Alternative forms of Christianity centered in a compassionate spirituality once censored now come into view.

There's a vast, almost unknown, world of second century C.E. schools of spirituality that were centered around Alexandria, Egypt. You might find some of these to be new sources of inspiration, healing, an oasis of peace and wisdom, kinder and gentler expressions of Christianity-with-spirituality. Even if you've never had any attachments or background with mainstream forms of Christianity, with perhaps even eastern or earth-based leanings, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn of these folks in a world where religion often offers little but may seek to take much. There are a few honest scholars out there exploring the works of these once banished teachers and saying their names out loud. Valentinus! Heracleon! Tatian! Dositheus! Noetus! Basilides!

This is a series of talks by Prof. M. David Litwa based on his book, Found Christianities, with chapters dedicated to so many utterly fascinating voices you might appreciate knowing about: 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQl0BipQXVy436zEJKefujiWraA1FSpKQ