Before I begin, I must clarify that there is no such thing as Christian Gnosticism. They are two different distant systems of beliefs. Gnosticism basically contradicts Christianity and what it means to be a Christian.
In this paper I will distinguish between the two, if they are similar and if they are still practiced today.
Gnosticism Introduction
Philosopher Plato came up with the Gnosticism in the early ---. Plato believed that Gnosticism is based on two false pretenses. First, that matter is inherently evil and spirit is good. Due to this pretense, anything done to the body in real life has no meaning because life only exists in the spirit realm. Secondly, that “true” knowledge was only known to a few. Therefore, the bible did not possess the knowledge of plain existence unlike the Gnostics. Due to this knowledge, Gnostics saw themselves above everybody else when it came to the knowledge of God.
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Christianity Introduction
Christianity vs. Gnosticism…show more content… An example of this is on the matter of salvation and Jesus Christ. Gnosticism believes that salvation is gained by divine knowledge that only a few truly know. Gnostics claim to follow Jesus Christ and the original teachings; however, Gnostics contradict God at every turn. However, in Christianity salvation is not gained through divine knowledge, instead by faith alone in God is savior from sin. An example of this, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesian 2:8). Furthermore, the salvation Christ offers is free and available to everyone (John 3:16), not just a select few who have acquired a special revelation” (What is