MP3 part 1part 2)

IV. Jung and the Wizard in Modern Culture
Tuesday, February 22nd at 7:00 pm

Listen to the Lecture Now Online Click Preferred Audio Format: 
(
RealAudio (MP3 part 1part 2)


Spring 2005 Lecture Series:

C. G. Jung and the Psychological Types


On Tuesday evenings in April Dr. Owens will offer a series of four lectures and discussions examining C.G. Jung’s concept of the "Psychological Types".  Although each of us stand in this world with our own highly unique viewpoint, Jung suggested that there are four common perspectives from which people approach life. Understanding our own intrinsic perspective is of great utility in better understanding both our relationships with others and the specific tasks facing us as we seek psychological development and integration.  

The famous Meyer-Briggs personality assessment was constructed upon the basic psychological work of Jung, but in common practice suffers many limitations and misunderstandings. In this series of lectures, we will look at Jung’s original model, and through that investigation seek insights into both the values and the limitations of a “typological” system.

Please come join us each Tuesday evening in April at 7:00pm.  The lectures will be hosted at the Anderson Commons, 734 E. 200 South, in downtown Salt Lake City.  Anderson Commons is a center for meetings, retreats, and lectures, housed in the beautifully restored three-story Anderson Mansion (on the south side of 2nd South, second building from the corner of 7th East). There is a $5.00 requested donation per lecture.  
 

Lecture Schedule  
Tuesdays in April at 7:00 pm


Tuesday, April 5 Psychological Types and the Journey of the Soul.  In this first discussion, we will examine Jung’s map and compass for the journey of life, and the mystery of Introversion and Extroversion.

Tuesday, April 12 The Mystery of Fire and Water.   The rational functions of Feeling and Thinking, and the power of judgment.  

Tuesday, April 19 –  The Mystery of  Earth and Air.  The irrational functions of Sensation and Intuition, and the secret of art of perception.

Tuesday, April 26–  The Four-Fold Path of Integration.  The mystery of Wholeness was central to Jung’s psychological work. In this final lecture, we will explore the path of psychological integration.

 


Winter 2005 Lecture Series

C.G. JUNG: PORTRAIT OF A TWENTIETH CENTURY WIZARD

From Merlin to Gandalf, the figure of the wizard has a primal place in the Western imagination. In our legacy of legends, the wizard stands as intermediary between seen and unseen worlds. He councils and guides men in the perilous journey through the ancient forest of destiny where light and dark forces intermingle.

Occasionally the appellation of “wizard” falls upon a historical figure, an exceptional being who mysteriously touches our collective imaginal definition of a wizard. The Swiss physician and psychologist Carl Gustav Jung was just such a man.

Throughout his long life, Jung labored to share a vision that stretched out beyond the common ken. True to the wizard archetype, he was pitched in his own personal quest between realities seen and unseen, conscious and unconscious, known and forgotten. And in spirit, he remains a consummate guide to the modern soul on the ancient path that “passes through the Great Hedge and leads beyond the familiar world of the Shire.”

In this series of four lectures, Dr. Lance Owens will examine the life and work of C. G. Jung, and reflect upon the nature of his wizardry. In our discussions, we will search to understand the human experience that motivates our enduring interest in Wizards. (This is a special tenth anniversary edition of Dr. Owens’ popular “Jung course”, formerly offered at the University of Utah.)

Please come join us each Tuesday evening in February at 7:00pm. The lectures will be hosted at the Anderson Commons, 734 E. 200 South, in downtown Salt Lake City. Andersen Commons is a center for meetings, retreats, and lectures, housed in a three-story brick mansion on the south side of 200 south (second from the corner). Note that this is a change of location from our prior lectures, held at the Jubilee center. There is a $5.00 suggested donation per lecture. Due to limited space, we ask those wishing to attend preregister by emailing 

These lecture will also be available on-line -- just click on the links below.

Lecture Schedule:

I. Archetype of the Wizard 
Tuesday, February 1st at 7:00 pm

Listen to the Lecture Now Online
Click Preferred Audio Format: 
(RealAudio (MP3 part 1part 2)

II. Jung and the Tradition of Vision
Tuesday, February 8th at 7:00 pm

Listen to the Lecture Now Online
Click Preferred Audio Format: 
(RealAudio(MP3 part 1part 2)

III. Jung and the Alchemical Renaissance
Tuesday, February 15th at 7:00 pm

Listen to the Lecture Now Online
Click Preferred Audio Format: 
(RealAudio(MP3 part 1part 2)

IV. Jung and the Wizard in Modern Culture
Tuesday, February 22nd at 7:00 pm

 


 

Winter 2004 Lecture Series

Mary Magdalene:
The Feminine Mystery in Western History

Publication of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code has sparked a resurgence of interest in Mary Magdalene and of speculation about the existence of a “secret lost tradition” associated with her name.  In this series of lectures, we will explore the facts, the legends, and the psychological meanings to be found hidden within the lost legacy of Mary Magdalene, the Apostola Apostolorum of Christianity.

Mary Magdalene: The First Apostle 
Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at 7:30 PM

(This lecture is now available in RealAudio format on-line -- Click Here)

Introduction to the history and myth surrounding the woman known as Mary of Magdala.  We begin with an overview of  the “spiritual landscape” of the first century, and then turn to the story the Magdalen. What role did she play in early Christianity?   Which parts of her story are historically verifiable, which are mythic?   And which of the two, history or the myth, is most true? 
 

