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By that name, probably in Egypt, although many of the ideas were current around the Mediterranean, probably for centuries before. Hints of it are in the New Testament ' Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free' (John 8:32), 'For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it' (Matthew 7:14). Mystery cults of many descriptions existed, that laid claim to some secret 'knowledge', and some of these seem to relate to what later was called Gnosis.

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13y ago
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6d ago

Gnosticism is believed to have originated in the ancient Near East in the first century AD, drawing influence from a variety of religions and philosophies of the time. It became more widespread across the Roman Empire, with different variations emerging in places such as Alexandria, Syria, and Persia.

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Who were the opponents of Gnosticism?

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.


What is the origin of gnosticism?

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.


Who was the founder of Gnosticism?

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.


What is the oldest denomination?

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.


What is the greek word for spiritual life?

The pneumatics ("spiritual", from Greek πνεῦμα, "spirit") were, in gnosticism, the highest order of humans as opposed to hylics. The Pneumatic saw himself as escaping the doom of the material world via the secret knowledge.

Related questions

Where can one read about Gnosticism?

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.


Is there a scientific basis to gnosticism?

there is no scientific basis for Gnosticism or orthodox (mainstream) Christianity.


Who were the opponents of Gnosticism?

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.


Who was founder of gnosticism?

Simon Magus


Who was the founder of Gnosticism?

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.


Spirit or soul in gnosticism?

Pneuma


Which book in bible directly addresses the error of Gnosticism?

No book in the bible addresses Gnosticism, you are looking for Against Heresies as written by a father of the church, Irenaeus.


Would gnosticism be considered blasphemous in a christian context?

Test


What has the author Deirdre Joy Good written?

Deirdre Joy Good has written: 'Reconstructing the tradition of Sophia in Gnostic literature' -- subject(s): Gnosticism, Wisdom (Gnosticism) 'Mariam, The Magdalen, And The Mother'


What has the author Ithamar Gruenwald written?

Ithamar Gruenwald has written: 'Messiah & Christos' 'From apocalypticism to Gnosticism' -- subject(s): Apocalyptic literature, Gnosticism, History and criticism, Judaism, Merkava in rabbinical literature, Mysticism


What has the author Mary Ann Donovan written?

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


What has the author Daniel L Hoffman written?

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