OUT OF EGYPT I:

Introduction to Gnosticism

Over the past 30 years (ca. 1980-2010) our world has been rapidly moving to global belief in the ultimate authority of the individual human self — me, myself and I. This view is known as postmodernism and rests on the foundation of Gnosticism. Gnosticism comes from the Greek word gnosis, which means “knowledge”/“to know.”¹

Out of Egypt

Gnosticism appeared in Egypt over 2,000 years ago. Gnostics claim that a fallen god was responsible for Creation and used it to capture and imprison the true, high god in material bodies. Furthermore, Gnostics believe that only the acquisition of inner knowledge can liberate the imprisoned god from the fallen bodies and return the true “self” to its heavenly abode.

“Knowers” (Gnostics) believe that they will return to heaven at the death of the body, or certainly by the end of the world. Those who allegedly possess “god” but fail to know him in this life are “psychics.” They may have to endure reincarnation, but they, too, will eventually reach heaven. Some Gnostics believe that those who do not possess “god” and/or will never “know” him are “apostates.” They will be terminated with the rest of Creation.

The Postmodern World

In today’s postmodern world virtually all power structures — political, religious, economic, academic, etc. — are controlled by “knowers” (Gnostics) who claim freedom to rule Creation, for they ostensibly possess the ultimate “divine” authority of me, myself and I — irrespective of others. Even the “common” person is often consumed with himself/herself through sports, entertainment, and numerous other self-related proclivities.

Not surprisingly, the world today is teetering on the edge of the abyss from corruption, fraud, individual and gang crimes, catastrophic “accidents,” violence, and other forms of evil perpetrated by “knowers.” These “knowers” — in both “high” and “low” places — are content, if not determined, to manipulate and even obliterate Creation.

Conclusion

In this context, urgent efforts must be made to trace the origin and millennial evolution of Gnosticism, its tragic consequences, and the final rescue and transformation of all Creation by the One-and-Only True God.

Endnote

Last Revised September 2011