Any Gnostics here?, page 1

posted on Aug, 27 2012 @ 01:29 AM

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As a gnostic, do you believe we are souls/spirits trapped in flesh/body? If so, why did such a thing happen to begin with? Do you believe in god?

I just need to learn a few things about Gnosticism.

Thanks,

WiseThinker

posted on Aug, 27 2012 @ 01:43 AM

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Unfortunately then Gnosticism is a dead strand of Christianity, it does not exist anymore.

Now they study of Gnosticism and their beliefs does exist, however, that is studying things like The dead sea scrolls and so fourth.

The Catholic church made sure that Gnosticism died out as a strand.

Namaste.

Lucid Lunacy

posted on Aug, 27 2012 @ 01:52 AM

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reply to post by reppie

Well outside of Gnostic Christianity, I would think much of mystic and eastern spirituality would be considered Gnostic. Direct experience of 'divinity' or whatever it's to be called.

Have you dones an ATS search for "gnosis" or "Gnosticism"? Or on mysticism in general?

Personally I meditate. That's my spiritual practice. I put on headphones and I meditate for an hour. Sometimes my consciousness expands into states that are fuller awareness...more encompassing. I've had some profound experiences. No chants or rituals or rules, I just meditate, and try my best to be thoughtless and concentrate on my breath

I believe existence is eternal, unimaginably powerful, and interconnected. I think we are already connected, but through mystical practice we can be more aware of the connection.

TucoTheRat

posted on Aug, 27 2012 @ 02:20 AM

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Originally posted by reppie
As a gnostic, do you believe we are souls/spirits trapped in flesh/body? If so, why did such a thing happen to begin with? Do you believe in god?

I just need to learn a few things about Gnosticism.

Thanks,

Gnosticism is a mystical branch of Christianity. Kid of like Sufi for Islam or the Kabbalists of Judaism.

There are all kind of Gnostics, but a Gnostic is someone who gives gospel. It's non dogmatic, hypocrisy is a very bad thing to do. Holy spirit feeds you and gives you more if you feed others. Gospel is in everything, you really don't have to preach just make people see their spark you could write a comic book for example or become a comedian.

Some Gnostics believe in God, some Believe the God of this world is kind of like a prison guard who thinks he runs all shows. Some believe God is a good guy, some believe he is a bad guy, some that he is both, some that there is another before him. all kinds of stuff.

As for me I do believe we are prisoners of the flesh, why I do not know. Perhaps to learn, perhaps punishment, perhaps to grow. We could be here of our ow choosing, maybe by force. not just once but over, and over and over again until we get out or on to better or worse. Why you are here is not as important as discerning the car from the driver.

I believe God is a word, like Dog spelled backward that was fed to us because we feel something greater than ourselves. There is a love in us that comes from a place higher than anything material anything of matter.

Take a Cathedral for example, built by expert hands with a knowing of knowledge far beyond any modern day architecture. It's mastery and glory can fool you into feeling What we call God but that Cathedral will always be no more than a sorry copy of a true temple of any person's, even those who we would consider the worst of the worst, soul.

We are divine, and every persons has that spark.

The Rat.

tanda7

posted on Aug, 27 2012 @ 02:37 AM

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Originally posted by reppie
As a gnostic, do you believe we are souls/spirits trapped in flesh/body? If so, why did such a thing happen to begin with? Do you believe in god?

I just need to learn a few things about Gnosticism.

Thanks,

When the original consciousness became self aware, the first impulse was to define itself by comparing itself to that which it was not. To discover what it was not, it needed to reach out and experience that which it was not.

That is your purpose. To experience. Whether it's painful or pleasant, you are fulfilling your purpose just by being aware. The secret is, you were given the tools to create your own experience.

The path of understanding is knowing the difference between grasping at shadows for the self,
or realizing the experience is for the enjoyment of the original consciousness.

edit on 27-8-2012 by tanda7 because: (no reason given)

edit on 27-8-2012 by tanda7 because: eta

ErroneousDylan

posted on Aug, 27 2012 @ 05:27 AM

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Originally posted by WiseThinker
Unfortunately then Gnosticism is a dead strand of Christianity, it does not exist anymore.

Now they study of Gnosticism and their beliefs does exist, however, that is studying things like The dead sea scrolls and so fourth.

The Catholic church made sure that Gnosticism died out as a strand.

Namaste.

Nothing is dead if it exists in thought.

I would hate for anyone to get offended and I am definitely not trying to bait anyone for a religious war, so please understand that these words reflect my beliefs only. I personally believe the grand scheme behind Catholicism is one of surpression, greed, and power. Ultimately, evil.

