Do you know the beliefs of Gnostics?

Question

I'm a Gnostic, but I want see to what people know, and what they think they know.

Answer 1

The Jewish deity Jehovah (YHVH) is called Iadabaoth and is the son of Sophia (Wisdom), who is one of the Aeons created by the True deity who is unknowable. She gave birth to him, but the ingrate lied to his own creations, the Archons, and said he was the true God... I'd list more, but I'm tired; anyway, I've read the Gnostic Bible and the Other Bible, as well as some other books on the subject... anyway, the Gnostic believe knowledge, not obedience, is central to salvation, which is a return to the True deity... oh yeah, and the material world is evil; only pure spirit is good and destined for salvation - the world was made by the inferior deity Ialdabaoth (Yahveh).

Answer 2

The original version of Gnosticism died out long ago. There have been several efforts to revive it throughout history, such as the Bogomils, the Cathars and the writings of William Blake. The Gnostic sects of today are reconstructions.

The core belief is that Jesus did not (could not) die on the cross because he was purely divine. His "resurrection" and "ascension" were actually a single event, an apotheosis indicating his return to a purely divine state. "Salvation" is not about an exculpatory "sacrifice" but a transcendence of the impurity of fleshly life through meditation on "secret knowledge" about the nature of Christ. We do not "follow" Christ but realize the "Christ" inside us.

There's a strong dualistic, anti-world streak in Gnosticism. They believe the "God" of the Jewish scripture was an inferior demi-god who lost his way and created the corruptible universe of matter. The "true" God had other pure descendants, most notably Sophia (often associated with Wisdom or the Holy Spirit), whose "Son", the Christ, manifested in the appearance of a human to show us the way to enlightenment. Some flavors of Gnosticism have Christ taking over the body of a human Jesus at his baptism and abandoning him at the cross to preserve the sense of complete separation between the pure divine and the degraded human aspects.

The Gnostics had mystical rituals to mark levels of spiritual progress. The baptism of water marked initiation into the general church, but there were baptisms of "air", "fire" (symbolic) and "spirit" as well. Historians point out the similarities of Gnostic practices to other "Mystery" cults, such as that of Dionysius, Osiris or Tammuz.

Again, the goal was enlightenment, transcendence, purification and separation from the corruption of material life. Gnostics tended to avoid sex and indulging in coarse, sensual foods. Some (notably the Cathars/Abigensians) believed in reincarnation and gave special honor and deference to those they felt were nearly done transcending. But the paths were individual, solitary. Students did not study and ascend as a group. Enlightenment wasn't something that could be "taught" in a classroom. This left them at a distinct disadvantage before the more organized orthodox church who took the scriptures at face value.

Gnostic scriptures tend to be more obscure, more obviously allegorical than the Christian canon. Jesus and the people he met are all more than merely historical characters. In the gospel of Mary Magdalen, Mary represents the believer who understands, rather than the literal-minded Peter. In the gospel of Judas, Judas represents the believer who understands the underlying meaning of his acts, not the superficial appearances. The Gospel of Thomas emphasizes the nascent divinity in every rock, tree and human, held back only by its inferior, material condition. (Some scholars point to John's portrayal of "Thomas" as an incredulous fool as evidence that there was a bitter rivalry between these branches of "Christianity".) Gnostic Christ laughs at the figure on the cross because people misunderstand, it is in the nature of matter to die, but spirit lives forever.

Gnosticism is a fascinating study, but it does not lend itself to community relationships, and its more esoteric theological doctrines can be just as obscure and complex as those of conventional Christianity.

Answer 3

A real gnostic has no "beliefs", Gonstic means to "know".

Answer 4

Isn't that what Meepo is? If so then you can split apart into an autonomous being of yourself. Though if one dies you all die. You share experience and gold but can only share the kind of boots the "real" Meepo has. You have the ability to cast and pin down opponents with your net ability. With your 3 other selves you can cast this 4 times, which can be powerful. Also he can "Poof" to one of his other selves in about a 2 second cast, whereever they are.

Kind of neat.

Answer 5

well, don't the gnostics believe all things material are evil and the spiritual realm is not to be questioned? i'm not sure if I have that right as I'm still reading up on it. they also deny the diety of Jesus Christ.

Answer 6

I believe that Jesus was about enlightenment and not salvation.

Answer 7

I know Jesus and the Scripture so I have no need or desire to study deception....sorry.

Answer 8

who cares?