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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | What is "Gnosticism"? | NT general Archive 1 | prayon | 7822 | ||
Gnosticism is a diverse religious and theosophical movement of the first three centuries AD. The name derives from the means of salvation: the Gnostic is saved through a special knowledge (Gk. gnosis). The central Gnostic doctrine is the ontological dualism between the supreme, ineffable God of love and the material world, considered evil or at best, indifferent. Between God and matter lie a host of spiritual powers, collectively termed the fullness of God. From its lowest rank comes the creator, a demiurge identified with the OT Yahweh. Fallen spiritual powers, often linked with astral referents, now rule the world. The focus of Gnostic redemption is not on God but ultimately upon the individual's self- understanding and the resulting freedom it provides. It declined rapidly in the 3rd century as Christianity countered with apologetic attacks as well as systematic biblical and theological work. Paul dealt with a culture already familiar with some elements of the Gnostic synthesis. An example is the opponents at Corinth "puffed up" with knowledge (1Cor 8:1). In 1Tim the author censures self-proclaimed teachers of the law (6:4) who teach a false gnosis (v. 20). |
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2 | Gnosticism still alive? | NT general Archive 1 | Hank | 7840 | ||
Are there perhaps shades, variations, or traces of ancient Gnosticism alive today, masked by other names? --Hank | ||||||
3 | Gnosticism still alive? | NT general Archive 1 | Gail60 | 7869 | ||
Two specific verses came to mind when I read this question: Daniel 12:4 - But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. 2 Timothy 3:7 - Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Obviously knowledge has increased greatly in this age. It is the age of information. But it hasn't helped the World come any closer to God. The whole New Age movement reminds me of Gnosticism: the idea that man is somehow evolving, learning, and becoming enlightened until they reach some spiritual plateau. Angels or "astral beings" (aka spiritual guides) are also lifted up. I believe that "Christian Science" also elevates "knowledge" more than truth. |
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