The origin of Gnosticism is generally believed to come from 3 main sources:
Much of its philosophical tendencies came from Platonism, speculations on the origin of evil may have come from the Persian religion and the Buddhism of India may have been the origin of the doctrine of antagonism between matter and spirit. Gnosticism was named for "gnosis = knowledge" and was mainly concerned with the origin of sin rather than how one is saved from sin.
Gnosticism emerged in the early centuries of the Common Era as a diverse movement within early Christianity. It incorporated elements of mysticism, dualism, and esoteric knowledge. Gnosticism placed a strong emphasis on personal spiritual growth and the pursuit of hidden truths about the divine and the universe.
The opponents of Gnosticism were primarily early Christian leaders and theologians, such as Irenaeus and Tertullian. They argued against Gnosticism's belief in secret knowledge and its rejection of the material world, emphasizing instead the importance of orthodox Christian doctrine and the belief in a loving creator God.
Gnosticism does not have a single founder as it emerged from diverse religious and philosophical influences in the ancient world. However, it is believed to have been shaped by various early Christian and Jewish sects, as well as elements of Hellenistic and Persian mysticism.
The surname Averill is not specifically Catholic in origin. It is of English origin and derived from the Old English personal name "Eoforhild," meaning "boar battle." It does not have a direct association with Catholicism.
It is a name of Hebrew origin meaning to carry.
The oldest denomination of Christianity is generally considered to be the Eastern Orthodox Church. It traces its roots back to the early days of Christianity in the Eastern Roman Empire, with its formal establishment in the 4th century.
Gnosticism can be read about in many books. The Gnostic Society has their own Library in which everything about the Gnosticism can be learned or studied.
there is no scientific basis for Gnosticism or orthodox (mainstream) Christianity.
Simon Magus
Pneuma
No book in the bible addresses Gnosticism, you are looking for Against Heresies as written by a father of the church, Irenaeus.
The opponents of Gnosticism were primarily early Christian leaders and theologians, such as Irenaeus and Tertullian. They argued against Gnosticism's belief in secret knowledge and its rejection of the material world, emphasizing instead the importance of orthodox Christian doctrine and the belief in a loving creator God.
Test
Deirdre Joy Good has written: 'Reconstructing the tradition of Sophia in Gnostic literature' -- subject(s): Gnosticism, Wisdom (Gnosticism) 'Mariam, The Magdalen, And The Mother'
Ithamar Gruenwald has written: 'Messiah & Christos' 'From apocalypticism to Gnosticism' -- subject(s): Apocalyptic literature, Gnosticism, History and criticism, Judaism, Merkava in rabbinical literature, Mysticism
Mary Ann Donovan has written: 'Irenaeus' teaching on the unity of God, and his immediacy to the material world, in relation to Valentinian Gnosticism' -- subject(s): Gnosticism, Valentinians
Daniel L. Hoffman has written: 'The status of women and Gnosticism in Irenaeus and Tertullian' -- subject(s): Women in Christianity, Gnosticism, Social conditions, History, Women
The common belief is that Gnosticism originated as a branch of Christianity. There are some theories that claim the central ideas of Gnosticism existed before the birth of Christ. These ideas, of a dualistic religion (two Gods), still prevail today in modern Christianity with the teachings of one supremely good God of Heaven and one sinful, loathsome God of Hell.