Is this Gnosticism? (ritual, mysticism, churches, Revelation, scriptures)

[Yəhošafat]

Originally Posted by Chevalier Violet

I said to a Christian once: "we don't need scriptures. The word of God is written in our hearts, we need to study our hearts."

And he said, "oh that's a Gnostic position."

I said, I guess I'm a Gnostic then. What is going on? Is Christian Guy (CG) right here?

CV

First let me ask Did Jesus ever read scripture? Did Peter? Did Paul? Did David or Titus or Timothy? The answer to all of them is yes. But why did they read them?

2ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Scripture is indeed useful, and it is not in our hearts unless we read what's on paper, and even then no one, becuase not even Jesus went without the scripture.

[Halcyon]

Originally Posted by Yəhošafat

First let me ask Did Jesus ever read scripture? Did Peter? Did Paul? Did David or Titus or Timothy? The answer to all of them is yes. But why did they read them?

I very much doubt Peter would have, being a Galilean fisherman.

Originally Posted by Yəhošafat

2ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Not really an issue for a Gnostic, especially considering that those who do their research understand that the pastoral epistles are forgeries anyway.

Originally Posted by Yəhošafat

Scripture is indeed useful, and it is not in our hearts unless we read what's on paper, and even then no one, becuase not even Jesus went without the scripture.

This would be the opposite of the Gnostic understanding, not really appropriate for the Gnosticism DIR. If you want to argue the validity of scripture, please start a debate thread in the appropriate section.

[worshiper]

Originally Posted by Halcyon

Aramaic? I think the original NT was all written in Koine Greek.

well since it is said that the Bible was given through Jesus i assume that it is in his language at that time. the OT and the rest of the monotheism has basically the same concept of god. the NT's concept of god is totally different so i wont argue with you on that.

Originally Posted by Halcyon

We don't know God,
God can be known through Gnosis (read as enlightenment),
Gnosis of God brings salvation.

that is exactly what islam's concept of god. like i said i agree with most of Ben's arguments in his interview.

[A. Ben-Shema]

Originally Posted by worshiper

i've heard your interview. and i would say its interesting. but i noticed that you quote mostly in the bible.

That is merely due to the fact that the vast majority of English speaking peoples (westerners) are conversant with the Christian tradition. In my book I have a series of appendices which give equivalent Biblical quotations from many other religious scriptures.

1) you said that you have looked everywhere for the truth. i'd like to know your views on the Quran. since you said there is no bible in its original form which is aramaic (if i'm not mistaken). have you read the Quran? what do you think of it?

What I said (or meant) was, that there is no extant manuscript of the NT authored from the original Aramaic language which Jesus (Yehoshua) spoke. Therefore, all the most ancient MSS in Greek have had to translate Jesus' words. Thus, we are solely reliant on some unknown Greek translator(s), who may, or may not have captured accurately, the true Spiritual meanings of all that they reported Jesus to have said.

Yes, I have read the Quran, as well as many Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Zoroastrian, Egyptian, and Greek scriptures. I find them all basically saying the same things - although put in different ways, for different cultures, at different times.

2) i still cant figure out what Gnosticism is all about. can someone tell me in layman's term?

The personal, experiential, 'Knowledge' of God. The Spiritual Knowledge which comes of experiencing (SEEING) the LIGHT (= the so-called 'burning bush' of Moses; the 'Beatific Vision' / the 'Vision of the Shekhinah').

Peace & Love

[michel]

I found http://www.gnosticchristianity.com/frameset_CH10.htm; are there differing kinds of Gnosticism ?

I understand from all the posts above the principle of Gnosticism (and the fact that the term itself can be understood by some as Being a big "NO NO") is the gnostic therefore someone who has somehow "understood" God inhis own way, without the need for scripture?

[Victor]

Originally Posted by michel

I found http://www.gnosticchristianity.com/frameset_CH10.htm; are there differing kinds of Gnosticism ?

I understand from all the posts above the principle of Gnosticism (and the fact that the term itself can be understood by some as Being a big "NO NO") is the gnostic therefore someone who has somehow "understood" God inhis own way, without the need for scripture?

From the link you provided:
"Gnostic," from the Greek term gnosis, means factual knowledge, specifically knowledge about the logos/logic of God. Gnostic Christianity is not about Jesus' public teachings; it is about the gnosis, or practical knowledge, that Jesus taught in private.

I found this tid-bit very interesting. It's also very Catholic. I'm sure there is an underlining difference though.

[A. Ben-Shema]

Originally Posted by michel

I found http://www.gnosticchristianity.com/frameset_CH10.htm; are there differing kinds of Gnosticism ?

Well, there are certainly many people who call themselves Gnostics, but, imo, there is only ONE genuine Gnosis! - the true experiential Knowledge of the One Spiritual God / Truth / El.

I understand from all the posts above the principle of Gnosticism (and the fact that the term itself can be understood by some as Being a big "NO NO") is the gnostic therefore someone who has somehow "understood" God inhis own way, without the need for scripture?

If you mean a Gnostic is "someone who has somehow "understood" God in his (i.e. GOD's) own way, without the need for scripture", then I would agree.

Imo, it is religions that have chosen 'their own ways' - instead of the Way of God!

Peace & Love

[michel]

Originally Posted by A. Ben-Shema

If you mean a Gnostic is "someone who has somehow "understood" God in his (i.e. GOD's) own way, without the need for scripture", then I would agree.

Imo, it is religions that have chosen 'their own ways' - instead of the Way of God!

Peace & Love

Thanks; that definitely defines me (personally) as a Gnostic.

[Buttons*]

Originally Posted by Chevalier Violet

I said to a Christian once: "we don't need scriptures. The word of God is written in our hearts, we need to study our hearts."

And he said, "oh that's a Gnostic position."

I said, I guess I'm a Gnostic then. What is going on? Is Christian Guy (CG) right here?

CV

Gnosticism is more about the feeling versus the rules....