Know Thyself: Exploring Gnosticism

For September, we will discuss Gnosticism, a belief system in which knowledge or "gnosis" leads to salvation. This isn't scientific knowledge or rational knowledge, nor is it philosophy. It is an awareness and understanding of reality that goes against much of what is found in mainstream Western religion.

Although Gnosticism, as an actual religious practice, technically started as an early form of Christianity, it bears much in common with Eastern religions, particularly Buddhism. It most likely came from the pluralistic environment of Alexandria, Egypt, where Platonism, Pagan mystery religion, and mystical Judaism influenced thinkers and religious practitioners of the day.

I have been fascinated with Gnosticism, both in its early forms and its latter day revivals. The influence of Gnosticism can be seen in many modern forms, from the psychology of C. G. Jung to movies like The Matrix and The Truman Show.

Gnostics have an outlook that antagonizes both the traditional Christian and the Atheist. I have to admit there is something both challenging and liberating in learning about them. I think that secularists can appreciate how Gnostics use myth and ritual as ways of understanding reality, yet are not tied down to literal beliefs and dogmas.

This article by Stephan A. Hoeller, Bishop of the Ecclesia Gnostica (one of the largest modern Gnostic churches), gives a good summary of Gnostic ideas:
http://www.gnosis.org...

You can also find a vast amount of information on the main website:
http://gnosis.org/...
including the entire Nag Hammadi Library (ancient texts found in 1945, many of which are Gnostic scriptures such as "The Secret Book of John," "The Gospel of Philip," "The Gospel of Truth," and "The Hypostasis of the Archons").

Looking forward to seeing everyone!