GNOSTICISM

ORIGIN

• Gnosticism is an ancient religion that originated in the first century.
• It shares many beliefs with Christianity.
• There were many Gnostic groups that had core beliefs.

BELIEFS

• The material world is evil, and the spiritual world is good.
• This led to the belief that the god of the material world, the God of the Jews, was inferior to the god of the spiritual world and truth, Aeon.
• Gnostics want to escape the trappings of the material world.
• Jesus was sent to help escape the world the God of the Jews has created, our material world.
• The goal of Gnosticism is to transcend from the material world into the spiritual, heavenly world.

TRADITIONS

• There are different schools of Gnosticism that teach various interpretations of the doctrines.
• Gnostics also provide online and paperback book lectures and philosophies.
• Believe in rules to create a structured and peaceful society.
• They respect the freedom and dignity.
• Gnostics strive to be in the world, and not of the world.
• Gnostics are encouraged to be unique and not conform with common standards found in modern society.

SACRED WRITINGS

• Nag Hammadi Library: contains Gnostic stories, gospels, myths, prayers, apocryphons (secret writings), philosophies, and descriptions of apocalypses.
• Gospel of Thomas: found in Nag Hammadi Library, mostly about conversations between Jesus and his brother Judas, written by Judas.

AFTERLIFE

• Gnostics believe that during their kifetime they must find the knowledge and unlock truths about the divine realm.
• As stated earlier, Gnostics want to escape the material (evil) world and flee to the divine (good) world.
• The questions arises: Are Gnostics people who believe there are only two sides to everthing?
• Maybe. After conducting thorough research, light and dark are commonly used terms in Gnostic myths. But, that does not mean that all Gnostics believe every situation is either good or bad.

LIFE EVENTS/ RITES OF PASSAGE

• Marriage
• Naming/dedicating of children or animals
• Anointment or healing
• Release of the dead
• Release of relationship (divorce) or release of the past
• Each of these rites of passage require many months of preparation of the candidate or candidates.
• Also there is baptism and initiation to becoming a priest.

HOLY DAYS

• It is not known which day Gnostics go to worship. It is assumed to be Sunday.
• They celebrate Jesus' baptism, January 6, which is the start of Epiphany.
• Some Gnostics celebrate Christmas.

WORSHIP PRACTICES

• In a traditional Gnostic worship, they begin with a call to worship and a canticle.
• They will surrender to God and recite a blessing.
• Next, Gnostics will dedicate the bread and the wine to God, and welcome His presence to their table.
• After reciting a prayer for the world Gnostics will then consecrate the bread.
• Right after, all Gnostics will take part in communion and have what is called a "Bridal Feast".
• Lastly, Gnostics will recite a poem titled, "The Dance", and finish with a blessing.

PLACES OF WORSHIP

• There is a Gnostic sanctuary at 2682 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City, CA 94063.
• It is not known exactly where or when Gnostics go to worship, but there is such a sanctuary in Redwood City that focuses on Gnosticism and has its own website.

WORKS CITED

• http://www.humanreligions.info/gnosticism.html
• http://gnosis.org/welcome.html
• http://www.gnosis.org/gnintro.htm
• http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06592a.htm
• http://www.religionfacts.com/gnostic-scriptures
• https://books.google.com/books?id=iaOwAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA183&lpg=PA183&dq=gnosti...
• http://gnosticsanctuary.org/rituals.html
• http://gnosticsanctuary.org/eucharist.html
• https://www.google.com/maps/place/2682+Middlefield+Rd,+Redwood+City,+CA+940...