Gnosticism Overview
Gnosticism is a collection of ancient spiritual traditions teaching that salvation comes through special spiritual knowledge called gnosis. It teaches that the material world is flawed and that humans contain a divine spark seeking return to a higher spiritual realm.
Much of what we know comes from the Nag Hammadi texts discovered in Egypt in 1945. These writings contain alternative early Christian and mystical teachings.
- Material world is imperfect
- True God is pure spirit
- Humans contain divine light
- Salvation comes from spiritual awakening
True God ↓ Aeons (Divine emanations) ↓ Demiurge (Lower creator) ↓ Material World ↓ Humans (Divine spark trapped)