In the first three centuries of Christianity, it was not until the conversion of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great in 3 12 A.D. that it had the central authority. Christian groups teach many different views. In the 2nd century A.D., some groups, now collectively known as Gnostics, claimed to have acquired "secret knowledge" about the nature of the universe, the nature of Christ and what his appearance on earth meant to believers. In the middle of the 2nd century, a group of Christian leaders (Justin Martyr, Irena, Tertullianus, etc. ) These people who were traced back to being called godfathers wrote many articles against these Gnostics.
In Gnosticism, and the father of the church, the concept of education was accepted in various schools. Many schools share Plato's (428/427-348/347 BC) theory and his world outlook. For Plato, "God" (or "supreme goodness") exists outside the material universe and is perfect, so it will not create an imperfect world. He assumed that there was a second force, that is, "semi-impulse", and he created matter, the essence of material field. Most Gnostic systems advocate this view.
The concept of Gnosticism reflects the school of modern philosophy, that is, existentialism ("How and why do we exist?" Gnostic raised and answered this question: "Who am I?" "Where am I from?" "What is the meaning of life?" "Why am I here?" And "What is my true self?"
theology
Godfather responded to Gnosticism by inventing the dual concepts of orthodoxy and heresy.
Gnosticism advocates the concept of radical dualism that rules the universe. This is polarized into soul/spark versus body, light versus darkness. God who does not create first radiates consul (power), which is visible, but not physical, just like the light from the sun. Sophia ("Wisdom"), one of the consuls, produced a demigod in a weak moment, and then he created a material universe including human beings. In philosophy, logos ("word") is a rational principle that connects the supreme God with the material world.
Some systems claim that there was a mythical "Adam and Eve" before they appeared in the Garden of Eden as human beings. In Gnostic's understanding, depravity is the result of physical creation. In order to keep consistent with the "oneness" of the eternal God, Gnostics advocated the idea of androgyny or gender combination. The symbol of depravity, Christ first, came to the earth, and the appearance of human beings taught human beings how to return to this primitive hermaphrodite reunion with God. According to them, God sent Christ to restore the primitive universe. The divine fire in the human body has fallen asleep and can't remember its origin. Humans must be awakened to realize the existence of this God in their hearts; This concept reflects Zen Buddhism. When all this is done, the consul's rule is over.
An orthodox/heretical invention
Godfather responded to Gnosticism by inventing the dual concepts of orthodoxy and heresy. These concepts did not exist in the ancient world. Because there are thousands of different local sects in the Mediterranean basin, there is no central authority to decide what people should believe. Orthodoxy ("correct belief") and heresy (from the Greek word haeresis, "school of thought") are two sides of the same coin. Heresy is called heresy by people who disagree, but both sides believe that they have correct beliefs.
Gnosticism was condemned as heresy by the godfathers for the following reasons:
Gnosticism advocates a higher god, with pure essence and love as the true god beyond the creator god.
By the 2nd century, Christianity was a religion independent of Judaism, but Christians kept many teachings of the Israeli God and Jewish Bible. Gnostics agreed that God, the creator of Genesis, created the universe, but the creation was made of evil substances. In some Gnostic systems, the God of Israel is not only evil, but also Satan himself. Therefore, the commandments of the God of Israel are considered invalid.
Gnostics claimed that their teachings came directly from Jesus. In the Gospels, Jesus took his disciples aside to tell them better, and he also taught them some secret things. The godfathers refuted this with the traditional ideas of the apostles. Their teachings came from Jesus, passed on to the original disciples, and then passed on to the founding bishop of their community.
The human body is made of matter and is evil. For most Gnostic systems, Jesus was not reincarnated. They promote the concept of multifunction or "appearance". Jesus only appeared in human form so that he could communicate with human beings. If Christ never had a physical body, then the core pillars of Christianity-crucifixion and resurrection of the dead-would be invalid.
A Gnostic, after being awakened, studied heaven and learned how to navigate at all levels. In this sense, the Gnostics believe that salvation is an independent matter and does not involve other members of the community. In other words, salvation cannot be achieved through crosses, church hierarchies or rules.
Once successfully crossed the upper atmosphere, a person's spark, now go home and combine with godhead; In some systems, a person becomes a god.
In the Gnostic system, Christian doctrine, eschatology or the future return of Christ to welcome the kingdom of God are all denied. For Gnostics, the kingdom is within the individual.
