Apocalypse of the Alien God

This book examines the philosophical divide between Platonic thought and Judeo-Christianity, focusing on the mystic Plotinus and the Gnostic Sethians. Apocalypse of the Alien God offers new insights.

In Apocalypse of the Alien God, Dylan M. Burns explores the significant philosophical rift between the Platonic tradition and Judeo-Christianity, tracing its origins to the mystic Plotinus. This pivotal moment occurred around 263 CE in Rome when Plotinus, surrounded by Gnostic thinkers, distanced himself from the teachings of the Sethians, a group that blended Hellenic, Jewish, and Christian ideas. Their teachings, which would later be largely forgotten until the discovery of Gnostic texts in Nag Hammadi, Egypt, played a crucial role in shaping early metaphysical thought.

The book highlights a time when Platonist and Judeo-Christian philosophies were relatively harmonious, with philosophers even suggesting a kinship between Plato and Moses. However, as Christianity gained prominence, the philosophical landscape began to shift, leading to the decline of Platonic thought. Burns argues that the Sethian literature not only reflects this cultural tension but also serves as a bridge between the two traditions, drawing on elements from the Dead Sea Scrolls and Enochic texts.

Apocalypse of the Alien God offers a fresh perspective on these ancient texts, situating them within a Judeo-Christian framework rather than viewing them solely as pagan offshoots. By delving into the intricate relationships among ancient Judaism, Christianity, and Hellenism, Burns provides a comprehensive understanding of the Gnostic Christians of the time, illuminating the profound impact these philosophical debates had on the development of Western thought.