Introduction:
The term “Gnosticism” refers to early Christian and Jewish practices in the Greco-Roman setting, things which are known to have taken place during the first four centuries after Christ. The word “gnostic” means knowledge in Greek, gnosis. From it, an English writer named Henry More came up with the name “Gnosticism” describing different sects which have interpreted Christian beliefs. This word is quite important when discussing this subject, as Gnostics would regard the knowledge of the soul as of a higher importance to proto-orthodox education. Christianity was seen as a Jewish sect until 325 AD when the Council of Nicaea took place and determined the canonical text that should be followed.
Early sects:
After Jesus’s crucifixion, the Apostles travelled from one place to another and preached to people. Consequently, various communities began interpreting their lectures and taking different approaches to Christian beliefs. It is thought that this may have been the moment when gnostic ideas began to appear, as a clear definition of Christianity wasn’t formed and this was mingled with Jewish practices and beliefs.
Characteristics:
There is a clear point that gnostics made. They believed that there was one evil divinity who created the material world and another superior one. Thus, gnostics believed that physical matter, the body, is evil and only the soul is pure. Every human carries a piece of divinity, which can be activated through gnosis, knowledge, thus receiving redemption.
Valentinians and Sethians
One of the most successful theologians of Gnosticism is Valentinus. He was born in Alexandria. Among his ideas is the categorization of people into three groups: spiritual, phychical and material. He was an important figure for gnosticism, as his ideas formed the basis of one of the major currents, Valentinianism. Another major current is called Sethianism. The name comes from Seth, the third son of Adam and Eve.
Nag Hammadi:
Before the 20th century the main sources containing information about gnostics and their beliefs were few, one of them being the work of Irenaeus. This changed suddenly in 1945, when numerous gnostic texts were discovered near Nag Hammadi, in Egypt. They proved to comprise essential information about Gnosticism, as well as myths by Irenaeus about the people that practised it. Additionally, one important myth for gnosticism has been discovered: the Apocryphon of John.
Gnosticism today:
The subject of Gnosticism is still a heavily controversial topic nowadays. Some regard it as a religion itself, while others deny it being a separate religion. Although Mandaeism, a religion dating back to ancient times, is thought to be the only religion today with gnostic roots, there is still debate surrounding this topic. All in all, religion is one subject heavily intertwined with our life and thus being knowledgeable about its beginnings is essential to our cultural knowledge.
Bibliography:
Comments