What do Gnostics believe?

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.

How is Gnosticism different from Christianity?

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.

Do Gnostics believe in Jesus?

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.

Who are the Gnostics today?

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 Timeline

Definition

Gnosticism is the belief that human beings contain a piece of God (the highest good or a divine spark) within themselves, which has fallen from the immaterial world into the bodies of humans. All physical matter is subject to decay, rotting, and death. Those bodies and the material world, created by an inferior being, are therefore evil. Trapped in the material world, but ignorant of its status, the pieces of God require knowledge (gnosis) to inform them of their true status. That knowledge must come from outside the material world, and the agent who brings it is the savior or redeemer.

More about: Gnosticism

Timeline

c. 50 CE - c. 60 CE
Establishment of various Christian communities in the Eastern Mediterranean, Greece, Egypt, and at least the city of Rome.
c. 65 CE - c. 100 CE
The tales of the life and work of Jesus (gospels) composed.
c. 120 CE - c. 140 CE
Gnostic schools, including one led by Basilides in Alexandria, flourish.
c. 150 CE
The Gospel of Truth is thought to be written by Valentius, a Gnostic teacher from Alexandria.
312 CE
Roman emperor Constantine I tolerates Christianity.
1945 CE
Gnostic writings, collectively known as The Nag Hammadi Library, are discovered.

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