A fascinating yet vexing question in religious studies is why did Gnosticism vilify the Old Testament god yet embrace the Torah? New scholarship provides answers – taking us to ancient times where priests and kings quarreled over the nature of the gods, the issue of iniquity, and proper social order. These insights will shed light on the influence, magical practices, and theology of Gnostic groups like the Mandaeans and the Sethians, as well as the formation of Christianity. Astral Guest –  James McGrath, author of Religion and Science Fiction and Clarence L. Goodwin Chair in New Testament Language and Literature at Butler University. This is a partial show for nonmembers. For the second half of the interview, please become a member: http://thegodabovegod.com/members/subscription-levels/   or patron at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aeonbyte More information on James: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_F._McGrath Get the book: https://amzn.to/3i10T7O Download these and all other shows: http://thegodabovegod.com/ Become a patron and keep this Red Pill Cafeteria open: https://www.patreon.com/aeonbyte