Gnostic Baptists
This is a web site for those who are interested in learning about a different way to be Christian than the traditional approach to being Christian.
SEEKERS RATHER THAN BELIEVERS
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6)
The fathers of early Christianity used the word "knowledge" (gnosis) in the New Testament to mean spiritual knowledge or specific knowledge of the divine.
Proverbs 2.6— The Lord gives wisdom (sophia), from his face come knowledge (gnosis) and understanding (sunesis)"
Plato The Statesman 258e— Stranger: In this way, then, divide all study into two arts, calling the one practical (praktikos), and the other purely intellectual (gnostikos).
"... we limit our defense merely to those Christian sects whose theories were usually grouped under the generic name of Gnosticism. These are those which appeared immediately after the crucifixion, and lasted till they were nearly exterminated under the rigorous execution of the Constantinian law." (From Isis Unveiled II, p326)
Gnosticism traces its roots back just after the beginning of the Christian Church. Some researchers state that evidence of its existence even predates Christianity. Whichever the case, the era of gnosticism had affected the culture and church of the time and possibly even a earned a mention in 1 John 4.
The Apostle Paul was the first really to understand that Christ's life was a symbolic path of initiation. His statement: "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col.1:27) well expresses his belief that Christ came into the world, not as its sole means of redemption but as an example, to illustrate a way of redemption, which each person can follow who wishes to help in the uplifting of the world. Everyone, Paul makes clear, can eventually imitate Christ's glory. His influence was the true beginning of the Christian Gnostic movement.
What we know about Gnosticism is gained from the writings of Irenaeus, Hippolytus, Tertullian, Origen, and some later manuscripts discovered in the eighteenth century such as the "Codex Askew, Codex Bruce, the Berlin Gnostic Codes and, most recently, the Nag Hammadi collection."
The Gnostics were not an organized denomination or even a church unto themselves, but a fairly diverse group of the earliest Christians, who because of their acceptance of other early gospels, were called by the early emerging Orthodox Church -- "heretics."
Gnostic Christians (pronounced "naw-stics.") believed that questioning one's faith was
always important. To know (gnosis) Christ was to to seek a
deeper and honest meaning for one's life. This gnosis led to
wholeness in a person's relationship to God and the world.
Christ's way was a spiritual journey, encouraging persons
continually to seek God and all truth. Gnosis did not mean
secret knowledge but a vital relationship with Christ and
God.
However, the early apostolic church, also known as the
proto-Orthodox, which was to be supported by the
Emperor Constantine, was able with his direct involvement
to define what the true Christian was to believe about
Christ. Constantine's blessing confirmed the earlier
teachings of Bishops such as Irenaeus that those who did not
accept their church's literal interpretations of Christ-- or
questioned their beliefs --were "heretics." Understanding
Christ became limited by one narrow interpretation, and the
beliefs of this church were established--now with the power
of the state-- as the unquestionable and absolute truths of
Christianity.
Over the voices of those called Gnostics, Orthodox
Christianity not only prevailed, but has continued
ever since to define Christianity, foremost, as a belief
system. The Gnostic scriptures show that there was
and is a more refreshing, honest, open, spiritual, loving, and
exciting way to be a Christian."
Larry Angus, The Hidden Messages of Jesus: How the Gnostic Gospels Change Christianity,
first published April 2012.
The Gnostic scriptures, written at the same time as the New Testament, were known to exist primarily by negative attacks in the writings of early Bishops of the Apostolic Church (as the early Catholic Church was called). These Bishops boldly declared that those who disagreed with any of their beliefs were "false teachers."
Gnostic works of supposed heresy, which included the gospels of Thomas, Philip, and Mary Magdalene, officially, in 367 C.E., were ordered destroyed, and they almost were! But thanks to some monks who hid the forbidden works, most likely originally in a cave in Egypt, near a village called Nag Hammadi, the Gnostic Gospels and writings can now speak for themselves.
