Neo-Assyrian Origins Of Gnosticism/Jewish Esoterica? Parpola
Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2021 4:43 am
I have just read a review of Simo Parpola's theory of the existence of an esoteric cult in Neo-Assyria whose details were never properly recorded textually. He claims the systems of this cult are the direct, genealogical ancestors of Gnosticism and what is now called Kabbalah. Even basic Christian theology descends from this cult's Ishtar and the trinity of Bel, Ishtar and Nabu. Ishtar models Sophia, serves as the Holy Spirit, and plays a role in the salvation of man from death and sin. The perfect man is a savior type who models salvific behavior.
The theory is mostly discounted, while simultaneously heralding the credentials of Parpola. The Neo-Assyrian prophet class does resemble the Hebrew prophet class, and some of their recorded literature hints at the beginning of the literary tradition which sees expression in the Hebrew bible. Otherwise, the reviewer is not convinced.
I'm partial to the importance of Neo-Assyrian religion in influencing Gnosticism and Christianity because of my exploration of the geopolitical importance of Assyrian kings in the first and second century CE, influencing Christianity and later Islam.
Either way, whether anyone has anything to add on this subject, here is the place. See attached image for a demonstration of the hypothesis. Parpola takes tree motifs which adorn religious carvings in Assyria. He proposes these are exoteric symbols which stand in for esoteric/philosophical trees with which initiates would be familiar.
Assyrian prophecies, the Assyrian Tree, and the Mesopotamian origins of Jewish monotheism, Greek philosophy, Christian theology, Gnosticism and much more. Cooper, Jerrold. Johns Hopkins University.
The theory is mostly discounted, while simultaneously heralding the credentials of Parpola. The Neo-Assyrian prophet class does resemble the Hebrew prophet class, and some of their recorded literature hints at the beginning of the literary tradition which sees expression in the Hebrew bible. Otherwise, the reviewer is not convinced.
I'm partial to the importance of Neo-Assyrian religion in influencing Gnosticism and Christianity because of my exploration of the geopolitical importance of Assyrian kings in the first and second century CE, influencing Christianity and later Islam.
Either way, whether anyone has anything to add on this subject, here is the place. See attached image for a demonstration of the hypothesis. Parpola takes tree motifs which adorn religious carvings in Assyria. He proposes these are exoteric symbols which stand in for esoteric/philosophical trees with which initiates would be familiar.
Assyrian prophecies, the Assyrian Tree, and the Mesopotamian origins of Jewish monotheism, Greek philosophy, Christian theology, Gnosticism and much more. Cooper, Jerrold. Johns Hopkins University.