Gnosticism emerges in the 1st century AD as a philosophical and religious movement seeking a unique perspective on spiritual enlightenment. Gnosticism explores the interpretation of Christian and old Hebrew texts in a new way.
Gnostics seek to uncover hidden meanings not readily apparent to mainstream followers of these faiths. This alternate approach to knowing the divine emphasizes personal revelation and inner knowledge, often challenging traditional religious authorities and doctrines.
Gnosis is a feminine Greek noun which means "knowledge" or "awareness." It's often used for personal knowledge compared with intellectual knowledge. A related term is the adjective gnostikos, "cognitive". Some teachings predate Christianity.
Gnosticism places a strong emphasis on personal spiritual knowledge, known as gnosis, in contrast to using temples, churches or rituals to understand the Whole, or the One. Alignment with the Whole, the One, the divinity, empowers the divine of the Self.
Despite being considered heretical by many mainstream Christian groups, Gnosticism exerts significant influence on the development of Christian theology and mysticism. Its emphasis on personal spiritual experience and pursuit of hidden knowledge resonates with seekers of truth.
" ... The ancient and divine writings say the angels became enamored of women; and, descending, taught them all the works of nature. From them, therefore, is the first tradition, chema, concerning these arts; for they called this book chema and hence the science of chemistry takes its name."
~Zosimos of Panopolis, author, alchemist, Gnostic, teacher c. 300 AD
Gnosis is the key to salvation and enlightenment. The focus on individual wisdom sets Gnosticism apart from traditional religious teachings of the time, which often emphasize obedience to established doctrines and rituals.
Gnosticism believes in a dualistic cosmology, where the material world is inherently flawed and inferior to the spiritual realm. Some Christian Gnostics believe the God of the Tanakh and Torah is a false God, and the true God is Jesus.
The belief system involves a supreme hidden God and a malevolent lesser divinity (Yahweh; to Gnostics Yaldaboath) responsible for creating the flawed material universe. Salvation comes through direct knowledge of the hidden divinity, rather than concepts of sin and repentance.
Gnostics seek direct connection to the divine through personal revelation and mystical experience. The pursuit of gnosis, or spiritual knowledge, is a means to transcend limits of the physical and achieve a deeper connection with the divine.
Early Gnostic systems are characterized by a hierarchy of celestial realms. The heavens connect to a supercelestial region, the Ogdoad, a transcendent realm beyond the material world. In Egyptian lore, the Ogdoad are a group of eight primordial deities.
The Gnostics also incorporate the idea of seven planetary spheres, each associated with a celestial body and distinct level of spiritual significance. This is surrounded by an eighth sphere encompassing the fixed stars.
Infusing Gnostic belief is the idea the material world is inherently flawed, and true spiritual liberation can be achieved only through a deep understanding of the divine realm. Gnostics believe in a dualistic cosmology.
This cosmological model aims to explain the organization of the universe and the spiritual forces at play. Gnosticism sees the seven heavens and supercelestial region as stages leading to the Pleroma.
The Pleroma is the realm of the divine source, from which highest forms of existence emerge. Through mystical experiences, rituals, and contemplation of sacred texts, adherents seek to awaken the inner spark of divinity. Through this they hope to attain higher consciousness.
The Gnostic movement is characterized by a diverse range of beliefs and practices. Various sects and schools of thought arise with different interpretations of key concepts. Some Gnostic groups emphasize the role of a transcendent God beyond the material world.
Others focus on the idea of a divine spark trapped in the human soul, awaiting liberation. Despite facing opposition and persecution from orthodox religious authorities, Gnosticism influences development of Christian theology and mysticism through the early centuries AD.
Gnostic writings are condemned as heresy by the Church in the 2nd century, but Gnosticism is highly varied. Some Gnostics align beliefs with Christianity. Gnosticism lacks a standard system, allowing diverse teachings.
By challenging conventional beliefs and exploring the depths of spiritual insight, Gnosticism remains a fascinating and enigmatic chapter in the history of religious thought. Gnostic ideas spread to the Persian Empire and beyond. Some believe it to be Persian in origin.
Until discovery of the Nag Hammadi library in 1945, scholarly knowledge about Gnosticism is based largely on anti-heretical writings. The Nag Hammadi texts, influenced by Hellenistic Judaism, Zoroastrianism and Platonism, lead to a reevaluation of ancient Gnosticism.
Scholars debate whether Gnosticism can be seen as a form of early Christianity, an independent or interreligious phenomenon. Some question use of the term "Gnosticism," suggesting it may be used by proto-orthodox theologians to label any Christian heretics.
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