Gnosis and the Gnostics!

[Malic]

GNOSTICISM IS THE TEACHING based on Gnosis, the knowledge of transcendence arrived at by way of interior, intuitive means. Although Gnosticism thus rests on personal religious experience, it is a mistake to assume all such experience results in Gnostic recognitions. It is nearer the truth to say that Gnosticism expresses a specific religious experience, an experience that does not lend itself to the language of theology or philosophy, but which is instead closely affinitized to, and expresses itself through, the medium of myth. Indeed, one finds that most Gnostic scriptures take the forms of myths. The term “myth” should not here be taken to mean “stories that are not true”, but rather, that the truths embodied in these myths are of a different order from the dogmas of theology or the statements of philosophy.

- Stephan A. Hoeller (Tau Stephanus, Gnostic Bishop)


Jesus said,
"If those who lead you say to you,
'See, the kingdom is in the sky,'
then the birds of the sky will precede you.
If they say to you, 'It is in the sea,'
then the fish will precede you.
Rather, the kingdom is inside of you,
and it is outside of you.
When you come to know yourselves,
then you will become known,
and you will realize that it is you who are
the sons of the living father.
But if you will not know yourselves,
you dwell in poverty and
it is you who are that poverty."

-The Gospel of Thomas


”This commandment …
is not in the heavens …
Nor is it beyond the sea, ...
it is …on your lips
and in your heart"

-Deuteronomy 30:11-14

[Malic]

Many might ask the question, who is the God of the Gnostic? below is a statement from
Stephan A. Hoeller (Tau Stephanus, Gnostic Bishop) explaining the Gnostic approach in regards to the concept of Deity.


The Gnostic God concept is more subtle than that of most religions. In its way, it unites and reconciles the recognitions of Monotheism and Polytheism, as well as of Theism, Deism and Pantheism.

William BlakeIn the Gnostic view, there is a true, ultimate and transcendent God, who is beyond all created universes and who never created anything in the sense in which the word “create” is ordinarily understood. While this True God did not fashion or create anything, He (or, It) “emanated” or brought forth from within Himself the substance of all there is in all the worlds, visible and invisible. In a certain sense, it may therefore be true to say that all is God, for all consists of the substance of God. By the same token, it must also be recognized that many portions of the original divine essence have been projected so far from their source that they underwent unwholesome changes in the process. To worship the cosmos, or nature, or embodied creatures is thus tantamount to worshipping alienated and corrupt portions of the emanated divine essence.

The basic Gnostic myth has many variations, but all of these refer to Aeons, intermediate deific beings who exist between the ultimate, True God and ourselves. They, together with the True God, comprise the realm of Fullness (Pleroma) wherein the potency of divinity operates fully. The Fullness stands in contrast to our existential state, which in comparison may be called emptiness.

One of the aeonial beings who bears the name Sophia (“Wisdom”) is of great importance to the Gnostic world view. In the course of her journeyings, Sophia came to emanate from her own being a flawed consciousness, a being who became the creator of the material and psychic cosmos, all of which he created in the image of his own flaw. This being, unaware of his origins, imagined himself to be the ultimate and absolute God. Since he took the already existing divine essence and fashioned it into various forms, he is also called the Demiurgos or “half-maker” There is an authentic half, a true deific component within creation, but it is not recognized by the half-maker and by his cosmic minions, the Archons or “rulers”.

[happycake]

nice but too much heavy thinking for me

[Malic]

nice but too much heavy thinking for me

...

[jamesmusslewhite]

Interesting post but runs in contradiction with so many of the teachings of both the Bible and the Qur'an.

Jesus warned, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. "You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? "Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them." (Matt. 7:15-20)

There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in taghut (false gods and false worship) and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.
Allah is the Wali(Protector or Guardian) of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light. But as for those who disbelieve, their Auliya (supporters and helpers) are Taghut [false gods and false worship.], they bring them out from light into darkness. Those are the dwellers of the Fire, and they will remain there forever. (Quran 2:256-257)

And be not as those who divided and differed among themselves after the clear proofs had come to them. It is they for whom there is an awful torment. On the Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) when some faces will become white and some faces will become black; as for those whose faces will become black (to them will be said): "Did you reject Faith after accepting it? Then taste the torment (in Hell) for rejecting Faith." (Quran 3:105-106)



Gal 1:6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel.
Gal 1:7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.
Gal 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!
Gal 1:9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!

[Malic]

Interesting post but runs in contradiction with so many of the teachings of both the Bible and the Qur'an.

Jesus warned, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. "You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? "Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them." (Matt. 7:15-20)

There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in taghut (false gods and false worship) and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.
Allah is the Wali(Protector or Guardian) of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light. But as for those who disbelieve, their Auliya (supporters and helpers) are Taghut [false gods and false worship.], they bring them out from light into darkness. Those are the dwellers of the Fire, and they will remain there forever. (Quran 2:256-257)

And be not as those who divided and differed among themselves after the clear proofs had come to them. It is they for whom there is an awful torment. On the Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) when some faces will become white and some faces will become black; as for those whose faces will become black (to them will be said): "Did you reject Faith after accepting it? Then taste the torment (in Hell) for rejecting Faith." (Quran 3:105-106)



Gal 1:6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel.
Gal 1:7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.
Gal 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!
Gal 1:9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!

