The term gnosticism comes from the Greek word for knowledge, gnosis (γνώσις), referring to esoteric consciousness, which is claimed by gnostics to be the key to unlocking transcendent understanding, self-realization, and/or unity with God. It started as a loose movement with roots in the middle east and asia minor and was widespread within the early Christian church until the gnostics were expelled in the second and third centuries C.E. It encompasses beliefs of certain early Christians and pre-Christian people who taught the world is controlled by evil forces, head of them “God” aka the demiurge. This thread is for the discussion of Gnosis and Gnosticism.
>Nag Hammadi Codices
>Bruce Codex
>Gospel of Thomas
>Secret Book of John
>Gospel of Mary Magdalene
>Pistis Sophia
>Naassenes
>Sethites
>Valentinians
>Bogomils
>Cathars