Gnosticism is about the truth, and the truth will set you free (gnosis comes from the Greek word "gnostikos" meaning "learned" or "knowledge". It should be noted that this knowledge is only knowledge you have earned by being acquainted with something. So, basically, it is experienced knowledge. An example would be I could share with you the knowledge of what an apple taste like but you could never know what it tastes like until you ate it yourself. This is Gnosis. It is knowledge from experience. This is important.) The Catholics could not let people obtain this knowledge or they would cease to be, once everyone knew they did not need them for personal freedom. You do not need a church. All you need is yourself.

OP, I follow confidently Gnosticism and yes I can tell you that I and many other Gnostics believe the soul is trapped within the body. However, it is not imprisoned out of sheer bad luck. There is a reason. The reason would be that we come to this world as training or to learn something or to better our soul. When we have learned what we need to, it is assumed that we will return to the Pleroma. Pleroma is a realm that exists outside of the mind, emotions, physical, and even psychic interpretation. It is the pure spiritual realm, perhaps you could call it Heaven, the essence of God, or what-have-you. However, as it is beyond all forms of communication, a word could never describe it accurately.

Also, in Gnosticism, you have the soul, the body, and the divine spark. The spark is somewhat of a tether to the Pleroma or to God. It was given to you and created by God. It allows you to find yourself again, to find the Gnosis. I can't say for certain on "why" we came here but some theories are that we came here to experience our own Godliness by becoming physical and creating and interacting with ourselves. Once we arrived on this world, in Egypt, we became lost and asleep and forgot who we were. The spark is what keeps us able to find ourselves again. Even if it takes millennia, it is always possible with the spark, just as soon as the body and soul are ready.

If you are looking to read more there is a plethora of things you can check out. Gnosticism has a lot associated with various religions. Mormon dogmas, the Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism, Islam. I would say that Gnosticism has many of its roots from the Hellenistic period of Ancient Greece (300 BCE) so you should definitely check out Hermeticism (known for influencing many Aleister Crowley-associated magickal orders such as the Golden Dawn, A.:.A.:., and the Ordo Templi Orientis [those last two could be synonymous]), Epicureanism (that challenged Platonism) and Stoicism (that mainly evolved from Epicureanism). Even NeoPlatonism could have information related to Gnosticism. Also, you should Google "Nag Hammadi Library" for Gnostic information.

Fair note: Hermeticism is definitely more on the magickal side and many people considered it to be "Satanistic" due to its relation with black magick.[/]

I hope I haven't rambled on too much. Gnostics definitely believe the soul and spark/seed are trapped within the body but it is for a learning purpose. Of course, I don't know what it is we are here to learn or I wouldn't be here but we definitely forgot our way when we were placed in this world and are trying to figure out our way back. Be hopeful though, for the spark is within you.

reppie

posted on Aug, 27 2012 @ 10:40 AM
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reply to post by ErroneousDylan

Thanks. What's the role played by Christ in redeeming us? Is it similar to mainstream christianity in this respect, that only Christ can save us from sin?
edit on 27-8-2012 by reppie because: (no reason given)

Oannes

posted on Aug, 27 2012 @ 02:04 PM
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Started reading Gnostic/Hermetic texts about 3 years ago. Its a mind trip to understand that we are not our bodies. I feel more comfortable knowing this, and feel that others would benefit from this knowledge. I finally understood what Jesus meant when he told Judas "you shall kill the man that clothe me". It was the Spirit that was talking to Judas. His Earthly Garment must be shed in order to return to Barbelo (the Immortal realm). To sum up Hermetic beliefs, we are spirits having a human expierience.

Gnobody

posted on Aug, 27 2012 @ 03:41 PM
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Originally posted by reppie
As a gnostic, do you believe we are souls/spirits trapped in flesh/body? If so, why did such a thing happen to begin with? Do you believe in god?

I just need to learn a few things about Gnosticism.

Thanks,

From en.wikipedia.org...

"Gnosticism (from gnostikos, "learned", from Greek: γνῶσις gnōsis, knowledge) is a modern scholarly term for a set of religious beliefs and spiritual practices found among some early Christian and non-Christian groups called "gnostic" ("learned") by Irenaeus and other early Christian leaders. In the past many scholars believed that gnosticism pre-dated Christianity, but now it is generally accepted that gnosticism developed into a coherent movement only in the second century CE."

I consider myself to be a Gnostic.

I believe there are many Gods, that are seperate/individual, but ultimately one.

I believe that we have a soul but we are not in posession of it, we have to work to unite with it.

Pleased to meet you, hope you are well!

Gnobody

artistpoet

posted on Aug, 27 2012 @ 04:00 PM
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Gnostism has many roots that stem from an ancient seed that predated it.

