Thinking Out Loud About Gnosticism

Gnosticism?  What in the world is Gnosticism?  It is the belief that we can possess "secret knowledge," and it has become the basis of the moral system of the West.  It began around 300 years before Jesus as a philosophy.  Plato taught that truth is within us; all we have to do is search ourselves.  But Jesus taught that he was the Truth; we have to look outside ourselves. 

Gnosticism is nothing more than the deception satan used in the Garden of Eden.  Adam and Eve were not to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.  Satan proceeds to tell them that their eyes will be opened, and they will be like God.  They will possess a new kind of knowledge.  In fact, the early Church Fathers were convinced that Gnosticism was the same deception satan used in Genesis 3. 

Although it is not mentioned by name, Gnosticism shows up in quite a few times in the New Testament.  1 John 2:27, "But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you.  But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him."  The Apostle John is addressing false doctrine, and he is telling believers that they have already received the full Gospel message.  They do not need new teachers, who are most likely teaching Gnosticism.  

Postmodernism has led us to trust our feelings and our experiences more than objective truth.  We possess the truth; we trust our moral compass.  What are the results?  In the age of tolerance, we are on a slow descent into anarchy.  The last time we were this intolerant, we were on the verge of a civil war.  Pandora's Box is open, and I doubt we will ever return to our values.  Stay tuned.  


Thinking Out Loud Podcast Gnosticism