GNOSTICS / GNOSTICISM
The word Gnostic comes from the Greek language, and stands for ‘knowing through
observation or experience’. This word gives us both Gnosticism and agnosticism,
although agnosticism is the absence of knowledge of God, whereas Gnosticism not
only admits God’s existence, but also suggests special or even intimate knowledge. In
short, Gnosticism is not so much based on faith as on actual experience of the
Godforce, however we might define it.
ABOUT 'BURN LIKE ICE'
All religious teachings acknowledge that the world we live in is imperfect.
However, where they differ is in the explanation they offer for the imperfection, and
the pathway or method offered for redemption.
Whilst many religions hold that humans are to blame for these imperfections and
urge us to be governed by 'God', Gnostics commonly believe that humans are divine
souls trapped in a material world created by an imperfect spirit. This 'demiurge' has
often been identified with the Abrahamic God, associated with Judaism, Christianity
and Islam.
The demiurge may be depicted as an embodiment of evil, or merely as being
imperfect and as benevolent as its inadequacy permits.
This demiurge exists alongside another, remote and unknowable supreme being
that embodies good. In order to free oneself from the inferior material world, one
needs gnosis, or esoteric spiritual knowledge, available to all through direct
experience or knowledge (gnosis) of this supreme intelligence.
Jesus of Nazareth is identified by some Gnostic sects as an embodiment of the
supreme being who became incarnate to bring gnosis to the Earth. Amongst other
Gnostics, he was thought to be a gnosis teacher, nothing more (nor indeed less) than a
man, teaching from his own experience.
For more go to wikipedia
ABOUT 'BURN LIKE ICE'
An article about the repeated casting of KEANU REEVES as 'The Chosen One'