The truth is the truth throughout all time - The Greek Hermetica stems from Ancient Egyptian Philosophy.

Gnosis means "Knowing" But is not the gathering of knowledge but that can lead to it.
It is when the penny drops - As when John the Divine "got it" or Mary Magdeline or Thomas or You.

It is a state of mind of being attuned to one's higher self - A foundation to build one.
When some say "Think for yourself" - this is the path to go

ErroneousDylan

posted on Aug, 27 2012 @ 04:10 PM
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Originally posted by reppie
reply to post by ErroneousDylan

Thanks. What's the role played by Christ in redeeming us? Is it similar to mainstream christianity in this respect, that only Christ can save us from sin?
edit on 27-8-2012 by reppie because: (no reason given)

Well, sort of. Christ can be an interchangeable term with Gnosis. To "know Christ" would be to have reached Gnosis. Christ is seen as the mediator between Man and God, both physically during his incarnation, and metaphorically as an essence of knowledge. Christ being part physical (Man) and part spiritual (God) would make it/Him an essential mediator deity.

The difference is, many Gnostics believe Jesus and Christ to be separate and not related. Some say Jesus was just a very intellectual man that found Christ. Some believe that he was God in physical form but to be in the physical would severely limit the essence of being a God. Some believe that Jesus had two people within his body, the soul of the physical Jesus and the soul of Christ and once he died, his Christ soul ascended. Most Gnostics believe, however, that Jesus was a prototype for all of us, who have lost our way. His "resurrection" was really an ascension to Heaven that left the physical body behind. You'll find in many written parables of Jesus that he talks of "taking your clothes off and having no shame" or much mention of "the father who provided me with clothes". The clothes actually refer to the physical body and are considered a spiritual hindrance. We must take off our tainted clothes and put on our best robes (ascending).

So, yes, to know Christ would give us our ascendence, and proof of it being possible was through the example of Jesus.

Gnobody

posted on Aug, 27 2012 @ 04:15 PM
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Also, like has already been said above, Gnosis is the personal, direct and experienced knowledge, not an intellectual knowledge.

Gnosticism does not teach you what to think, but how to think.

Through prayer and meditation you can come to know yourself, the universe and it's Gods.

Some Gnostic texts include;

The Gospel of Thomas, The Gospel of Mary, The Gospel of Judas, The Nag Hammadi Library and The Pistis Sophia.

'Homo Nosce Te Ipsum'

Gnobody

artistpoet

posted on Aug, 27 2012 @ 04:23 PM
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Some really great posts

For me what is most important for people to know is very simple but the repercussions profound.

We are not the body - We are an immortal soul incarnate in a mortal body.

D1ss1dent

posted on Aug, 27 2012 @ 04:24 PM
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reply to post by ErroneousDylan

I never heard about The Nag Hammadi Library so thanks a lot.

I found a pdf of supposedly all the codices here.

edit on 27-8-2012 by D1ss1dent because: .

Lucid Lunacy

posted on Aug, 27 2012 @ 04:26 PM
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reply to post by Gnobody

The Gospel of Thomas, The Gospel of Mary, The Gospel of Judas, The Nag Hammadi Library and The Pistis Sophia.

From memory there was a Gospel of Phillip, Gospel of Truth, Gospel of the Egyptians as well

Gnobody

posted on Aug, 27 2012 @ 04:36 PM
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Originally posted by ErroneousDylan

Well, sort of. Christ can be an interchangeable term with Gnosis. To "know Christ" would be to have reached Gnosis. Christ is seen as the mediator between Man and God, both physically during his incarnation, and metaphorically as an essence of knowledge. Christ being part physical (Man) and part spiritual (God) would make it/Him an essential mediator deity.....

...The difference is, many Gnostics believe Jesus and Christ to be separate and not related. Some say Jesus was just a very intellectual man that found Christ.....

I personally believe that a man called Jesus had reincarnated to this physical world (after many lifetimes) and in his last visit, after many years of study (his missing years) and sacrifice, finally attained the title or reached the level of Christ. This is something that everyone is capable of if this is the path they choose.
We are all the son of God and we can all incarnate or become the Christ. This I believe is what the Bible, and many other texts teach us.

I also believe that Jesus follwed the path of the Bodhisattva.

I believe that fundamentally, all religions teach the same thing, but obviously all religions have, since the time they were founded, been corrupted by man.

Gnobody

artistpoet

posted on Aug, 27 2012 @ 04:37 PM
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Originally posted by Lucid Lunacy
reply to post by Gnobody

The Gospel of Thomas, The Gospel of Mary, The Gospel of Judas, The Nag Hammadi Library and The Pistis Sophia.

