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'''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."  
 
'''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."  
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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.  
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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]] and the [[Avatar]]s of [[Hinduism]].  
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According to this [[worldview]] the only sin is ignorance, and therefore the [[orthodox]] [[catholic]] Christian doctrine of the one, single, infinite, soul-regenerating, power of the unmerited gift of salvation from death poured out on all mankind, and offered only through the unique, redemptive sacrifice of the saving passion, bloody death, resurrection and ascension of an incarnated flesh and blood Jesus Christ who conquered sin and death's power through his body is a tragically misleading [[falsehood]] and distortion of his teaching and is not necessary, but is only an inspiring example of overcoming death by indifference to its terror. Thus neo-Gnosticism is a syncretistic blend of Catholicism and Orthodox mysticism with ancient [[pagan]] Gnosticism and esoteric [[mystery religion]]s.
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According to this [[worldview]] the only sin is ignorance, and therefore the [[orthodox]] [[catholic]] Christian doctrine of the one, single, infinite, soul-regenerating, power of the unmerited gift of salvation from death poured out on all mankind, and offered only through the unique, redemptive sacrifice of the saving passion, bloody death, resurrection and ascension of an incarnated flesh and blood Jesus Christ who conquered sin and death's power through his body is a tragically misleading [[falsehood]] and distortion of his teaching and is not necessary, but is only an inspiring example of overcoming death by indifference to its terror. Thus neo-Gnosticism is a syncretistic blend of Christian Catholicism and Orthodox [[mysticism]] mixed with ancient [[pagan]] Gnosticism and esoteric [[mystery religion]]s adapted by various teachers and founders of [[Heresy|heretical]] pseudo-Christian [[sect]]s.
    
Six Core Beliefs Of Neo-Gnosticism
 
Six Core Beliefs Of Neo-Gnosticism
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The Greek word “gnostikos” translates as “possessing knowledge”. Neo-Gnosticism is not itself a particular religion, but only a name for a large number of differing religious philosophies and beliefs. After the first appearance of Gnosticism between A.D. the first and the second century, it started to spread all over the Mediterranean region of Europe. But over the centuries it was impacted by numerous influences borrowed as adaptations from the doctrines of early Christianity and altered, and in that form was condemned as a false doctrine and as a heresy from Christianity.
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The Greek word “gnostikos” translates as “possessing knowledge”. Neo-Gnosticism is not itself a particular religion, but only a name for a large number of differing religious philosophies and beliefs, often representing contradictory theologies. The truth of reality is considered by ancient and modern gnostics as being so comprehensive and profound that what seems to be mutually exclusive and absolutely contradictory is only the evident manifestation of the richly varied expression of the multiple aspects of the infinite mind of God. This fundamental principle of gnostic philosophy strikes a blow at the very heart of the meaning of [[Rational thought|rational]] [[intelligence]]. This is not the same as an acknowledgement of the existence genuine [[paradox]]es. After the first appearance of Gnosticism between A.D. the first and the second century, it started to spread all over the Mediterranean region of Europe. But over the centuries it was impacted by numerous influences borrowed as adaptations from the doctrines of early Christianity and altered, and in that form was condemned as a false doctrine and as a heresy from Christianity.
    
Today, Modern Gnosticism is generally known by the name of Neo-Gnosticism. But it slowly transformed, integrating itself into the esotericism of The New Age movement and becoming a part of modern spirituality in the various forms of [[Cosmic Humanism]]. Gnosticism and its beliefs and practices are still practiced today. Due to its transformations over the years, numerous followers of these philosophies do not even know that they are following Gnostic beliefs.
 
Today, Modern Gnosticism is generally known by the name of Neo-Gnosticism. But it slowly transformed, integrating itself into the esotericism of The New Age movement and becoming a part of modern spirituality in the various forms of [[Cosmic Humanism]]. Gnosticism and its beliefs and practices are still practiced today. Due to its transformations over the years, numerous followers of these philosophies do not even know that they are following Gnostic beliefs.
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