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

I bought a house there from a chapter of the Order of the Oriental Templars once run by Aleister Crowley, who had his own take on Gnosticism.

From New York Times • Dec. 14, 2021

Various theologies, such as Gnosticism and the Kabbalah, suggest that not even God can bear to dwell in absolute oneness.

From Scientific American • Nov. 17, 2018

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

Gnosticism had probably lost ground in the city, under the eloquent attacks of St. Clement.

From The Catholic World; Volume I, Issues 1-6 A Monthly Eclectic Magazine by Rameur, E.