Gnosis and World ReligionSubscribe |
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Sun, 09/02/2007 - 02:51
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Join Date: 2007-01-24 Forum Posts: 76 |
I have noticed that this site appears to tie Gnosticism and Christianity together as one and the same, concerning things like the "Gnostic Gospels". When I was 14, I did much research on the religions of the world and (unofficially) converted from Christianity to Sufi Islam (for reasons I'd rather not divulge into, in hopes of averting a spiritual debate). My question is, IS Gnosticism a form of Christianity, or is it more of a spiritual ideology, that can it work into other religions as well? |
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Join Date: 2004-11-30
Forum Posts: 2727
Hi Will,
According to my view -yes, Gnosticism is a form of Christianity.
It is esoteric Christianity, like Sufism is esoteric Islam.
There are many different forms of Gnosticism though, as well as there are all kind of Christian and Muslim organizations.
Most of the religions have some similarity in them.
However, many of them are missing the correct information about the necessary ingredients for the spiritual transformation.
Another problems can be -focus on strengthening of the blind beleif or devoting a lot of time for intellectual studies, beleiving in the truth, or thinking about the truth, instead of learning to experience it.
Gnosticweb teachings can be helpful to make many good local changes in life, however, ultimately, in the very core, they are all about the spiritual path and liberation, about experiencing the truth.
The whole organization works to help those who are interested into awakening to have all the tools to do so.
Join Date: 2003-11-03
Forum Posts: 579
Hello
I agree with Vadim. When Christianity was young, there were many groups called Christian, groups that today are viewed as Gnostic and branded heresy by the mains stream Christianity. So the first Gnostics called themselves Christians. However, many of the ideas that we can find among the Gnostics that lived back then, and today in modern gnosis, are found in Jewish groups predating the birth of Christ. So it seems like the Gnostics ideas are very old.
Mattias
Join Date: 2007-07-24
Forum Posts: 415
James N. Chambers, Jr.
THIS IS WHAT I THINK I OBSERVE:
First of all, it appears gnostic christianity is very open and inclusive for all paths.
But it is not so liberal that "anything goes." I think it also teaches for us to respect each other, do good to all, and to transcend ego.
What do you think?
Join Date: 2004-11-30
Forum Posts: 2727
Hi James,
In my opinion, if anything will go, then no work will be possible... it will be chaos. There are pathes of life which can go together with Gnostic work, however there are some, which can't, so that's why there are limitations within the work and a choices to make, which way to go.
I find this type of Gnostic work to be self-sufficient, all the tools for the personal work are given. If you are interested in it, you don't have to look around for missing information. Just look within, just do it.
I can't say for all Gnostic groups but yes, Gnosticweb
teaches how to work on yourself, eliminate egos and increase those qualities of consciousness, such as unconditional care and deep respect for others.
All the best wishes!