You have to think outside the box James. I hope you are not threatened by the wisdom that Gnosis offers to the unsatisfied followers of the patriarchal religion.

Fundamentalism is the disease that is responsible for most of the wars fought in the name of God.

false gospels and prophets? it really depends on who is sizing who. From Islam's point of view, the bible is the false gospel and the Christians are the false prophets. From the Christian's point of view Islam is the false message and Muhammad is the Devil's advocate.

anyways you are entitled to your own opinion. Just let it be.


Jesus said, "Those who seek should not stop seeking until they find. When they find, they will be disturbed. When they are disturbed, they will marvel, and will reign over all. [And after they have reigned they will rest.]" -from the gospel of Thomas

[jamesmusslewhite]

You have to think outside the box James. I hope you are not threatened by the wisdom that Gnosis offers to the unsatisfied followers of the patriarchal religion.

True not everyone can follow the teachings of Christ, it forces you to be a defiant changed being, defiant of the ways of the world, who must be hated by the world. Muslims could not do it and most Christians can not do it. Satan's trick, he hates Jews, Christ, and despises Christians. His world and his influenced religions are designed to confuse the masses and led them away from the true path. Few can see through the veils deceit and grasp that reality, especially since the illushion is so enticing.

No I am not threatened by those choosing not accept the scriptural God, and his path to salvation. I am just sadden by it. It is like watching people playing in the water, who choose to ignore the signs "Warning Rip Tides." Only to see the surf began to carry and manipulate them trying to draw them from safety. The strong can possibly return to safety, the weak will surly slip beneath the waves. Rip Tides can cause the demise of those strongest as well, it's tug is too strong for most.

If the true words of God are written and his warning signs were also written, than who am I to tell another man not to follow a different path if he so chooses. It is still saddening that's all. They do not want the hard and narrow path, but rather choose to follow that which is easier for them to accept and follow.

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Mat. 7:13-14

[Malic]

No I am not threatened by those choosing not accept the scriptural God, and the path to salvation. I am just sadden by it. It is like watching people playing in the water, who choose to ignore the signs "Warning Rip Tides." Only to see the surf began to carry and manipulate them trying to draw them form safety. The strong can possibly return to safety, the week will surly slip beneath the waves. Rip Tides and cause the demise of those strongest as well.

If the true word are written and the warning signs are also written, who man I to tell another man not to follow a different path. It is still saddening that's all. They do not want the hard and narrow path, but rather choose to follow that which is easier for them to accept and follow.

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Mat. 7:13-14

-you are not threatened? Good.

-saddened? don't be. These people are happy from where they are right now.

-ignored the signs? you mean the verses found in the bible? Actually they are not ignoring it, they are redefining it, why? I guess the interpretations attached to the signs are no longer relevant to the needs of the present world. The signs had produce a lot of wars and animosity already james. It's time to change it.

-hard and narrow path? look around james, i guess the people who are following the gnostic path are the ones traveling the narrow and hard path.


Jesus said, "Those who seek should not stop seeking until they find. When they find, they will be disturbed. When they are disturbed, they will marvel, and will reign over all. [And after they have reigned they will rest.]" -from the gospel of Thomas

[Malic]

True not everyone can follow the teachings of Christ, it forces you to be a defiant changed being, defiant of the ways of the world, who must be hated by the world. Muslims could not do it and most Christians can not do it. Satan's trick, he hates Jews, Christ, and despises Christians. His world and his influenced religions are designed to confuse the masses and led them away from the true path. Few can see through the veils deceit and grasp that reality, especially since the illushion is so enticing.

Satan's trick? James from others point of view you are the one that is being illusioned to think that the faith of other people are wrong. Again its really a matter of who is sizing who.

[jamesmusslewhite]

-you are not threatened? Good.

-saddened? don't be. These people are happy from where they are right now.
No it is still saddening, because I understand that which comes latter.

-ignored the signs? you mean the verses found in the bible? Actually they are not ignoring it, they are redefining it, why? I guess the interpretations attached to the signs are no longer relevant to the needs of the present world. The signs had produce a lot of wars and animosity already james. It's time to change it.
It is the same sin of the religions of today, choosing to find an easier way. You do not change scripture, it is suppose to change you.

-hard and narrow path? look around james, i guess the people who are following the gnostic path are the ones traveling the narrow and hard path.
No they chose to redefine the path, and redefine God. The narrow path is the scriptures. Your argument just shows the beginnings of that broadening path the scriptures warns against.

Jesus said, "Those who seek should not stop seeking until they find. When they find, they will be disturbed. When they are disturbed, they will marvel, and will reign over all. [And after they have reigned they will rest.]" -from the gospel of Thomas
The path was well written 2,000 years ago. He said which was the path. He also warned against False prophets and religions that would follow his. You can follow any path that makes you feel good in the Now, we will all be judged in the end. The rewards and punishments of our decisions in the Now will be carried in to the eternal. The scriptures do not say disregard these teachings for a new belief if you so choose.

Such a strange argument you make. It is all good if it makes you happy, and God and Jesus does not mind if you just go with the flow if the world so chooses. follow any path you choose, even if it is contrary to the teachings of God and Christ. Yes by all means do that. Sad