Gnosticism

American  

[nos-tuh-siz-uhm] / ˈnɒs təˌsɪz əm /

noun

Christianity.

1. a group of ancient heresies, stressing escape from this world through the acquisition of esoteric knowledge.

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Gnosticism British  

/ ˈnɒstɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. a religious movement characterized by a belief in gnosis, through which the spiritual element in man could be released from its bondage in matter: regarded as a heresy by the Christian Church

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Etymology

Origin of Gnosticism

First recorded in 1660–70; Gnostic + -ism

Example Sentences

The film’s philosophical questions are cryptically asserted, something about Gnosticism and the origins of evil.

From New York Times • Feb. 2, 2024

Blending the tenets of Buddhism, Gnosticism and Christianity, these consume a good portion of the early chapters of the novel.

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2018

In Gnosticism, for example, there is the fabulous story of the Hebdomad, seven Archons, abstract creatures with the power to create or destroy a world.

From The Guardian • Mar. 19, 2013

Since then, I have found hints of this theology in Gnosticism, the Kabbalah and the writings of Nietzsche, Jung and Borges.

From Scientific American • Nov. 27, 2012

Very noteworthy references to Gnosticism are also to be found scattered up and down the Stromateis of Clement of Alexandria.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 2 "Gloss" to "Gordon, Charles George" by Various