Can we talk about Gnosticism? Was it a kooky invention by Greek eggheads or was it on to something?

Can we talk about Gnosticism? Was it a kooky invention by Greek eggheads or was it on to something?

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gnosis.org/library/valentinus/Organization.htm
gospel-thomas.net/noman.htm
gnosis.org/naghamm/gthlamb.html
gnosis.org/library/valentinus/index.html
youtu.be/hySnCU-PQxM
twitter.com/AnonBabble

Catharism was so successful at converting Catholics that they called a crusade to stop it so id say it was on to someting

Some of the things from the ways they carried out their activities could be useful and perhaps put into practice.

"They all have access equally, they all listen equally, they all pray equally - even pagans if they happen to come… They also share the kiss of peace with all who come." (Tertullian Prescription Against Heretics 41) Anybody who came to a meeting was seen as potentially spiritual and was made welcome. While newcomers would not have been allowed to address the group, any of the full initiates could be invited to speak based on drawing lots (Irenaeus Against Heresies 1:13:3).

Valentinian initiates took turns performing the various liturgical tasks ensuring a high degree of participation by the membership. According to Tertullian, "Today one man is bishop and tomorrow another; the person who is a deacon today, tomorrow is a reader; the one who is a priest is a layman tomorrow. For even on the laity they impose the functions of priesthood." ( Tertullian Against the Valentinians 1) He goes on to relate that even women could take the role of bishop, much to his horror.

gnosis.org/library/valentinus/Organization.htm

Gnostic ideas are little more then very poor derivatives of (Neo-) Platonism.

The most important distinction being that rather then attempting to gain a greater level of understanding and closeness with the trace of the One within them.
Gnostics have historically instead cursed their own existence, in such a manner that 'suicide cult' would literally be the best term to describe most historical Gnostic movements.

In fairness to the Cathars.
Their own interpretation of Galilean theology is second only to Marcion and their ability to live by their theological beliefs were second to none.

It's a interesting neoplatonic system with many sincretic oriental ideas.

It's generally corect but Demiurge is ultimately a female force which is something Gnostics fail to mention. We are forced to live in this carnal vaginal bondage and serve as resource providers to the female parasites/masters of the world, until we can find a masculine Promethean figure who will end the female monopoly over reproduction.

Remember it's called Mother Nature not Father Nature.

indeed and why not putting the Bridal Chamber ceremony into practice too

What went right?

Console commands

Gnosticism says that pic related is evil.

No, not by Greeks.
They got their dualistic ideas from Zoroastrians and Manicheans.

>cats are evil
More news at 11

What's the best text for learning gnosticism?

>Obligatory

So gnosticism is a philosophy or a religion?

Nag Hammadi library. Gets pretty dry at times, though, and you have to weed out some weird shit like Zostrianos. Most Gnostic texts are in there and more or less readable.

What's the best translation in your opinion?

includes texts from the alexandrian groups plus manicheans, mandeans and cathars, even sufis

Does this overlap with the Nag Hammadi? Is getting both worth it?

it includes the whole nag hammadi lot

Not user but the Nag Hammadi Library edited by James M. Robinson is probably better than the more recent version edited by Marvin Myer. Myer used gender neutral nouns in his translations but also translated terms such as pleroma. I prefer having specific terminologies untranslated and the authentic nature of the language preserved with the former.

gospel-thomas.net/noman.htm

gnosis.org/naghamm/gthlamb.html
gnosis.org/library/valentinus/index.html

Thanks guys. I'm going to add these to my book buying list

youtu.be/hySnCU-PQxM
Begins with a Nordic Übermensch Jesus and also has an interview with the farmer who discovered the codices.

Only abrahamic dogma has destroyed the synergy between philosophy and religion. You look at something like Confucianism and it doesn't even seem especially spooky.