Gnosticism, what is it:
Gnosticism is a diverse and ancient spiritual tradition that emphasizes gnosis, or direct, personal knowledge of the divine. Rather than relying on faith alone or external religious authorities, Gnostics seek inner enlightenment — an awakening to the hidden truths of existence, the self, and the divine realm.
Here’s a clearer breakdown:
Core Concepts of Gnosticism
Gnosis (Knowledge)
Not just intellectual knowledge, but mystical insight or revelation about the true nature of reality and the self.
Gnosis is experiential — like a spiritual awakening.
The Divine Spark in Humanity
Humans contain a divine spark, a fragment of the true God, trapped in the material body.
The goal is to liberate this spark and return it to its divine source.
The True God vs. the Demiurge
Gnostics distinguish between:
The True God, unknowable, infinite, and purely spiritual.
The Demiurge, a lesser god or creator who made the physical world — often seen as ignorant, flawed, or even malevolent.
The material world is seen as a prison or illusion, created by the Demiurge to trap souls.
Cosmic Hierarchies and Aeons
The True God emanates Aeons, divine beings or aspects, which together form the Pleroma (fullness of the divine realm).
The fall or error of one Aeon (often named Sophia, meaning Wisdom) leads to the creation of the material world and the Demiurge.
Jesus as a Revealer, Not a Sacrificial Savior
Many Gnostic sects viewed Jesus not as someone who died for sins, but as a divine messenger or teacher who came to awaken gnosis within humans.
Gnostic Texts
Most Gnostic writings were suppressed by early church leaders, but many survived hidden for centuries. In 1945, a major discovery occurred: the Nag Hammadi Library in Egypt, a collection of ancient Gnostic scriptures, including:
The Gospel of Thomas
The Gospel of Philip
The Apocryphon of John
The Gospel of Truth
Gnosticism vs. Orthodox Christianity
Gnostic View Orthodox Christianity Knowledge (gnosis) saves Faith and grace save The world is a prison The world is God’s good creation The true God is unknowable God is personal and revealed Jesus brings gnosis Jesus dies for sin Salvation is escape from matter Salvation is resurrection of the body
Modern Relevance
Gnostic ideas still resonate today in:
Mystical Christianity
Esoteric traditions (e.g. Theosophy, Jungian psychology)
Science fiction and philosophy (like The Matrix or Plato’s Cave allegory)
New Age spirituality
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 