I think Gospel of John contains some kind of Gnostic Idea. What do you think about that?

Question

John 12:31:
Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.

John 14:30:
I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me,

John 16:11:
and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

Most scholars agree that 'prince of the world' means Satan. Hey, wait. It sounds like a Gnostic idea. According to Gnostics the material world was created by imperfect (and possibly malicious) god, not the true God. I think those bible passages reflect the dualistic idea of Gnosticism and Harold Bloom, a great litaray critic, pointed that out in his book Jesus and Yahweh; The Names Divine. Anybody noticed this beside me in here?

Answer 1

certainly gnostic theology and christianity are close to each other, simply because during the 300's they were cleverly put together by some gnostics.

unfortunately they do not fit as easily as you say. Often John is sited as a very gnostic text, but unfortunately it too clearly talks about Jesus in a way that is contrary to Gnisoc ideas (such as portraying Jesus as equal with, not a lesser, God).

in the end, though gnostic ideas can be drawn from john if that is all you are looking for, if you take john for what its real and obvious intention is, then there is not much gnostic stuff left that has any significance.

i hope that makes sense.

for more info see the two links in my source

Answer 2

I am familiar with Gnosticism, and it is a fascinating concept. But I dont think the verses support it.

John 12:31, Jesus is speaking, and in its whole context says,

31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.

And was in response to The Lord speaking to a gathering crowd.

John 14 29-31 is a whole context on prophecy of the anti-christ

29I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, 31but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.

And the last one, is an example of the Couselor, of Holy Spirit.

7But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt[a] in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

Like I mentioned, I am familiar with Gnosticism, that the "God" of our world is a corrupt half man half God, and he accounts for the bad things we have here, as well as the good things. That justifies the things like murder and destruction, And that to get to the "Real God" we must become learned and enlightened so we can reach "heaven". I reserached it, and thought of practicing it. I see your point, a valid one, but once the verses are in context, I dont see how it supports the Gnostic faith.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, you quote both partial verses and verses out of context. In John 16, for example, the passage is Jesus speaking of the Holy Spirit, and does not at all contain a Gnostic idea. Sorry.

Answer 4

being a prince of a realm doesnt mean youve created it, simply conquered it. Satan conquered the hearts of man through temptation and sin, and Jesus freed us from his dominion