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The term 'Gnosticism' derives from the Greek word *gnosis*, which signifies 'faith'.
Answer: False
The source indicates that the term 'Gnosticism' derives from the Greek word *gnostikos*, meaning 'having knowledge,' which is related to *gnosis*, signifying 'knowledge' or 'awareness,' not 'faith'.
Gnostic cosmology typically posits that the supreme God directly created the material world, which is inherently good.
Answer: False
Gnostic cosmology typically posits that the material world was created by the Demiurge, a subordinate being, rather than directly by the supreme God. Furthermore, the material world is generally considered flawed or evil, not inherently good.
Within Gnosticism, *gnosis* refers to faith-based belief acquired through scripture study.
Answer: False
Within Gnosticism, *gnosis* signifies esoteric or mystical knowledge, often attained through personal experience or revelation, rather than faith-based belief acquired solely through scripture study.
The Pleroma in Gnosticism is the material realm created by the Demiurge, populated by lesser spirits.
Answer: False
In Gnosticism, the Pleroma refers to the divine realm of fullness, populated by Aeons, which precedes the creation of the material world by the Demiurge.
Sophia, in Gnostic cosmology, is the supreme God who created the material world directly.
Answer: False
In Gnostic cosmology, Sophia (wisdom) is typically depicted as a divine Aeon whose fall or error leads to the creation of the material world by the Demiurge, not as the supreme God who creates it directly.
The Demiurge in Gnosticism is always depicted as the benevolent creator of the spiritual realm.
Answer: False
The Demiurge in Gnosticism is typically depicted as the creator of the material world, often portrayed as ignorant of the higher divine realm, and sometimes malevolent, rather than benevolent and creator of the spiritual realm.
Archons in Gnostic cosmology are divine beings who guide souls towards salvation and *gnosis*.
Answer: False
Archons in Gnostic cosmology are typically depicted as subordinate beings, often serving the Demiurge, who may present obstacles to souls ascending from the material realm, rather than guiding them towards salvation.
Gnostic systems universally adhered to a 'radical dualism' where light and darkness were considered equal divine forces.
Answer: False
Gnostic systems exhibited varying degrees of dualism, with 'radical dualism' (equal forces) being characteristic of Manichaeism, while other Gnostic traditions featured 'mitigated dualism' or 'qualified monism'.
Gnostics generally practiced elaborate, prescribed rituals that were considered more important than internalized motivation for salvation.
Answer: False
Gnostics generally prioritized internalized motivation and personal conviction over elaborate, prescribed rituals for salvation.
Gnostic literature consistently portrays women in negative roles, reflecting a strictly patriarchal society within Gnostic communities.
Answer: False
While some Gnostic literature contains negative portrayals of women, the Nag Hammadi texts also reveal women in respected and leadership roles, suggesting a more complex social dynamic than a strictly patriarchal society.
Gnostic systems typically classified humans into only two types: the spiritually enlightened and the materialistically bound.
Answer: False
Gnostic systems often classified humans into three types: hylic (materialistic), psychic (soulful), and pneumatic (spiritual), rather than just two.
In Gnostic cosmology, *kenoma* refers to the divine realm of fullness, the Pleroma.
Answer: False
In Gnostic cosmology, *kenoma* refers to the visible, material cosmos, which is considered lower than the divine realm of the Pleroma.
In some Gnostic traditions, the *Logos* is identified with the Demiurge, the creator of the material world.
Answer: False
In some Gnostic traditions, the *Logos* is identified with Christ, a divine intermediary, rather than the Demiurge, who is the creator of the material world and often ignorant of the higher divine realm.
According to the text, *ousia* in Gnostic philosophy refers to the material world, while *hypostasis* refers to the ignorant Demiurge.
Answer: False
In Gnostic philosophy, *ousia* refers to God's essence or being, and *hypostasis* refers to the inner reality or emanation of God, not the material world or the Demiurge.
Gnostic dualistic cosmology posits a fundamental unity between the spiritual and material realms.
Answer: False
Gnostic dualistic cosmology posits a fundamental opposition or separation between the spiritual realm and the material world, which is typically viewed as flawed or evil.
