Definition of Gnosticism
Gnosticism is an ancient spiritual movement that believes in the essential goodness of the human soul and the knowledge that humans can access through spiritual development. It is an eclectic mix of Eastern and Western philosophies, esoteric religions, and traditional religious beliefs. Gnosticism affirms the supreme power and unity of God, the infinite power and abundance of knowledge, and the freedom of individuals to pursue their own spiritual journeys. It can be broadly characterized as “a search for knowledge of deeper truths and of direct spiritual experience.”
Gnostic Christianity
Gnostic teachings have been around for centuries, and in the early first century, a sect of Christians developed that incorporated Gnostic elements into their faith. This sect, which is known as Gnostic Christianity, taught that salvation from sin and death comes from knowledge, not faith, as is the case with mainstream Christianity. They believed that all humans possess an active part of God, who exists in all of us and is the source of true knowledge. This Gnostic Christianity also taught that Jesus was no longer human, but instead a divine being, sent to us so that we can reach a higher level of understanding.
Gnostic Teachings in the Bible
Gnostic teachings are present in the Bible, though only hinted at in some of the books of the New Testament. In the Gospel of John, Jesus is portrayed as imparting knowledge, rather than just providing facts and moral instruction. In the famous story of the bread of life sermon, Jesus speaks of the “bread from heaven” which symbolizes the hidden knowledge of God. In the book of Colossians, Paul speaks of the Knowledge (Gnosis) of God as the key to full understanding.St. Paul also speaks of a spiritual body distinct from the natural body, another common Gnostic teaching.
Gnostic Mysticism
The primary goal of the Gnostics is to obtain personal knowledge of God and the spiritual world. They use a variety of techniques to achieve this goal, including prayer, meditation, contemplation, and other forms of asceticism. Gnosticism is a form of mysticism that seeks to obtain direct knowledge of the Creator through spiritual development and inner work. According to Gnostic teachings, only by going deep within oneself can one truly understand the nature of the divine.
Gnostic Practices
Gnostic practices are based on the premise that true knowledge requires an inner experience rather than just an intellectual understanding. Gnostic teachings emphasize the necessity of self-reflection and inner work in order to gain insight into the higher mysteries of the universe. Gnostics practice meditation and contemplation, seeking to disengage from the physical world and to focus on the spiritual within. They also practice asceticism in order to surrender the lower, physical nature of themselves and to focus on the higher, spiritual aspects of their being.
Gnostic Values
At the core of Gnostic spiritual teachings is the belief in the essential goodness of the human soul. By connecting with this divine source within, Gnostics seek to restore the harmony between the divine and earthly worlds. They emphasize the importance of personal responsibility and striving for a life of peace and harmony on both the mental and physical levels. Gnostics are spiritually advanced and embrace the inherent unity of all humans and all life forms.
Gnostic Communities
There are a number of Gnostic communities around the world, including those in the United States and Europe. These communities are composed of individuals with a shared faith in the power of knowledge and self-discovery. Gnostic communities are typically open to the public and offer regular meetings and classes on the tenets of Gnosticism. These meetings and classes provide a welcoming atmosphere for those exploring the spiritual path of Gnosticism.
Gnostic Movements
Gnosticism has been a major influence on many of the spiritual movements of today, such as new age, Kabbalah, Sufism, and the esoteric Christian Church. Though there are different interpretations of Gnostic teachings, the core concepts and values remain the same. Many believe that Gnostic teachings can be helpful on the path to enlightenment and the understanding of the divine and true knowledge.
Uses of Gnostic Teachings In Everyday Life
Gnostic teachings are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people seek spiritual knowledge and understanding. Gnostic teachings provide practical ways of connecting one’s inner self to the divine universe, and thus can be used in everyday life. Through meditation, contemplation, and other forms of inner work, Gnostics seek to uncover the ultimate truth that lies beyond the physical world.
Summary of What Gnosticism Means In The Bible
Gnosticism is an ancient spiritual movement that believes in the essential goodness of the human soul and the knowledge that humans can access through spiritual development. It is an eclectic mix of Eastern and Western philosophies, esoteric religions, and traditional religious beliefs. Gnostic Christianity, which is present in the Bible, teaches that salvation comes from knowledge, not faith. Gnostic practices emphasize self-reflection and inner work to gain insight into the Creator and hidden knowledge. Gnostics also embrace the inherent unity of all humans and all life forms and use Gnostic teachings in everyday life. Ultimately, Gnosticism seeks to uncover the ultimate truth beyond the physical world.
