Pagels's writing style is conversational and is directed toward lay readers as opposed to academics. When discussing the purposes and goals of the book, Pagels uses the first person. For example, in the introduction she notes, "I intend here to show how Gnostic forms of Christianity interact with orthodoxy," giving the reader a clear picture of the book's subject. Pagels makes a personal connection with the subject matter, especially in the book's conclusion. This writing technique is rarely found in books on ancient history and religion. She proclaims, "I find the discoveries at Nag Hammadi enormously exciting."

Pagels also uses the first person to express personal feelings about her subject matter specifi- cally and about Christianity in general. In the conclusion, she writes with a strong voice:

I believe that we owe the survival of Christian tradition to the organizational and theological structure that the emerging church developed...