Gnosticism

Today we’re talking about another belief: Gnosticism. It looks like Agnosticism without the A, but it’s actually something completely different. And the G is silent, like the G in gnu, gnat or gnome.

Having Knowledge

The word Gnosticism comes from the Greek word gnosis meaning “having knowledge.” It’s not so much a religion as a group of ideas that are both philosophical and religious in nature. Gnosticism first appeared in the late first century AD as an offshoot of Christianity and other sects of the time, although it does not have much in common with Christianity as we know it. These early groups valued personal spiritual knowledge (gnosis) rather than following the traditions and authority of organized religions.

Gnostics believe in  two invisible beings. The supreme being is called the Mona, the Absolute, or the One. Although not a god, the Mona is still considered to be the perfect Spirit above everything. In contrast, they also believe in a demiurge, a flawed, chaotic spirit being who is responsible for making and maintaining the physical universe. This is not a God such as monotheists worship. The demiurge is more of a craftsman than a creator.

Illusion and Enlightenment

Where many religions believe in the idea of sin and repentance, Gnostics focus rather on illusion and enlightenment. They see the world around them as an illusion, and believe that the spiritual realm is the true reality. They seek enlightenment through gnosis, or spiritual knowledge.

Contemporary Gnosticism, sometimes called, neo-gnosticism, embraces various beliefs, including aspects of Christianity and Greek philosophy, and has influenced New Age spirituality.  Around 500 million people, or approximately 7% of the population of the world, identify as Gnostics. If you’d like to learn more, search for Gnostic churches near you, or ask for books on Gnosticism at your local library.

Whether you embrace Gnosticism, or another belief or faith, or none at all, that’s fine. You are welcome here. God loves you exactly as you are, no mask required, and so do I.