I think that what is driving interest in the Gnostics and other aspects of the early Church is that they are exotic. For many people who grew up as Christians their religion seems mundane and disconnected, and this "exotic" perspective gives people a opening to re-examine it, and perhaps to see how it could still be relevant.
About the Risen Christ: I suppose you and I might have some different views on that, but I suppose we would agree that without any sense of Jesus' spirit being with us in some way, then all of this is irrelevant sophistry.
Re: some thought on it
I think that what is driving interest in the Gnostics and other aspects of the early Church is that they are exotic. For many people who grew up as Christians their religion seems mundane and disconnected, and this "exotic" perspective gives people a opening to re-examine it, and perhaps to see how it could still be relevant.
About the Risen Christ: I suppose you and I might have some different views on that, but I suppose we would agree that without any sense of Jesus' spirit being with us in some way, then all of this is irrelevant sophistry.