By Kathy Fisher
If you ever have a feeling that there's something wrong with the
human experience (why does bad stuff happen to good people?), you are sensing
what Gnosticism believes. Far from the common belief that the world and
mankind was created by a good and kind God, Gnosis contends that the world
and everything in it was created by a blundering God at best, a downright
evil one at worst. Further, Gnosis believes that it is our mission to liberate
ourselves from the grip of the material world before we can return to heaven,
the land of our origin.
DEFINITION
Gnosis (small "g," silent) is a generic term with Greek origins
meaning intuitive knowledge of spiritual mysteries, or more simply "to
know." It's an internal spiritual certainty grounded in personal experience
rather than faith.
Gnosticism is a religious or philosophical world view based on having achieved
gnosis. The term "Gnosis" (capital "G") is often used
for both internal individual experience as well as external religious community
and shared perceptions of the world.
PHILOSOPHY
Gnosticism has many myths to explain the world and human existence. In general,
Gnostics believe the world and everything in it are flawed because they
were created in the image of an imperfect intermediate being between us
and God. Gnosticism claims parts of the original true God, the source of
good, thus became the opposite, evil. Hence the nature of human beings,
like all the universe, is a duality (good & evil, light & dark,
yin & yang). Recognizing this dual nature earned Gnosticism the label
of "dualism."
Humans, say Gnosis, are born ignorant of the divine spark of the true God
residing in them. This ignorance is caused by the false creator who wants
to keep humans from knowing their true destiny. Attachment to material things
and ego concerns on earth keeps us enslaved in a prison of ignorance. Death
releases the divine spark. However, if there isn't substantial "gnosis"
before death, the spark will return to the physical world to maintain the
material attachment and slavery to worldly things.
Gnostics strive for salvation from ignorance. Gnosticism teaches that Messengers
of Light, particularly Jesus Christ, are sent by the true God to teach us
how to attain gnosis and salvation. Gnostics believe the potential for gnosis
is present in everyone and must come while still on earth. In time, Gnosis
teaches, every spiritual being will receive gnosis and be united with its
higher self, the true God. How long it takes is up to us individually.
HISTORY
The origins of Gnosticism are said to be as old as the human soul. Some
see it as a fusion between early Christianity, Greek philosophy, and early
Oriental religions. It also contains bits and pieces of or contributed to
Babylonian and Egyptian philosophies. It has been called the root of all
mysticism, religion, art, science, and philosophy.
Although Gnosis appeared long before Christianity, it became well known
by the fourth century AD. The early Roman Catholic Church dismissed all
Gnosticism as "heresy," burning many Gnostic texts including several
Gospels not contained in our modern Bible. Some say the early Church would
not tolerate any religious group that encouraged its members to question
the concept of faith or the authority of the Pope and other Church officials.
This is ironic because most Gnostics consider Jesus Christ the greatest
of Gnostic teachers.
One of the most famous early Gnostics was the bishop Valentinus (who later
became known as "St. Valentine"). Church authority forbade his
teachings and he was martyred in 270AD.
Because of persecution, Gnosticism became unpopular and survived for many
decades as an underground movement.
In the 20th Century, Gnosticism again came to the surface. First, in 1945-46,
a hidden collection of Gnostic texts, saved from the mass burnings, was
unearthed in Nag Hammadi, Egypt. Translated by the late 1970s, it contained
The Gospel of Thomas, among other resources (entire library is online; see
links below).
Then, in the 1950s, Gnostic psychologist Carl Jung called attention to Gnosticism
and the Nag Hammadi Library. His writings showed the connections between
Gnostic thought and psychological health or dysfunction.
Today, Gnosticism is enjoying a revival of interest. Gnostics say they offer
a path of individual knowledge, wisdom, and intuition rather than the familiar
religious paths of faith and belief in authorities. Some say it provides
clear, frank, simple answers to the questions of human destiny and life
on earth, things we are all searching for as we approach the second millennium.
The Gnosis Site (http://www.teleport.com/~jhjensen/gnosis/gnosis.htm)
A treasure-trove of informational write-ups and links, this well-laid-out
site is a great starting point for the study of Gnosis.
The Gnostic Papers - The Undiscovered Mystery of Christ (the revealing)
(http://homepages.nci2000.net/panella/mystery.htm).
Controversial, yet fascinating.
The Mysteries of Gnosticism, Early Christian Afterlife Writings - Near-Death
(http://near-death.com/gnostic.html)
Lovely opening page with links to many documents and books about Gnosticism,
especially as it relates to life after death.
The Gnostic Sanctuary (http://www.arcnewmedia.com/gnosis/)
Beautifully illustrated and informative, this site contains much background
about Gnosticism.
The Gnostic Centre: A research centre for the growth of consciousness (http://www.indiaconnect.com/gnostic/)
Simple, yet packed with information about Gnosticism. Includes monthly newsletters,
a list of ongoing activities and workshops, background about the centre
and the beliefs, and frequently asked questions.
Gnostic Friends Network - guide to Gnosis & Gnosticism - christian x-files
(http://www.enemies.com/)
Self-advertised as "speculative satire about Gnosticism," the
website is packed with controversial, yet fascinating information. It includes
an art and gift shop, book store, and links.
The Temple of Gnosis (http://members.tripod.com/~TempleOfGnosis/)
Wonderful site includes historical and background information, writings
by the website author, web ring connection, links to other Gnostic sites,
and chat.
gnostic (http://www.ozemail.com.au/~pleroma/) The Institute for Gnostic Studies
Attractive informational site offering free books for downloading and "the
first Gnostic and Esoteric CD-Rom" for Windows and Mac.
The Gnosis Archive (http://www.webcom.com/~gnosis/)
Great library of Gnostic information. Includes historical background as
well as meditations, scripture readings, and lectures.
Samael Aun Weor Gnostic Gnosis Home Page (http://www.samaelaunweor.org/)
Lots of information about Gnosis in general as well as a book store, the
first few chapters of a couple books, a mailing list, and a picture page.
Gnosis Magazine (http://www.lumen.org/), Journal of the Western Inner Traditions.
On-line magazine with a variety of Gnostic articles, links, and even writers'
guidelines.
Apostolic Gnosis (http://www.dynasty.net/users/merlin/index.htm), Journal of the Athenea Theologica Seminary Institude
of the Ecclesia Gnostica Apostolica (EGA) for the Jurisdiction of the Diocese
of the Midwest.
Lots of information about the EGA and Gnosticism in general.
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