Theology 101 Essay Portion

[irishaggie]

Benedict's Encyclical "drops" today. Give it a read (only 17 pages) if you get the chance.

I keep hearing the word "gnostic" thrown around to describe everything from the da Vinci code to radical feminism. What does "gnostism" mean to you?

Comments

[megamole]

From Greek "gnosis", knowledge. I believe it's the hypothesis, almost Buddhist in feeling, that one can achieve enlightenment through the attainment of sufficient self-knowledge - "The Kingdom of God is within you." The Catholic Church views it as heresy.

[irishaggie]

Yeah, I knew about the early heresy--Augustine wasn't a big fan. But as for its application to modern life, your analysis makes sense. Thanks!

[jjostm]

Whoop, there it is!

-j

[irishaggie]

Just got it--though I'm jealous: I just spent 25 minutes looking for it on the vatican's website. I'm taking it to a committee hearing to read during the recesses. What do you think so far?

[jjostm]

I dunno yet; I'm thinking of going to a bar to read it. I want to get out of the apartment once I'm done with my laundry; D isn't going to be home till later on tonight and being in this apartment gets lonely after a while...

Anyhow, I'll let you know!

-j

[holyoffice]

Gnosticism is a term applied to disparate groups of Christians (and some non-Christians) in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th centuries who had a number of beliefs in common

[irishaggie]

Most of today's self-proclaimed Gnostics seem to have very little grasp on the intricacies of the doctrine. The modern definition of Gnosticism seems to be "anything which is opposed to traditional Christianity."

Well put. I knew the gnostics had influenced the manicheans, but as I said before, it has been dificult to see the jump from the definition used in the 4th century to describing everything from wicca to sex.

[detroitfather]

Laudibus in Sanctis--Byrd

I heartily approve.

[irishaggie]

So do I. I want to be a Kings Singer when I grow up. Oh wait....