The gnostic style of faith is free, open, and creative. One does not have to be told how to act; particularly, what to believe. You can and should use your brain and modern knowledge. You have the ability to think for yourself. The gnostic style believes seeking God is more important than finding God by a certain dogma or belief. This web site therefore isn't about accepting Gnosticism or their beliefs (yes, some are strange), but it's purpose is to share an early and widespread style of Christian faith that can deepen, transform, and affirm the way many are indeed Christians today.
Traditional Christianity teaches that the way to be Christian was simply "to believe." "Believe in Christ or go to hell." "Believe literally in their chosen books as the only way to know God." "Obey the rule of their authoritarian church." In doing so, you would receive the gift of salvation.
But Christ did not preach a set of beliefs, and did not preach doctrines or creeds. Gnostics did not believe his intent was to establish a Church that could dictate rules for faith and morality. His intent was not to establish Christianity as a political power to condemn others or to become a state religion. But that is exactly what happened after his death and resurrection. The early Orthodox Church, which was created by Constantine, literally set forth and defined Christianity as believing doctrines that their Church said were the only true teachings of Jesus and his Apostles. Christianity was established as a belief system, and the earnest battle over the right to true beliefs began.
In contrast, the Gnostics were "seekers." It was far more important to seek God through all kinds of knowledge rather than "just believe." They were believers in Christ, but they heard a different message from Jesus. They had beliefs, as we all do, but they did not insist they had the corner on-- or final-- truth in interpreting the world or God. Christ's message was more spiritual than religious--not bearing all the answers. The place to find God was within oneself, not in externals like beliefs, dogma, or dictates of the church.
In l945, fifty two texts (including such titles as the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Mary, and the Gospel of Philip) were found at the base of a mountain cliff having at least 150 caves. In Share International, May 1994, Benjamin Creme refers to these documents, saying that their discovery "... was inspired by the Master Jesus to shed a clearer light on the events of that time in preparation for the Christ's return today." They raise questions, which have the potential to free Christianity from centuries of simple answers, allowing all truth to be a part of the process of faith.
The documents that were found are called codices. Bound in leather, they were a forerunner of the modern book. At the time of their composition, the codice had begun to replace the scroll because it was more durable and easier to read. In all, there were 13 codices, containing 52 tractates (separate texts). Forty of them were entirely new to the modern world. They were written in Coptic — the Egyptian language written in Greek characters, and probably translated from an original Greek text.
The writers of the Nag Hammadi documents belong to a long and ancient line of similar teachers who, throughout the world and over the ages, have kept these truths alive. In many ways they can be considered the true early Christians, the real inheritors of a wisdom tradition which Jesus relayed, in secret, to a select group of his disciples. In their own era, they made a huge impact, drawing thousands to hear of Christianity, the new religion inspired by the prophet Jesus Christ.
The Gnostics were often charged as not believing there was a physical world and that Jesus was only a mythical idea. However, the new gospels reveal the greater truth was that they believed the spiritual world to be more important than the temporary physical world. But that did not mean they did not believe the physical or material word wasn't real. Their vision was that the material world was not the only world in which we live, and Jesus was one who boldly gave witness that the spiritual world was also real and present for us.
Like many parts of the Bible, the Gnostic books are challenging reading. The best introduction would be The Gnostic Gospels, by Elaine Pagels, a Professor at Princeton University. She has written several outstanding books that the layperson can understand. Instead of "right belief" as she teaches in her wonderful best selling (2003) book, Beyond Belief, these Gnostic scriptures "preach" God is found primarily within oneself, not in the externals like doctrines, creeds, bishops, priests, and church proclamations. The Gospel of Thomas suggests the intent of Jesus was not a church, which had exclusive truths, but a spiritual relationship open to all. The Gospel of Mary (ascribed to Mary Magdalene) shows total openness to women. Not denying the validity of the New Testament writings, the authentic Gnostic scriptures lift up a different way to be Christian. It is more about relationship, than beliefs.
