gnostic

/'nɔstik/

Thân thiện

A scholar studies ancient gnostic texts in a quiet library.

Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Possessing intellectual or esoteric knowledge of spiritual things: Relating to or characterized by a special, often mystical, knowledge of spiritual truths.
   • Of or relating to Gnosticism: Pertaining to the beliefs, practices, or writings associated with the ancient religious and philosophical movement known as Gnosticism.

2. Noun:

   • An advocate of Gnosticism: A follower or adherent of the Gnostic religious and philosophical systems.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Her interpretation of the text was deeply gnostic, focusing on hidden spiritual meanings.
  • The scholar studied gnostic traditions from the early centuries of Christianity.

• Noun:

  • The early Christian councils condemned the teachings of the Gnostics.
  • As a Gnostic, he believed salvation came through secret knowledge, not faith alone.

Advanced Usage

• Gnostic knowledge: Refers to a special, revealed understanding believed to lead to spiritual liberation.

  • The sect was centered on the pursuit of gnostic knowledge.

• Gnostic texts: Specifically refers to writings like the Nag Hammadi library, which contain Coptic translations of early Gnostic works.

  • The discovery of the Gnostic texts at Nag Hammadi revolutionized the study of early Christianity.

Variants and Related Words

• Gnosticism (n): The collective doctrines and practices of various sects in the early Christian era that emphasized spiritual knowledge (gnosis) as the path to salvation.

  • Gnosticism combined elements of Christianity, Platonism, and Eastern mysticism.

• Agnostic (adj/n): (Note: This is a different word, often confused). From Greek a- (without) + gnōsis (knowledge). Describing someone who believes the existence of God is unknown or unknowable.

  • He was agnostic on the question of life after death.

Synonyms

• Esoteric: Intended for or understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge.
• Illuminati: (Historically) People claiming to possess special enlightenment or knowledge.

Antonyms

• Agnostic: (In the context of knowledge claims) Holding that ultimate spiritual truths are unknown or unknowable.
• Exoteric: Intended for or likely to be understood by the general public.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. possessing intellectual or esoteric knowledge of spiritual things
2. of or relating to Gnosticism
   • Gnostic writings

Noun

1. an advocate of Gnosticism

Từ đồng nghĩa

• gnostic