Gnosticism

Gnosticism is a spiritual movement emphasizing personal knowledge (gnosis) of the divine, often contrasting with orthodox religious beliefs. It involves the idea that the material world is flawed or created by a lesser deity, while true spiritual enlightenment comes from transcending this world. Gnostics seek direct experiences of the divine, often through mystical practices, introspection, and inner revelation. They believe that understanding one’s true divine nature and the nature of existence leads to liberation from ignorance and the constraints of the material world. Gnosticism shares themes with other mystical traditions, focusing on personal experience and inner truth.