The Gnostic Gospels can be read in the Nag Hammadi Library in English, edited by James M. Robinson. Not only are there five gospels ( the Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Philip, Gospel of Mary, Gospel of the Egyptians, and the Gospel of Truth), but other gnostic writings. They do not negate the N.T. books, but certainly these books should be use to expand our knowledge of Christ and the early Christians. Having been authenticated as written during the same time frame as the books of the N.T., all the texts should be taken seriously and not easily dismissed simply because they are not part of the "official" Christian Canon.
The 52 Gnostic texts support those who question theological articles in both the Nicene and Apostles' Creeds, who also question that God's divinity was limited only to Christ, and those who ask whether "right belief" is the simple ticket to heaven.
Regarding the Bible, the Orthodox, having assumed their new power, were able to determine basically which books and writings were to be known as the New Testament Canon. Because the "other" gospels did not comply with their theology, the Gnostic Gospels were excluded. Certainly, all the manuscripts found at Nag Hammadi had some different perspectives, and thus they were determined not worthy of "holy" inclusion. That they were ordered destroyed is shocking and almost unbelievable. The Orthodox Church taught that only the chosen books of the Canon as determined by Emperor Constantine held the "truth."
What the Gnostic books reveal is that the gnostic style of faith is a different way to be Christian. It is to reject the fundamentalist's way to simply "believe" and that is it! It rejects the Biblical literalists, rejects those who say just accept the Creeds, rejects those who say orthodox Christian doctrine explains it all. It is to reject those who say Christianity means accept Jesus or go to hell!
Rather the gnostic way to be Christian was a more spiritual path. Knowing Christ preached in parables, not laying forth doctrines or creeds, opposing religious hard-liners, they believed the message was to open a way for persons to relate directly to God. His purpose was not to elevate or idolize the past, as Christianity has done essentially, but to declare a living relationship with the Spirit of God, available and open to all.
The Gnostics would have translated the Greek work "pisteuw"--trust--rather than "believe." And for the Greek word "sothes" or "sother"--to make whole--rather than "saved," realizing that life without a spiritual dimension is incomplete. Such interpretations would have dramatically made the landscape of Christianity to be dynamic, open, and contemporary rather than a belief system with which to judge the righteousness or sinfulness of others.
The Gospel of Thomas declares, "Jesus said, the kingdom of God is inside of you, and it is outside of you." And then immediately, "When you come to know yourself, then you will be known." Finding God was not limited to a book or words but was a search for truth for oneself and the world. Faith was a personal responsibility, a trust and experience with God, not simply a belief in God or not.
Ancient Gnostic leaders: Simon Magus: He was one of the earliest Gnostics He was skilled in the arts of magic. He interpreted the Garden of Eden, exodus from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea as allegories. Marcion: (85-160 CE) He organized a series of Gnostic congregations in the eastern Mediterranean which survived into the 3rd century CE. He wrote a book called Antitheses which earned him excommunication by the Christian leaders of Rome. He rejected the institution of marriage. He believed that the Demiurge arranged Jesus' persecution and crucifixion. But the death of Christ on the cross was only a hallucination, since Jesus did not have a physical body. Valentinus: He was born in Egypt, traveled to Rome about 140 CE and then moved to Cyprus. He was the founder of perhaps the largest and most influential school of Gnosticism which lasted until it was suppressed in the 4th century CE. He taught that groups of Aeons made up the "pleroma (fullness) of the High God. One group, the Ogoad are called: Depth, Silence, Mind, Truth, Word, Life, Man and Church. Another group was the Decad (10) and Dodecad (12). The last of the Docecad was Wisdom, also called Sophia. Carpocrates: (circa 140 CE); He taught reincarnation. An individual had to live many lives and adsorb a full range of experiences before being able to return to God. They practiced free sexuality. They believed that Jesus was the son of Joseph.
Jesus is usually claimed as a gnostic leader by gnostics, as are several of his apostles, such as Thomas the Apostle, often thought of as the founder of the Thomasine form of Gnosticism. And Mary Magdalene is respected as a Gnostic leader, and is considered superior to the twelve apostles by some gnostic texts, such as the Gospel of Mary.