Gnostic ceremony
Gnostic Christians were baptized and took part in the Eucharist. Gnosticism did try to promote priestesses in Eucharist celebrations, which made them different from godfathers. The most controversial Gnostic ceremony is the "bridal chamber", where people gain "Christian identity". In Gnostic literature, the interpretation of soul scripture, the language of marriage and metaphor are all applied to the combination with Christ.
Gnostics were the first to practice celibacy (not getting engaged) and chastity (never indulging in * * *).
The school of philosophy teaches that one should care about the soul rather than the body (apathea-"nothing * * *"), rather than letting the physical impulse of the body dominate his life. Such teaching is interpreted as "discipline", just like physical exercise discipline. Gnostic Christians actually controlled their bodies. They first practiced celibacy (not betrothed) and chastity (never indulged in * * *). In this way, the traditional life cycle is broken; No more sacred sparks trapped in a body.
A few Gnostics may hold the opposite view. As a part of the evil material world, artificial laws and social customs are no longer effective. Several godfathers claimed that this led to sexual immorality. We can't confirm this practice, but in the 18th century, after the works of French philosopher Marquis de Sade (1740- 18 14) were published, these groups were labeled as dissolved bodies. Nevertheless, while condemning Gnosticism, the godfathers absorbed the concept of clergy celibacy. Doing so is understood as a living sacrifice (giving up a normal wife and children). This concept elevated the clergy above the sense of holiness of the congregation.
Like other people trained in philosophy, Gnosti Perry uses the literary skills of fables. Fable is a kind of story, poem or picture, which can be interpreted as revealing hidden meaning, usually moral or political meaning. At the same time, many Gnostic works are very profound and puzzling to ordinary readers if one does not adapt to fable symbols or meanings. Reading such words gives people the impression that they have spent their lives in an ivory tower, staring at the universe. But they did join their church. They have research groups, but they study the upper reaches of the universe, where there is a power gradient. When a Gnostic dies, his spark/soul will be released from his evil body, but then he must go home. On the way, he/she must know the password to pass and bypass the power supply, so that he/she will not be distracted. Some systems claim seven floors and some claim 365 floors.
Gnostic Works-Nag hammadi Library
Godfathers' criticism of Gnostic works is greedy. However, scholars are skeptical about this, and it was not until A.D. 1945 that the accuracy of these quotations was determined. Then, when the two brothers were digging for nitrate in the Egyptian desert near the town of Nag hammadi in Upper Egypt, their shovel came across a big jar full of manuscripts (early books). They took them to meet someone they knew who was active in antique trading on the black market. There are 13 books containing papers, gospels and gnostic myths. They are kept in a volume of books in Nag hammadi Library. As it turns out, the godfathers did a good job of plagiarism. Although they used references, we now have a complete text to better analyze each document.
Gnosticism is different from the orthodox gospel of the New Testament. They usually lack narrative or stories, but simply contain Jesus' teaching to clarify the existence of the true God.
Gospel of truth
The Gospel of Truth is believed to have been written by Valentinus, a Gnostic teacher from Alexandria who was later excommunicated by Rome (A.D. 150). As one of the most spiritual gospels in Gnosticism, he personified abstract concepts such as error, fear and hope into creatures. Christ is described as the incarnation of hope.
The Gospel of Mary Magdalene
This passage is incomplete, and the rest of the manuscript starts from the middle. After Jesus died, the disciples felt helpless and depressed. A disciple asked Mary to convey whatever information she could provide, because people realized that Jesus had a special relationship with her. Mary then revealed that she was inspired by Jesus after her resurrection, and he explained many Gnostic themes that we have seen.
Gospel of Thomas
The Gospel of Thomas is said to have been written by Jesus' twin brother, and it is composed of 1 14 logic or Jesus' famous sayings. The author is familiar with many classic fables and doctrines, but the gospels also criticize the traditional idea that Jesus is the Messiah and publicize that Jesus is an enlightened philosopher. Jesus said not to seek the kingdom of God on earth. It exists in the rotation of the human heart. In recent decades, the Gospel of Thomas has become popular because of its connection with the populist Christian movement called liberation theology, which also teaches everyone to reflect on themselves as the Christ in your heart. Gustavo Gutierrez coined this word in the book "Theology of Liberation" published in 197 1. He criticized the Catholic Church in Latin America for corrupting the original teachings of Jesus.
