Gnosticism

[ nos-tuh-siz-uhm ]

noun

, Christianity.

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

Gnosticism

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Gnosticism¹

First recorded in 1660–70; Gnostic + -ism

Example Sentences

The conflict with Gnosticism made it necessary to find some sort of solution to the question, "What is Christian?"

From Project Gutenberg

Gnosticism was particularly successful in Egypt, which was predestined to accept it by the whole of its past.

From Project Gutenberg

It is certain that there are to be found in their religion traces of Gnosticism and Magianism.

From Project Gutenberg

Basilides, then, represents that form of Gnosticism that is closest to Persian dualism in its final form.

From Project Gutenberg

Whether Basilides himself had already given this magic tendency to Gnosticism cannot be decided.

From Project Gutenberg