Woman, Sex, and Heresy in the Formation of Christianity
– Wednesday, February 4, 2000 at 7:30 PM

(This lecture is now available in RealAudio format on-line -- Click Here)

The formation of orthodoxy during the first four centuries of Christianity – and the views this orthodoxy held about human sexuality and feminine nature – cast a long shadow across two millennia of Western Culture.  Tonight we examine how Mary Magdalene, the beloved disciple, became a harlot….
 

Quest for the Grail:  Feminine Mystery in the Middle-Ages 
– Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 7:30 PM

(This lecture is now available in RealAudio format on-line -- Click Here)

In the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, a sacred myth of the Feminine was reborn and recast in bardic legend.  What was the role of the Magdalen in this seminal tradition?   Was she at the center of a secret heretical tradition, as suggested in recent novel, The Da Vinci Code?  What role do the Knights Templar, Alchemy, Kabbalah, and “secret guardians” play in the story? 

Archetype of the Feminine: The Magdalene in Modern Perspective   
– Wednesday, March 3, 2004 at 7:30 PM

Our own time is experiencing a remarkable resurgence of interest in Mary of Magdala, linked with hopes of rediscovering a lost traditions associated with her name.  Is there a two millennia old secret still hidden and yet somehow accessible to our age?  If so, who are its guardians?  How do we find the code that unlocks its secrets?  And what does interest in such questions tell us about the psychology and the spiritual yearnings of modern culture?
 

 


Winter 2003 Lecture Series

J.R.R. Tolkien and The Creative Imagination

And see ye not yon bonny road
That winds about yon fernie brae?
That is the road to fir Elfland,
Where thou and I this night maun gae...

With the world-wide cinematic success of The Lord of the Rings, the majesty of Tolkien’s mythic vision has again enchanted modern imagination – perhaps more profoundly than at any time since its publication over forty years ago. Tolkien invites us, in The Lord of the Rings, to follow on an epic quest into an alternative reality: a land seemingly more real than the world we call “real”.

In this Winter lectures series, we will discuss the life of Tolkien and the gift of creative imagination which made him our own age’s superlative guide to the land of Faerie. Are there elven-folk amidst us, exiled from a glorious home? Where starts the ancient path that leads beyond “Middle Earth”, toward the Western shores? 

 

Thursday, Feb. 6th: J.R.R. Tolkien and the Creative Imagination.  We begin with an overview of Tolkien’s life and work, introducing his vision of the alternative creation as expressed in his famous lecture, “On Fairy-tales”.

Thursday, Feb. 20th: Myths of The Silmarillion.  The Lord of the Rings was rooted in a vision that began taking form as early as 1916, while Tolkien fought in the fetid, death-filled trenches of the Great War.  It started with a myth of the Silmarillion….

Thursday, March 6th: The Lord of the Rings.  Should we seek for any deeper meaning in an entertaining fairytale of hobbits and men, dwarfs and elves – and of the one Ring that would bind them?

Thursday, March 20th:  Armageddon – The Final Battle. The perennial myth of epic conflict between good and evil pervades Tolkien’s literary creation.  As we face images of our own modern Armageddon, might Tolkien’s wisdom be our magic weapon?

 



Fall 2002 Lecture Series

The Mythic Vision of Joseph Campbell

 

In October Dr. Lance Owens will start a new season of lectures at the Wasatch Gnostic Society, beginning with a series of four discussions centering on The Mythic Vision of Joseph Campbell. The series will start this Thursday, October 17 and continue the first and third Thursday in November (Nov. 7 and Nov 21), and the first Thursday of December (Dec 5).

 Bill Moyers’ interviews with  Joseph Campbell – broadcast on PBS television a decade ago – introduced a wide audience to the relevance of myth as a doorway to our own inner living mystery. The boldness and breadth of Campbell’s vision marks him as one of the great figures of the twentieth century.   His erudition, charm and spirit made him a wonderful teacher.

For this series three books are recommended as companion reading: The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Creative Mythology (Vol. 4 in the Masks of God series), and Myths to Live By.  The first of these is a classic – even if you have read it before, I suggest you read it again.   

 

Thursday, October 17th  – The Hero’s Journey:  An Introduction to Joseph Campbell.  Tonight we will explore the remarkable life and times of Campbell and his approach to mythology. Click here to listen to the lecture.

Thursday, November 7th –  Hero with a Thousand Faces.  Campbell defined a pattern recurrent in the all the great hero myths of mankind.  It is a myth of journey, trial and return. 

Thursday, November 21st – The Myth of Love.  The four volume series titled The Masks of God was Campbell “masterwork”.   In the last of these volumes, Creative Mythology, Campbell beautiful weaves his vision of the myth that nurtured our modern age: the myth of Love. Follow the path of the troubadours, towards this holy grail…

Thursday, December 5th – Myths to Live By.  Do we individually “have a myth to live by?”  How does one find the road to the land of myth, and return with the sacred boon of meaning?  

 

 


Archive | Library | Bookstore | Index | Web Lectures | Ecclesia Gnostica | Gnostic Society