ShonHarris said
I just wanted to chime in about the term definition of Gnostic. While Gnosticism has been described above as one who claims a deep knowledge, and that is very true, it is also a separate entity within religions as well as this categorical, well, label like it seems y'all are using it. Gnosticism does not really mean fundamentalist nor completely sold on an idea. Speaking to Christianity specifically, a Gnostic Christian would not be the majority and in fact has historically been separated as far from the Christian body as possible. Gnostic as a secular term pretty much works how I'm seeing y'all define it above. It just might be worth noting that gnosticism within faiths often means looking past the literal and seeking deeper, likely metaphorical meanings in the mythos of a faith-community. Again, keeping Christianity as a example to speak from, a Gnostic might see the world and the description of a Messiah as less a physical account of a man, and instead as an allegory meant to point a truth. Christianity lends well gnosticism too, what with a prime religious figure speaking almost entirely in allegory and metaphor and rarely, if ever, giving a straight answer. The idea is that the initiated are granted something more. I actually picked up a Gnostic Bible a couple months ago. While studying Judeo-Christian iconography and history I always found the Gnostics far more accepting and a generally compelling idea. Only now have I had the opportunity to read into it a bit more -- worth it if if you dig mythos.Anyway, just wanted to point out the term is used in a few ways that hold loads of meaning. Defining terms definitely makes conversations clearer, it's also worth knowing that these terms do have lives and associations that could inform us too. Oh, actually I wanted to say that a major figure for Gnostic Christians is the Apostle Thomas (Doubting Thomas, 'Allow me to Finger your Rib-hole' Thomas). Assigning absolute certainty under the title Gnostic with a representative like that seems... off. Granted of course, Christianity by no means owns the term. I'd suggest Gnosticism is the seeking of a knowledge that validates the symbolic, seeking it where others may not. It might not sound as clean, but I'd say it works.

Just making sure I understand what you're saying here.

Are you saying Gnostic is more those willing to look for alternate meanings and interpretations of the Bible instead of taking the Bible for what it literally says?

I am saying that Gnosticism exists within many religions as a actual sects with unique views. It isn't necessarily just a large definition, because depending on the faith, there are significant differences. In terms of Christianity, Gnostics often focus on symbolic meaning and put much stock in that. Really, many Christians, perhaps even more Jews, approach the texts with the understanding that it's not all meant to be literal. However, Gnostics differ, as they usually suggest larger symbolic meaning within the entirety of the faith. There are many books removed or never included among the canonized Judeo-Christian texts due to their 'encouragement of gnosticism'. Then again, it shouldn't be a surprise when some gnostics proposed the Christian Messiah a symbolic form -- not physical.

If you're interested do what I do: Study it. When I ask about a religion or their perspective I take that, but also know their interpretation is mixed up with all they are. It doesn't give you a true story about what the faith-community is. So check it out, do some reading if you're interested. I picked up the Gnostic Bible by Meyer and Barnestone personally and am still combing over every bit.