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==Development: Neo-Gnostic==

==Development: Neo-Gnostic==

'''Neo-gnosticism''', from the Greek words ''neo-'' "new", and ''gnostikos'', from ''gnosis'' "knowledge", and ''-ismos'' "doctrine, system", is a generic term used to describe any resurgence of the ancient [[Gnosticism|Gnostic]] belief in [[salvation]] through grasping the teachings of an [[esoteric]] spiritual knowledge or by achieving "liberating" insight, by coming to special knowledge about the attainment of a clear realization of personal immortality said to be already inherent within oneself, and thereby becoming liberated from the "illusion" of the limitations of bodily material existence, without any need of a [[mediator]] or savior outside of oneself. This has been expressed by the saying, "We cannot teach you anything, but only remind you of what you already know: your own godhood."  

'''Neo-gnosticism''', from the Greek words ''neo-'' "new", and ''gnostikos'', from ''gnosis'' "knowledge", and ''-ismos'' "doctrine, system", is a generic term used to describe any resurgence of the ancient [[Gnosticism|Gnostic]] belief in [[salvation]] through grasping the teachings of an [[esoteric]] spiritual knowledge or by achieving "liberating" insight, by coming to special knowledge about the attainment of a clear realization of personal immortality said to be already inherent within oneself, and thereby becoming liberated from the "illusion" of the limitations of bodily material existence, without any need of a [[Mediation|mediator]] or [[Savior]] outside of oneself. This has been expressed by the saying, "We cannot teach you anything, but only remind you of what you already know: your own godhood."  

According to this view, everyone has unlimited, infinite divine potential. Neo-Gnostics have arisen in various periods of history, from the early [[Medieval]] period through recent centuries, and are represented today by various groups. Like their ancient Gnostic predecessors, all neo-gnostics past and present are essentially [[Dualism|dualists]], in that they believe in a world within the body and a world outside the body. They promise spiritual freedom by the supreme ''gnosis'' of deliverance from the "illusion" of dependence on the body and its material needs by accessing the divine light within each person. In variant forms of doctrine and method they claim to offer deliverance from the fear of death and eternal salvation from the misery and pain of ignorance caused by the addictive slavery to bodily material limitation and passions in thinking oneself to be only a body instead of a divine spirit of light imprisoned in matter by the [[Demiurge]]. Gnosticism and neo-Gnosticism only proposes a fundamental change in one's own point of view regarding existence and its purpose. A multitude of teachers of ''gnosis'' claim to have revealed the way of knowledge without need for a Savior to act on behalf of the fallen whole world, among whom neo-gnostics number Jesus Christ.  

According to this view, everyone has unlimited, infinite divine potential. Neo-Gnostics have arisen in various periods of history, from the early [[Medieval]] period through recent centuries, and are represented today by various groups. Like their ancient Gnostic predecessors, all neo-gnostics past and present are essentially [[Dualism|dualists]], in that they believe in a world within the body and a world outside the body. They promise spiritual freedom by the supreme ''gnosis'' of deliverance from the "illusion" of dependence on the body and its material needs by accessing the divine light within each person. In variant forms of doctrine and method they claim to offer deliverance from the fear of death and eternal salvation from the misery and pain of ignorance caused by the addictive slavery to bodily material limitation and passions in thinking oneself to be only a body instead of a divine spirit of light imprisoned in matter by the [[Demiurge]]. Gnosticism and neo-Gnosticism only proposes a fundamental change in one's own point of view regarding existence and its purpose. A multitude of teachers of ''gnosis'' claim to have revealed the way of knowledge without need for a Savior to act on behalf of the fallen whole world, among whom neo-gnostics number Jesus Christ.