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 [[Contradiction|contradictory]] [[Theology|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 [[Evidence|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 [[Reason|rational]] [[intelligence]]. (Compare [[Zen Buddhism]].) This is not the same as an acknowledgement of the existence of genuine [[paradox]]es in [[science]], [[mathematics]] ("[[irrational number]]") and [[philosophy]]. After the first appearance of Gnosticism A.D. between 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. | 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 [[Contradiction|contradictory]] [[Theology|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 [[Evidence|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 [[Reason|rational]] [[intelligence]]. (Compare [[Zen Buddhism]].) This is not the same as an acknowledgement of the existence of genuine [[paradox]]es in [[science]], [[mathematics]] ("[[irrational number]]") and [[philosophy]]. After the first appearance of Gnosticism A.D. between 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. |