With the appearance of Nag Hammadi text, many modern feminist theologians admire them for including women in their research groups and promoting female Eucharist priests. At the same time, the new age group admires what they see as the promotion of Sophia's sacred women. However, Gnosticism is not the same as modern feminists. The concept of each article should be analyzed. The gospel of Thomas ends with:
Simon Peter said to him, "Let Mary leave us, for women are not worthy to live!" " "Jesus said," Look, I want to attract her, make her a male, and make her a spiritual body like you. Because every woman who becomes a man will go to heaven. " 1 18 [ 1 14]。
For this system, women will be saved by giving up their gender and traditional roles as wives and mothers. This is the way to restore the oneness of women, that is, the concept of androgyny.
Gospel of Philip
The Gospel of Philip is an example of Gnostics trying to compromise with the original orthodoxy of the godfather.
The Gospel of Philip is an example of Gnostics trying to compromise with the original orthodoxy of the godfather. This Gospel publicizes the dual form of Christ: Christ is a pre-existing image of the Savior, who owned Jesus of Nazareth during the missionary period. When Jesus was baptized, the dove landed on him and Christ entered Jesus. When he was crucified, Christ left the body, so it was Jesus who was crucified. Another Gnostic school in Alexandria, led by Ledes of Brazil (A.D. 120- 140), taught that bait and transformation occurred when they were crucified. It was Simon of Cyrene who was crucified, not Christ.
The Gospel of Philip is also famous for a notorious event in dan brown's The Da Vinci Code-the relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Repeat the scene found in the gospel of Mary Magdalene, that is, Jesus has a special relationship with her. We have a proverb "... Jesus always greets you with a kiss ...", and then there is a hole in the manuscript. This line may be very important, or it may just mean that early Christians (including men) used to kiss each other with their lips.
Gospel of Judah
The Gospel of Judas includes the dialogue between Jesus and Judas Iscariot. In 2006, the National Geographic Society published its rediscovery and translation. Before that, people only learned from the works of Bishop Irene in the 2nd century A.D. and from his opposition to all heresies.
Contrary to the orthodox Gospel, which depicts Judas as a traitor, this Gospel claims that Jesus ordered Judas to betray him. The other disciples did not learn the true gospel that Jesus taught Judas. Many scenes let Jesus and Judas discuss the other eleven disciples, who only perceive reality through the flesh. They continued to sacrifice animals (Jesus laughed at the Eucharist as killing each other), believing that martyrdom would save them.
The concept of radical monism
Many Gnostic documents challenge the traditional understanding of personality. In the ancient monism, man is composed of body and personality. Whether it is ancient Persian religion, Zoroastrianism or some schools, Greek philosophy has introduced the second substance, man and soul (dualism). In most systems, body and soul work in harmony. In Gnostic literature, the body and soul fight each other for domination. In a deeper text, Gnosticism returns to monism, an existence, and there is no difference between that existence. In addition, some texts claim that the material world and existence itself are an illusion. This is where Gnosticism coincides with the ancient concepts found in Hinduism and Hinduism. Buddhist philosophy.
heritage
In 3 12, Constantine I converted to the godfather's Christianity. Any objection to its teachings is regarded as heresy, and such texts are ordered to be destroyed. We think this is someone (maybe a monk? ) When Nag hammadi buried the article. Heresy is now regarded as treason. Gnosticism basically went underground, but reappeared in the Balkans (Waldo Sect) and southern France (Albi Sect) in the Middle Ages. Their teaching was the motivation for the medieval church to establish the Inquisition in the12nd century.
Today, we use the word "agnostic" to describe a person who knows something about God, but is not sure what it is. The original word was coined by a CEO in the18th century, who claimed to be an agnostic, meaning "not a Gnostic-not one of those people". Aldous Huxley (1894- 1963 CE) created agnosticism in his novels, which is based on the fact that all knowledge must be based on reason. Psychologist carl jung (A.D. 1875- 196 1) applied the concept of Gnosticism in medieval alchemy to his prototype theory.
The concept of Gnosticism is now included in science fiction movies, starting with ce blade runner in ridley scott 1982. It is based on the short story "Can robots dream of electric sheep? Philip K. Tick's plot includes creating perfect robots, but due to the memory implantation in their system, they begin to develop human emotions. The Wachowski brothers' CE was published in 1999, and the mother used Gnostic Christianity and Buddhism for reference, and put forward the fundamental problems of human ignorance and enlightenment and their solutions. Because of ignorance, people mistake the material world for something real, but they may get guidance on their true nature from this dream.