Gnostic Internet links: Lists of links, groups, and a bibliography: A list of Gnostic links is at: http://www.gentech.com/~employee/glenn/bookmark.htm
Newsgroup alt.religion.gnostic relates to Gnosticism.
The Gnostic church of Christianity has a Yahoo group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/
Stephan A. Hoeller (Tau Stephanus), a Gnostic Bishop, maintains a bibliography of Gnostic books and a recommended basic library. See: http://www.webcom.com/
Individual web sites: Gnostic Awakenings includes articles, books, and free courses on meditation, Gnosticism, and astral projection. See: http://www.gnosticawakenings.com
Gnosis: The experiential knowledge of truth is at: http://www.geocities.com/
The Gnostic Church of Christianity has a web site at: http://www.royalchrist.org/
The Gnostic Network contains "An Exploration Into the Spirit, the Creator And the Nature of the Universe" at: http://www.trufax.org/
The Gnosis Site is at: http://www.teleport.com/
The Gnostic Friends Network has a description of ancient Gnosticism at: http://www.enemies.com/
The The Gnostic Pagan Tradition School Of New Aeon Philosophy has an initiation course at: http://www.gnostics.com/
The Gnostic Society in Norway has a major web site devoted to an historical review of Gnosticism. See: http://home.sol.no/
Paul Harrison has written "A history of pantheism and scientific pantheism" which includes selected passages from the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Eve. See: http://members.aol.com/
The Gnostic Society in California has RealAudio� lectures and many essay on Gnosticism available at: http://www.gnosis.org/
Stephan A. Hoeller also has a very readable "Brief Summary of Gnosticism" at: http://www.gnosis.org/
GNOSIS is "A Journal of the Western Inner Traditions (ISSN 0894-6159), ...a quarterly magazine devoted to the exploration of the spiritual and esoteric paths of the Western Hemisphere." Much of its material deals with Gnosticism. Their home page is at: http://www.lumen.org/
Gnostic Utah hold services in the Holy Cross Chapel, their Gnostic Eucharist is open to all. See: http://www.gnostic-utah.org/
The Gnostic Way is a Gnostic discussion forum at: http://gnosis.forumotion.com/
SEEKERS RATHER THAN BELIEVERS
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6)
The fathers of early Christianity used the word "knowledge" (gnosis) in the New Testament to mean spiritual knowledge or specific knowledge of the divine.
Proverbs 2.6— The Lord gives wisdom (sophia), from his face come knowledge (gnosis) and understanding (sunesis)"
Plato The Statesman 258e— Stranger: In this way, then, divide all study into two arts, calling the one practical (praktikos), and the other purely intellectual (gnostikos).
"... we limit our defense merely to those Christian sects whose theories were usually grouped under the generic name of Gnosticism. These are those which appeared immediately after the crucifixion, and lasted till they were nearly exterminated under the rigorous execution of the Constantinian law." (From Isis Unveiled II, p326)
Gnosticism traces its roots back just after the beginning of the Christian Church. Some researchers state that evidence of its existence even predates Christianity. Whichever the case, the era of gnosticism had affected the culture and church of the time and possibly even a earned a mention in 1 John 4.
The Apostle Paul was the first really to understand that Christ's life was a symbolic path of initiation. His statement: "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col.1:27) well expresses his belief that Christ came into the world, not as its sole means of redemption but as an example, to illustrate a way of redemption, which each person can follow who wishes to help in the uplifting of the world. Everyone, Paul makes clear, can eventually imitate Christ's glory. His influence was the true beginning of the Christian Gnostic movement.
What we know about Gnosticism is gained from the writings of Irenaeus, Hippolytus, Tertullian, Origen, and some later manuscripts discovered in the eighteenth century such as the "Codex Askew, Codex Bruce, the Berlin Gnostic Codes and, most recently, the Nag Hammadi collection."
The Gnostics were not an organized denomination or even a church unto themselves, but a fairly diverse group of the earliest Christians, who because of their acceptance of other early gospels, were called by the early emerging Orthodox Church -- "heretics."
