I mentioned in a previous post that I was reading this book.  I've read it at least twice now and I recommend it to anyone who is interested in advanced Christian studies.  Here is the opening paragraph;

Wake up!  Rouse yourself from the collective coma you mistake for 'real life.'  See through the illusion of separateness and recognise that we are all essentially one.  Although we appear to be isolated individuals, in reality there is one awareness dreaming itself to be everyone and everything.  This is our shared essential nature.  The simple secret to enjoying this dream we call 'life' is to wake up to oneness.  Because, knowing you are one with all, you will find yourself in love with all.  You will fall in love with living.  This is the message of the original Christians, who symbolised this awakened state with the enigmatic figure of 'the laughing Jesus.'

The book studies the Gnostic Christian teachings of the pre-Roman Catholic establishment.  I highly recommend this book.