A Tour of Gnosticism - Creation, Salvation, Resurrection

Gnosticism is a diverse and complex religious and philosophical movement that emerged in the early centuries of the Common Era, primarily in the Mediterranean world. The term "Gnosticism" is derived from the Greek word "gnosis," which means knowledge or insight. Gnosticism is characterized by its emphasis on esoteric knowledge or mystical wisdom as the path to salvation and understanding the divine. In this volume, we will take you from the story of creation, through to doors of Gnosis and salvation, and into a vision of the apocalypse, according to various Gnostic schools.

The roots of Gnosticism may pre-date Christianity. Similarities exist between Gnosticism and the wisdom and mystery cults found in Egypt and Greece. Gnosticism contains the basic terms and motifs of Plato's cosmology as well as the mystical qualities of Buddhism. Plato was steeped in Greek mythology, and the Gnostic creation myth has elements owing to this. Both cosmology and mysticism within Gnosticism present an interpretation of Christ's existence and teachings, thus, Gnostics are considered to be a Christian sect. Gnostic followers are urged to look within themselves for the truth and the Christ spirit hidden, asleep in their souls. The battle cry can be summed up in the words of the Gnostic Gospel of Thomas, verse 3:

Jesus said:

If those who lead you say to you: Look, the Kingdom is in the sky, then the birds of the sky would enter before you. If they say to you: It is in the sea, then the fish of the sea would enter ahead of you. But the Kingdom of God exists within you and it exists outside of you. Those who come to know (recognize) themselves will find it, and when you come to know yourselves you will become known and you will realize that you are the children of the Living Father. Yet if you do not come to know yourselves then you will dwell in poverty, and it will be you who are that poverty.