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

From New York Times

As the ultrawealthy have multiplied, some Americans have drifted toward a sort of billionaire Gnosticism, a sense that we live in a fallen world run by a demonic group of plutocrats.

From New York Times

Through a bizarre philosophy that wove Kabbalah, Gnosticism and Sabbatai’s ideas with worship of the Divine Mother, Frank believed he was achieving tikkun olam, the Jewish ideal of repairing the world.

From Los Angeles Times

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

He was also deeply invested in Gnosticism, although there I cannot follow him, since my understanding of Gnosticism is as limited as my understanding of what it is that hedge fund managers do.

From New York Times