Beliefs

The Gnostic concept of salvation is entirely at odds with the accepted Christian doctrine. In Gnostic belief, one must seek reuinion with God, dissolution of the body, and a return to the state prior to the Fall–the first cause. This contradicts the common Christian doctrine that the death of Christ was a sacrifice to atone for the sins of mankind, and that man achieves salvation simply be believing in this sacrifice.

Gnostics, in their turn, believe that Christ was not truly human, but an Avatar or messenger who only had the appearance of humanity. (This doctrine is known as Docetism) Among these 'Avatars' is counted the serpent in the garden, a radical and dangerous (in the eyes of the Church) departure from accepted doctrine.

In Gnostic cosmology, Sophia (the Holy spirit), a divine emanation, seeks to know God, and in so doing, falls outside the "Pleroma," or divine light. As She falls, she gives birth to Yaldaboth, who is also Satan/Yahweh, who believes himself to be God, and creates the material world and mankind, trapping Sophia within. The serpent in the Garden, and later, Jesus himself, are manifestations of the Holy spirit attempting to free mankind from slavery. Gnostics taught that because of this, the material world is abhorrent.

Symbols:

Gnostic symbols include the ouroboros, a tail swallowing snake, as a symbol of earthly ensnarement, gems depicting the God forms of Abraxas and Mithras, as well as other amulets, were common in the first century.

Back to top

IN THIS SECTION