Gnostic Christians (pronounced "naw-stics.") believed that questioning one's faith was
always important. To know (gnosis) Christ was to to seek a
deeper and honest meaning for one's life. This gnosis led to
wholeness in a person's relationship to God and the world.
Christ's way was a spiritual journey, encouraging persons
continually to seek God and all truth. Gnosis did not mean
secret knowledge but a vital relationship with Christ and
God.
However, the early apostolic church, also known as the
proto-Orthodox, which was to be supported by the
Emperor Constantine, was able with his direct involvement
to define what the true Christian was to believe about
Christ. Constantine's blessing confirmed the earlier
teachings of Bishops such as Irenaeus that those who did not
accept their church's literal interpretations of Christ-- or
questioned their beliefs --were "heretics." Understanding
Christ became limited by one narrow interpretation, and the
beliefs of this church were established--now with the power
of the state-- as the unquestionable and absolute truths of
Christianity.
Over the voices of those called Gnostics, Orthodox
Christianity not only prevailed, but has continued
ever since to define Christianity, foremost, as a belief
system. The Gnostic scriptures show that there was
and is a more refreshing, honest, open, spiritual, loving, and
exciting way to be a Christian."
Larry Angus, The Hidden Messages of Jesus: How the Gnostic Gospels Change Christianity,
first published April 2012.
The Gnostic scriptures, written at the same time as the New Testament, were known to exist primarily by negative attacks in the writings of early Bishops of the Apostolic Church (as the early Catholic Church was called). These Bishops boldly declared that those who disagreed with any of their beliefs were "false teachers."
Gnostic works of supposed heresy, which included the gospels of Thomas, Philip, and Mary Magdalene, officially, in 367 C.E., were ordered destroyed, and they almost were! But thanks to some monks who hid the forbidden works, most likely originally in a cave in Egypt, near a village called Nag Hammadi, the Gnostic Gospels and writings can now speak for themselves.
The gnostic style of faith is free, open, and creative. One does not have to be told how to act; particularly, what to believe. You can and should use your brain and modern knowledge. You have the ability to think for yourself. The gnostic style believes seeking God is more important than finding God by a certain dogma or belief. This web site therefore isn't about accepting Gnosticism or their beliefs (yes, some are strange), but it's purpose is to share an early and widespread style of Christian faith that can deepen, transform, and affirm the way many are indeed Christians today.
Traditional Christianity teaches that the way to be Christian was simply "to believe." "Believe in Christ or go to hell." "Believe literally in their chosen books as the only way to know God." "Obey the rule of their authoritarian church." In doing so, you would receive the gift of salvation.
But Christ did not preach a set of beliefs, and did not preach doctrines or creeds. Gnostics did not believe his intent was to establish a Church that could dictate rules for faith and morality. His intent was not to establish Christianity as a political power to condemn others or to become a state religion. But that is exactly what happened after his death and resurrection. The early Orthodox Church, which was created by Constantine, literally set forth and defined Christianity as believing doctrines that their Church said were the only true teachings of Jesus and his Apostles. Christianity was established as a belief system, and the earnest battle over the right to true beliefs began.
In contrast, the Gnostics were "seekers." It was far more important to seek God through all kinds of knowledge rather than "just believe." They were believers in Christ, but they heard a different message from Jesus. They had beliefs, as we all do, but they did not insist they had the corner on-- or final-- truth in interpreting the world or God. Christ's message was more spiritual than religious--not bearing all the answers. The place to find God was within oneself, not in externals like beliefs, dogma, or dictates of the church.
In l945, fifty two texts (including such titles as the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Mary, and the Gospel of Philip) were found at the base of a mountain cliff having at least 150 caves. In Share International, May 1994, Benjamin Creme refers to these documents, saying that their discovery "... was inspired by the Master Jesus to shed a clearer light on the events of that time in preparation for the Christ's return today." They raise questions, which have the potential to free Christianity from centuries of simple answers, allowing all truth to be a part of the process of faith.
