gnosticism Definition
- 1a religious or philosophical movement that emerged in the early Christian era and emphasizes personal spiritual knowledge over orthodox teachings, traditions, and authority
- 2a modern religious movement that seeks mystical knowledge of God through direct personal experience
Using gnosticism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "gnosticism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Gnosticism was a prominent movement in the early Christian church.
Example
The modern Gnosticism movement is characterized by its emphasis on personal spiritual experience.
Example
Gnosticism teaches that salvation comes from knowledge of the divine rather than faith in a particular doctrine.
gnosticism Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with gnosticism
a form of Christianity that incorporates Gnostic beliefs and practices
Example
Gnostic Christianity emphasizes the importance of personal spiritual experience and knowledge.
Gnostic texts
religious texts that are associated with Gnosticism
Example
The Nag Hammadi library contains many important Gnostic texts.
Example
Gnostic cosmology posits that the material world is a flawed creation of a lesser deity.
Origins of gnosticism
from Greek 'gnōsis', meaning 'knowledge'
Summary: gnosticism in Brief
Gnosticism [näsˈtisizəm] is a religious and philosophical movement that emphasizes personal spiritual knowledge over traditional teachings and authority. It emerged in the early Christian era and has been revived in modern times. Gnosticism teaches that salvation comes from knowledge of the divine rather than faith in a particular doctrine. Gnostic Christianity is a form of Christianity that incorporates Gnostic beliefs and practices.