Definition

1. Noun:
   • A religious orientation advocating gnosis as the way to release a person's spiritual element; considered heresy by Christian churches: Gnosticism is a collection of ancient religious ideas and systems which emphasize that salvation is achieved through special, esoteric knowledge (gnosis) of spiritual truths. This knowledge is believed to liberate the divine spark within a person from the constraints of the material world. Historically, it was deemed heretical by mainstream Christian churches.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The study of early Christian history often involves examining the conflict between orthodoxy and Gnosticism.
  • Some of the Nag Hammadi texts provide primary sources for understanding ancient Gnosticism.

Advanced Usage

• "Gnosticism" as a historical category: Often used by scholars to describe a diverse set of movements in the early centuries CE that shared a common emphasis on secret knowledge and a dualistic worldview.
  • Modern scholarship debates whether Gnosticism should be considered a single, coherent religion or a label for a variety of syncretic sects.

Variants and Related Words

• Gnostic (adj): Pertaining to Gnosticism or its teachings.
  • The Gnostic gospels present a different perspective on Jesus's teachings.
• Gnostic (n): A follower or adherent of Gnosticism.
  • The Gnostics believed they possessed a secret knowledge that led to salvation.
• Gnosis (n): The concept of intuitive, spiritual knowledge central to Gnostic belief.
  • For them, gnosis was not intellectual but a revelatory experience.

Synonyms

• Esoteric doctrine: A teaching intended for or understood by only a small group with specialized knowledge.
• Dualistic heresy (historical context): Referring to its heretical status and its belief in a fundamental duality between spirit (good) and matter (evil).

Related Phrases and Concepts

• "Gnostic texts": Writings, such as those found at Nag Hammadi, that expound Gnostic beliefs.
  • The Gospel of Thomas is one of the most famous Gnostic texts.
• "Gnostic cosmology": The Gnostic understanding of the universe, often involving a complex hierarchy of divine beings (Aeons) and a flawed creator god (Demiurge).
  • Gnostic cosmology describes a fallen world created by an ignorant deity.

Noun

1. a religious orientation advocating gnosis as the way to release a person's spiritual element; considered heresy by Christian churches