From memory there was a Gospel of Phillip, Gospel of Truth, Gospel of the Egyptians as well

True also the the writings of Thoth the Ancient Egpytian scribe.
He had a female counter part too Seshket

These scribes were actual real scribes that wrote down Ancient Egyptian Philosophy (Or Wisdom) the fore runner of Gnosticism. Though they claim their knowledge came from a prior civilization
But it is also a personal experience and each have a unique way of expressing this

They were also a god and goddess - But god and goddess meant A Natural and Universal Law back then

edit on 27-8-2012 by artistpoet because: (no reason given)

edit on 27-8-2012 by artistpoet because: typos

Gnobody

posted on Aug, 27 2012 @ 04:42 PM
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Originally posted by Lucid Lunacy
reply to post by Gnobody

The Gospel of Thomas, The Gospel of Mary, The Gospel of Judas, The Nag Hammadi Library and The Pistis Sophia.

From memory there was a Gospel of Phillip, Gospel of Truth, Gospel of the Egyptians as well

You are correct, there were/are many Gospels that didn't make it into the Bible or were considered 'official'.
Also, I don't consider 'Gnostic' to equal 'Christian' exclusively, or Gnostic texts to be limited to 'Christian' teachings, texts or books, I consider the 'Tibetan Book of the Dead' to be Gnostic in nature for example.

Gnobody

TucoTheRat

posted on Aug, 27 2012 @ 05:39 PM
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Originally posted by reppie
reply to post by ErroneousDylan

Thanks. What's the role played by Christ in redeeming us? Is it similar to mainstream christianity in this respect, that only Christ can save us from sin?
edit on 27-8-2012 by reppie because: (no reason given)

What is sin?

If a man robs a bank, did he commit a sin. What if deep in your heart you do not rob a bank not because you view it as sin but because you do not want to go to jail where then did this man commit a sin in your heart?

To hid and a criminal in your home and to tell authority you hide no one is a lie, is this a sin from one needs saving? Why then did so many do it during WWII?

Some say one can blasphemy against the son and the father but not the holy ghost. some say the holy ghost is common sense. Going against common sense leads to hypocrisy and most believe hypocrisy is lying to another when it is truly lying to oneself. And if you think about it the only one who can truly device you is indeed yourself.

So what is sin and who needs saving and how? Everyone has to figure this out for themselves.

Common sense needs to be a verb just like Jesus Christ. The noun is like the Cathedral while the verb is the true temple and that is in you and everyone.

The Rat.

MegaSpace

posted on Aug, 27 2012 @ 05:55 PM
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reply to post by reppie

Originally posted by reppie
As a gnostic, do you believe we are souls/spirits trapped in flesh/body? If so, why did such a thing happen to begin with? Do you believe in god?

I just need to learn a few things about Gnosticism.

Thanks,

For me the body is a vehicle to which the soul/ spirit uses to express its self into this world, the soul/spirit uses the body to enter this world a school of thought to evolve through ones life’s lessons & experiences. Life is also serious of tests.

Originally posted by Gnobody

Originally posted by ErroneousDylan

Well, sort of. Christ can be an interchangeable term with Gnosis. To "know Christ" would be to have reached Gnosis. Christ is seen as the mediator between Man and God, both physically during his incarnation, and metaphorically as an essence of knowledge. Christ being part physical (Man) and part spiritual (God) would make it/Him an essential mediator deity.....

...The difference is, many Gnostics believe Jesus and Christ to be separate and not related. Some say Jesus was just a very intellectual man that found Christ.....

I personally believe that a man called Jesus had reincarnated to this physical world (after many lifetimes) and in his last visit, after many years of study (his missing years) and sacrifice, finally attained the title or reached the level of Christ. This is something that everyone is capable of if this is the path they choose.
We are all the son of God and we can all incarnate or become the Christ. This I believe is what the Bible, and many other texts teach us.

I also believe that Jesus follwed the path of the Bodhisattva.

I believe that fundamentally, all religions teach the same thing, but obviously all religions have, since the time they were founded, been corrupted by man.

Gnobody

Originally posted by ErroneousDylan
Most Gnostics believe, however, that Jesus was a prototype for all of us, who have lost our way. His "resurrection" was really an ascension to Heaven that left the physical body behind. You'll find in many written parables of Jesus that he talks of "taking your clothes off and having no shame" or much mention of "the father who provided me with clothes". The clothes actually refer to the physical body and are considered a spiritual hindrance. We must take off our tainted clothes and put on our best robes (ascending).

So, yes, to know Christ would give us our ascendence, and proof of it being possible was through the example of Jesus.

To the quoted parts. I've come to these very, very same conclusions in life. Christ in my opinion was here to show us the way that we can also do what he could & more but along the way his teachings were some what corrupted or changed.