Question 1

What do Gnostics believe?

Accepted Answer

Gnostics believe that there was a first being (“the One”) which emanated a plurality of archons (powers) that led to the creation of the physical universe and humans. But human beings contain an original “divine spark” (a piece of the “One”) which was trapped in material bodies. The goal of Gnosticism (“knowledge”) is the reunification of one’s spark with the godhead. “Messengers of light” offered ways to achieve this unity, the most important being Jesus Christ.

Question 2

How is Gnosticism different from Christianity?

Accepted Answer

Gnostics were Christians, but offered alternative views of the nature of Christ, how and why he came into the world, and ways to interpret the true understanding of his teachings. Gnostics produced their own “gospels,” utilizing the devices of allegory and metaphor. “Salvation” was deemed an individual effort, which positioned them against the mainstream churches with their Bishops and sacraments. Gnostics were officially deemed the first heretics.

Question 3

Do Gnostics believe in Jesus?

Accepted Answer

Most of the many Gnostic systems believed that Jesus was the “messenger of light” or the redeemer figure. But their Jesus was not born into a material body (deemed evil). He only appeared as a human (Docetism) to teach us how to return to the “the One.” This challenged the importance of the physical crucifixion and the resurrection of the body.

Question 4

Who are the Gnostics today?

Accepted Answer

Modern interest in Gnosticism was revived by members of the Theosophical Society in the United States in 1875, which included Eastern religions. Off-shoots were then formed as The Gnostic Society (1928) and Ecclesia Gnostica (1953). Many modern churches have adapted the teachings into their weekly liturgies and sermons.

Gnosticism

Related Content