how Pearson, a fine scholar, implies in the quotation that there is a difference between mainstream Christian thought and Gnosticism. He is absolutely correct. Gnostic documents represent neither the earliest nor most authentic materials about Jesus and his followers. Indeed they represent a departure from early materials in various ways, including their theology of creation and redemption. Gnosticism was not only out of line with mainstream Christianity, it was also out of line with Judaism as well.