Gnosticism

[Hollarey]

Time to expand my Knowledge a little more. Reading the definition in the dictionary has not helped. The online dictionary is too far in depth to read and hold my attention while sitting up. LOL!

I have read about the muslims and Islam, the wiccans, satan worshippers, Bhuddism, scientology, catholics, Judaism and several other ranges of Christianity. (Even the Masons and the Rosicrucians.)But I have never read about the gnostics or gnosticism and my curiosity has been peaked.

All I know is something about knowledge of spiritual insight being the key to the mysteries of life.

That doesn't tell me much. So I am going searching once more. I have on my "IN DEPTH READING SPECTACLES" , but if anyone has any clues about this mysterious religion/belief (I don't even know how to refer to it) I would love to know what it is. It sounds interesting just because it is so mysterious!

[Tempestuous]

Gnostic site (http://www.gnosis.org/gnintro.htm) gives a brief overview.
Gnosticism (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06592a.htm)
seems like it might have a little more background.

I didn't read through all of the second link. I did note the conclusion seems to have a connotation of bashing the theology.

Good luck on your search.

[Isaak Brodsky]

Gnosis is Greek for knowledge. These Gospels testify to the ministry of Jesus, but were not selected as part of the Inspired canon, when all of the books and letters were canonized.

In keeping with Gnostic traditions, the Gnostics believe that humans can gain an understanding - a full knowledge - of the Divine without an indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Princeton scholar Elaine Pagels wrote a historical sketch and critical analysis of the Gnostic gospels titled surprisingly, The Gnostic Gospels. I've read it. Her scholarship is first rate, but her work does little to illuminate what Paul, Peter and the other writers have already done concerning man's dilemma, his freedom to choose, and the paths he walks.

Like the Apocraphya or the mythical Q documents, these gospels are recognized by mainstream Christians but entirely rejected for their instrinsic spiritual value. Their study sheds another light on the life and times of the Lamb to come, but they offer no spiritual meat for a believer to chew on.

Hope this helps.