[This is one of many topics that upsets manipulators. Read about other topics they can't stand.]
In the midst of my digging around for things, I stumbled into the world of Gnosticism. I'm still scratching my head, trying to figure out why when you mention the word "Gnosis" or even "Gnostic" to anyone, that it's the equivalent of saying 10 colorful swear words.
I found this amusing commentary about explaining gnosis from a forum board that I'm at. I am leaving names out of it, as whatever harassment and ugly comments generated can come flying at me instead:
The Outback Bones of Gnosticism
Author Unknown
Gnosticism is about Christ for all and in all. Christianity as it currently stands, Christ is for the believers and is only in believers. Those outside of this teaching are more or less hated by him and his worshippers. Modern believers always talk about being in this so called light and read the Bible as if it is literal. Ok, fine if we should take it literal, lets look at who is this light being. Lucifer means Light bearer. Free Masons talk about their God being the light bringer or Lucifer. Paul says that Lucifer can masquerade as being of light.
Christ is all - not just light, ALL.
Elitism is a sign of a darkened mind.
Elitism is self exaltation.
Lucifer thrives on self exaltation.
Lucifer means light or light bearer.
Gnostics can become Christs through dying to self desire and learning from the teachings that come through many cultures where Christ was made manifest through many people throughout history and many cultures. Jesus was just a man who obtained the Gnosis of the Christ within. Who he was is not important, but knowing who we are In Christ is the most important knowledge to obtain.
Know thy self, all other knowledge is worthless. Without this knowledge of self and the Christ within, that teaches all. It's very deep and hard to put into words. Maybe because it is not meant to be put into words.
Gnosis is about knowing, not believing.
Believing shuts down Gnosis.
Or in other words, believing does not equal knowing.
I can believe that there are cities on Mars, easy.
I can say Jesus is Lord, easy.
I can read and quote from the Bible, easy.
This however proves nothing.
How can a non believer become a believer if Christ was not in them before, during and after they became a modern believer? Being a believer is not a bad thing. It is just a limited thing and is very predictable. They will end up living a life of hypocrisy and never know it or care to admit it. Being a believer is only evident that Christ was in them the whole time and always will be in them. They are NOT better than those who do not recognize the Christ within. They just think they are.
A believer only recognizes someone who was always there with them in the first place. That is why it is not a bad thing.
Hi I was just passing through and noticed the title of this entry. There is much to be known about Gnosis. If you are sincere and want to take a look, I invite you to go to this site and read the info in downloadable form. http://www.thenewcall.org/
Annie
Posted by: annie | Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 04:11 PM