The documents that were found are called codices. Bound in leather, they were a forerunner of the modern book. At the time of their composition, the codice had begun to replace the scroll because it was more durable and easier to read. In all, there were 13 codices, containing 52 tractates (separate texts). Forty of them were entirely new to the modern world. They were written in Coptic — the Egyptian language written in Greek characters, and probably translated from an original Greek text.
The writers of the Nag Hammadi documents belong to a long and ancient line of similar teachers who, throughout the world and over the ages, have kept these truths alive. In many ways they can be considered the true early Christians, the real inheritors of a wisdom tradition which Jesus relayed, in secret, to a select group of his disciples. In their own era, they made a huge impact, drawing thousands to hear of Christianity, the new religion inspired by the prophet Jesus Christ.
The Gnostics were often charged as not believing there was a physical world and that Jesus was only a mythical idea. However, the new gospels reveal the greater truth was that they believed the spiritual world to be more important than the temporary physical world. But that did not mean they did not believe the physical or material word wasn't real. Their vision was that the material world was not the only world in which we live, and Jesus was one who boldly gave witness that the spiritual world was also real and present for us.
Like many parts of the Bible, the Gnostic books are challenging reading. The best introduction would be The Gnostic Gospels, by Elaine Pagels, a Professor at Princeton University. She has written several outstanding books that the layperson can understand. Instead of "right belief" as she teaches in her wonderful best selling (2003) book, Beyond Belief, these Gnostic scriptures "preach" God is found primarily within oneself, not in the externals like doctrines, creeds, bishops, priests, and church proclamations. The Gospel of Thomas suggests the intent of Jesus was not a church, which had exclusive truths, but a spiritual relationship open to all. The Gospel of Mary (ascribed to Mary Magdalene) shows total openness to women. Not denying the validity of the New Testament writings, the authentic Gnostic scriptures lift up a different way to be Christian. It is more about relationship, than beliefs.
The Gnostic Gospels can be read in the Nag Hammadi Library in English, edited by James M. Robinson. Not only are there five gospels ( the Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Philip, Gospel of Mary, Gospel of the Egyptians, and the Gospel of Truth), but other gnostic writings. They do not negate the N.T. books, but certainly these books should be use to expand our knowledge of Christ and the early Christians. Having been authenticated as written during the same time frame as the books of the N.T., all the texts should be taken seriously and not easily dismissed simply because they are not part of the "official" Christian Canon.
The 52 Gnostic texts support those who question theological articles in both the Nicene and Apostles' Creeds, who also question that God's divinity was limited only to Christ, and those who ask whether "right belief" is the simple ticket to heaven.
Regarding the Bible, the Orthodox, having assumed their new power, were able to determine basically which books and writings were to be known as the New Testament Canon. Because the "other" gospels did not comply with their theology, the Gnostic Gospels were excluded. Certainly, all the manuscripts found at Nag Hammadi had some different perspectives, and thus they were determined not worthy of "holy" inclusion. That they were ordered destroyed is shocking and almost unbelievable. The Orthodox Church taught that only the chosen books of the Canon as determined by Emperor Constantine held the "truth."
What the Gnostic books reveal is that the gnostic style of faith is a different way to be Christian. It is to reject the fundamentalist's way to simply "believe" and that is it! It rejects the Biblical literalists, rejects those who say just accept the Creeds, rejects those who say orthodox Christian doctrine explains it all. It is to reject those who say Christianity means accept Jesus or go to hell!
Rather the gnostic way to be Christian was a more spiritual path. Knowing Christ preached in parables, not laying forth doctrines or creeds, opposing religious hard-liners, they believed the message was to open a way for persons to relate directly to God. His purpose was not to elevate or idolize the past, as Christianity has done essentially, but to declare a living relationship with the Spirit of God, available and open to all.
The Gnostics would have translated the Greek work "pisteuw"--trust--rather than "believe." And for the Greek word "sothes" or "sother"--to make whole--rather than "saved," realizing that life without a spiritual dimension is incomplete. Such interpretations would have dramatically made the landscape of Christianity to be dynamic, open, and contemporary rather than a belief system with which to judge the righteousness or sinfulness of others.
