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Gnosticism is a descriptive term used to identify a common belief among various religious movements and groups that likely originated in prehistory and became most active in the first few centuries AD/CE. The key to understanding the core belief of these movements is provided by the term gnosis, a Greek word expressing a type of understanding/consciousness gained through personal experience. It is through this type of transcendental experience that followers of Gnostic belief systems ("Gnosticism") seek escape from ignorance and thus the mundane.
Throughout history, followers of various incarnations of Gnosticism (particularly Christian persuasions) were persecuted by those who held the opposing belief that salvation came through faith in particular religious concepts or figures rather than personal knowledge of them. There is no evidence that followers of these earlier Gnostic belief systems ever characterized themselves with the word 'Gnostic.'
The term has become widely used by modern scholars and others as a way to identify an emphasis placed on the salvific benefit of individual wisdom. Although many Gnostic movements identified with the teachings of Jesus Christ and were Christian by their own definition, there remains widespread variation in the particular religious orientations of many Gnostic groups. Especially notable for their extended and uninterrupted presence up until the modern era are the followers of the Persian Prophet Mani, the Manicheans; and the Pre-Christian Mandaeans who still survive in Iraq and Iran.
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Cesar Vidal's new book, Origenes de la nueva era is a deep essay on New Age/Gnosticism compared with Christianism. Important read!
rrivas_tnelson (Roberto Rivas) Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:41:19 -0000
Cesar Vidal's new book, Origenes de la nueva era is a deep essay on New Age/Gnosticism compared with Christianism. Important read!
For many people #Gnosticism is something very obscure. So What is #Gnosis? http://bit.ly/5nU9WL
followsee (Shannon Easterling) Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:21:36 -0000
For many people #Gnosticism is something very obscure. So What is #Gnosis? http://bit.ly/5nU9WL
What is Gnosticism-introduction now http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bay-area-gnostic-center (Dreams and OBEs live ⺠http://ustre.am/76xU)
DonnaLE (DonnaLE) Tue, 05 Jan 2010 03:32:16 -0000
What is Gnosticism-introduction now http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bay-area-gnostic-center (Dreams and OBEs live › http://ustre.am/76xU)
EARLY "CHRISTIANS" DEPT: Gnosticism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnosticism
BibleAlsoSays (I AM THAT I AM!) Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:26:37 -0000
EARLY "CHRISTIANS" DEPT: Gnosticism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnosticism
A hermetic order modeled after Freemasonry&teaches its initiates the secretsof the Mysteries, gnosticism, sex magick,Kaballa &other sciences
xVivaLaJuicyx (Vita) Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:38:03 -0000
A hermetic order modeled after Freemasonry&teaches its initiates the secretsof the Mysteries, gnosticism, sex magick,Kaballa &other sciences
ALSO GOT A NOTHER CAT TODAY AND NAMED IT THUNDER PERFECT CAT IN HONOR OF GNOSTICISM #TWURT #GNOSTICISM
gregerskine (Gregory Erskine) Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:13:22 -0000
ALSO GOT A NOTHER CAT TODAY AND NAMED IT THUNDER PERFECT CAT IN HONOR OF GNOSTICISM #TWURT #GNOSTICISM
Catholic Encyclopedia: Gnosticism - Gnosticism, as a syncretistic, dualistic system has been historically regarded by orthodox Christians as a heresy.
Meta Description: [ History of Gnosticism from its pre-Christian roots through its developed doctrines concerning cosmogony, the Sophia-myth, soteriology, and eschatology. Includes information on rites, schools, and literature ]
Definition of Gnosticism - Gnosticism died not by chance, but because it lacked vital power within itself; and no amount of theosophistic literature can give life to that which perished from intrinsic and essential defects.
Meta Description: [ Definition of Gnosticism ]
Medieval Sourcebook: Bernard Gui on the Albigensians - Offers an account of a Catholic Inquisitor on the Cathar faith.
Strange Fire: Rise of Gnosticism in the Church - Book by Travers and Jewel van der Merwe offering a Christian view of ancient and neo-Gnostic beliefs.
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