GNOSTICISM

• derived from the Greek word gnosis-- means knowledge
• Eastern influences - perverted the meaning of Christianity and its symbols
• blanket term for a very broad and complex group of beliefs
• doctrine of salvation by knowledge -- was a heresy
• only knowledgable people could be saved and go to heaven

Gnostics believe that they have secret knowledge about God, humanity and the rest of the universe of which the general population was unaware

Gnosticism rejected the Church's teaching regarding both Christ's human and divine nature. According to Gnostic thought, Jesus did not have a human nature; for a human nature, being materially bound, is naturally evil.

COUNCIL NICAEA

• Created the Nicene Creed
• Opened with 250 bishops present
• Ended with 318 bishops
• Condemned the teaching of Arius and adopted a creed outlining
• considered the first "ecumenical council" of the church

PEOPLE AT THE COUNCIL OF NICEAN

• St. Athanasius
• marshaled the necessary orthodox forces to defeat the Arian heresies in the church
• Emperor Constantine
• pushed for a general council at Nicea
• played the role of peace maker between Catholics and Arian

ST. GREGORY OF NYSSA

ST. GREGORY

• exiled by the Arian Emperor
• he opposed the Arian beliefs
• supported the Nicene Creed
• defended the idea that Mary was the Mother of God
• born of a deeply religious family, grandparent was a martyr

ST. JEROME

ST. JEROME

• translated the original sources of the Bible into Latin
• wrote a book saying how Mary was always a virgin
• spent 4 or 5 years in the desert, led a Ascetical life
• learned Hebrew

Gnosticism -- salvation may be achieved through knowledge.
Rejected the church teaching regarding both Christ being human and divine nature

Council of Nicaea -- Outcome was Nicene Creed, the first Solemn declaration of Catholic teaching which proclaimed more fully the central truths of Christianity

St. Gregory -- defended the idea of Theotokos, that Mary was the Mother of God

Links
Gnosticism link : http://www.religioustolerance.org/gnostic.htm

St. Gregory link: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07016a.htm

Links
Gnosticism: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06592a.htm
Council of N: http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/history/nicea.htm
St. Jerome: http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=10

St. Jerome -- translated the original sources of the Bible into Latin, and protected the idea that Mary always remained a virgin