The Gospel of Thomas declares, "Jesus said, the kingdom of God is inside of you, and it is outside of you." And then immediately, "When you come to know yourself, then you will be known." Finding God was not limited to a book or words but was a search for truth for oneself and the world. Faith was a personal responsibility, a trust and experience with God, not simply a belief in God or not.
Ancient Gnostic leaders: Simon Magus: He was one of the earliest Gnostics He was skilled in the arts of magic. He interpreted the Garden of Eden, exodus from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea as allegories. Marcion: (85-160 CE) He organized a series of Gnostic congregations in the eastern Mediterranean which survived into the 3rd century CE. He wrote a book called Antitheses which earned him excommunication by the Christian leaders of Rome. He rejected the institution of marriage. He believed that the Demiurge arranged Jesus' persecution and crucifixion. But the death of Christ on the cross was only a hallucination, since Jesus did not have a physical body. Valentinus: He was born in Egypt, traveled to Rome about 140 CE and then moved to Cyprus. He was the founder of perhaps the largest and most influential school of Gnosticism which lasted until it was suppressed in the 4th century CE. He taught that groups of Aeons made up the "pleroma (fullness) of the High God. One group, the Ogoad are called: Depth, Silence, Mind, Truth, Word, Life, Man and Church. Another group was the Decad (10) and Dodecad (12). The last of the Docecad was Wisdom, also called Sophia. Carpocrates: (circa 140 CE); He taught reincarnation. An individual had to live many lives and adsorb a full range of experiences before being able to return to God. They practiced free sexuality. They believed that Jesus was the son of Joseph.
Jesus is usually claimed as a gnostic leader by gnostics, as are several of his apostles, such as Thomas the Apostle, often thought of as the founder of the Thomasine form of Gnosticism. And Mary Magdalene is respected as a Gnostic leader, and is considered superior to the twelve apostles by some gnostic texts, such as the Gospel of Mary.
Gnostic Internet links: Lists of links, groups, and a bibliography: A list of Gnostic links is at: http://www.gentech.com/~employee/glenn/bookmark.htm
Newsgroup alt.religion.gnostic relates to Gnosticism.
The Gnostic church of Christianity has a Yahoo group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/
Stephan A. Hoeller (Tau Stephanus), a Gnostic Bishop, maintains a bibliography of Gnostic books and a recommended basic library. See: http://www.webcom.com/
Individual web sites: Gnostic Awakenings includes articles, books, and free courses on meditation, Gnosticism, and astral projection. See: http://www.gnosticawakenings.com
Gnosis: The experiential knowledge of truth is at: http://www.geocities.com/
The Gnostic Church of Christianity has a web site at: http://www.royalchrist.org/
The Gnostic Network contains "An Exploration Into the Spirit, the Creator And the Nature of the Universe" at: http://www.trufax.org/
The Gnosis Site is at: http://www.teleport.com/
The Gnostic Friends Network has a description of ancient Gnosticism at: http://www.enemies.com/
The The Gnostic Pagan Tradition School Of New Aeon Philosophy has an initiation course at: http://www.gnostics.com/
The Gnostic Society in Norway has a major web site devoted to an historical review of Gnosticism. See: http://home.sol.no/
Paul Harrison has written "A history of pantheism and scientific pantheism" which includes selected passages from the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Eve. See: http://members.aol.com/
The Gnostic Society in California has RealAudio� lectures and many essay on Gnosticism available at: http://www.gnosis.org/
Stephan A. Hoeller also has a very readable "Brief Summary of Gnosticism" at: http://www.gnosis.org/
GNOSIS is "A Journal of the Western Inner Traditions (ISSN 0894-6159), ...a quarterly magazine devoted to the exploration of the spiritual and esoteric paths of the Western Hemisphere." Much of its material deals with Gnosticism. Their home page is at: http://www.lumen.org/
Gnostic Utah hold services in the Holy Cross Chapel, their Gnostic Eucharist is open to all. See: http://www.gnostic-utah.org/
The Gnostic Way is a Gnostic discussion forum at: http://gnosis.forumotion.com/