Gnosticism
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Gnosis, or knowledge, is
defined as the intuitive understanding of spiritual truth. Gnosticism
is believed to have developed in pre-Christian times, a syncretic blend
of Platonic philosophy and Pagan mystery religion.
Some Gnostic groups claimed
to have been the original Christians, a position hotly disputed by church
'fathers.' (Ironically, Tertullian, one of Gnosticism's chief opponents,
later became a Gnostic himself.) Modern scholarship lends credibility
to the claim, as recent discoveries show that fragments of Gnostic texts
may be the oldest existing Christian Gospels.
There are some highly
organized Gnostic congregations, but many self-labeled Gnostics practice
privately. Exceptions include the Mandeans in Iraq, who have practiced
continuously since biblical times, although they follow John the Baptist
and revile Jesus as a false teacher.
Much of Gnostic scripture has been lost or destroyed; however, in the
twentieth century, dozens of Gnostic scriptures were discovered buried
in a jar in the desert at Nag Hammadi. These included the shocking Gospel
of Thomas, and The Thunder, perfect mind.
Early Gnostics practiced vegetarianism; some sects avoided sex and reproduction.
Many modern Gnostics avoid eating meat.
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