Content
- Introduction – Gnosticism, Gnosis and the Question of „Elitism“
- True God vs. Demiurge – Gnostic Rebellion Against the Abrahamic Creator
- The Elitism of Gnosis – Why Knowledge Is Reserved for the Few
- Modern Gnosticism – A Revival of Gnosis and the Ongoing Struggle for Truth
- A Call to Fight for Gnosis – An Elite Effort for an Extraordinary Encounter with the Truth
- Terminology dictionary
Introduction
Gnosticism (from the Greek gnosis – knowledge) is a religious-philosophical movement that emphasizes personal spiritual knowledge beyond ordinary faith. From its beginnings in late antiquity, Gnosticism has been shrouded in an aura of secrecy—a teaching passed on only to the initiated—which has led many to believe that it is inherently „elitist.“ In this context, however, elitism does not mean social superiority, but refers to the spiritual elite, that is, to the few who attain true knowledge (gnosis) and salvation through it. The Gnostics have never been among the masses of believers; on the contrary, they considered themselves chosen ones who had penetrated to the truth hidden by the majority. Why Gnosis requires an elite approach , and why Gnosticism is fiercely opposed to the God of the Abrahamic religions, is the very essence of Gnostic philosophy. This article will discuss the Gnostic myth of the Creator (Demiurge) and the Supreme God, show why the Gnostics rejected the Abrahamic deity, and explain why Gnosis is a challenging and exclusive path. Finally, there is a call for „elitism“ in the original sense – that is, for the determined struggle of every true Gnostic for profound knowledge, culminating in an extraordinary encounter with the Truth.
GNOSTICISMUS/GNOSTICISM 2025 