In Valentinian Gnosticism, *syzygy* refers to the pairing of Aeons, representing complementary divine principles.
Answer: True
In Valentinian Gnosticism, *syzygy* denotes the pairing of Aeons, which are divine emanations often existing in complementary male-female unions within the Pleroma.
In Gnosticism, Sophia (*wisdom*) is often depicted as a divine Aeon whose actions lead to the creation of the material world.
Answer: True
Sophia, often depicted as the final Aeon, is frequently portrayed in Gnostic cosmology as initiating actions, such as a fall or desire, that result in the creation of the material world through the Demiurge.
From which Ancient Greek word does the term 'Gnosticism' originate, and what does its root signify?
Answer: Gnostikos, meaning 'having knowledge'
The term 'Gnosticism' originates from the Greek word *gnostikos*, meaning 'having knowledge,' derived from *gnosis*, which signifies knowledge or awareness.
According to Gnostic cosmology, who is responsible for creating the flawed material world?
Answer: The Demiurge
In Gnostic cosmology, the Demiurge is typically identified as the creator of the flawed material world, often depicted as subordinate to the supreme God.
What does *gnosis* primarily signify within Gnosticism?
Answer: Esoteric or mystical knowledge for salvation
*Gnosis* in Gnosticism signifies esoteric or mystical knowledge, often personal and experiential, considered essential for salvation.
In Gnostic cosmology, what is the Pleroma?
Answer: The realm of divine fullness populated by Aeons.
The Pleroma is the divine realm of fullness in Gnostic cosmology, inhabited by Aeons, which emanates from the Monad.
What is the typical role of Sophia in Gnostic cosmology?
Answer: The final Aeon whose fall leads to the creation of the Demiurge.
Sophia, often depicted as the final Aeon, is typically portrayed as initiating actions, such as a fall or desire, that lead to the creation of the Demiurge and the material world.
Which of the following is a name commonly attributed to the Gnostic Demiurge?
Answer: Saklas
Common names attributed to the Gnostic Demiurge include Yaldabaoth, Saklas ('the foolish one'), and Samael ('the blind god').
What is the primary function of Archons in some Gnostic systems?
Answer: To present obstacles to souls ascending from the material realm.
Archons in Gnostic systems often function as rulers of the material cosmos, presenting obstacles to souls attempting to ascend back to the divine realm.
What was the Gnostic approach to moral and ritual practices compared to normative early Christianity?
Answer: Gnostics prioritized internalized motivation, finding rituals less important.
Gnostics generally prioritized internalized motivation and personal conviction, considering ritualistic behavior less important than in normative early Christianity.
What does the text suggest about the role of women in some Gnostic communities?
Answer: Women held respected positions, sometimes including leadership.
The text suggests that women held respected positions, sometimes including leadership roles, in certain Gnostic communities, as evidenced by figures like Mary Magdalene.
In some Gnostic systems, which classification refers to individuals considered spiritually enlightened and capable of salvation through *gnosis*?
Answer: Pneumatic
In some Gnostic systems, 'pneumatic' individuals are considered spiritually enlightened and capable of salvation through *gnosis*.
What does the term *kenoma* signify in Gnostic cosmology?
Answer: The visible, material cosmos.
In Gnostic cosmology, *kenoma* signifies the visible, material cosmos, considered lower than the divine Pleroma.
In some Gnostic traditions, the *Logos* is identified with which figure?
Answer: Christ
In some Gnostic traditions, the *Logos*, a divine ordering principle, is identified with Christ.
According to the text, what do *ousia* and *hypostasis* refer to in Gnostic philosophy?
Answer: God's essence (*ousia*) and inner reality/emanation (*hypostasis*).
In Gnostic philosophy, *ousia* refers to God's essence, while *hypostasis* refers to God's inner reality or emanation.
What is the fundamental characteristic of Gnostic dualistic cosmology?
Answer: A fundamental opposition between the spiritual God and the material world.
Gnostic dualistic cosmology is fundamentally characterized by an opposition between the spiritual God and the material world, which is typically viewed as flawed.
In Valentinian Gnosticism, *syzygy* refers to what?
Answer: The pairing of Aeons.
In Valentinian Gnosticism, *syzygy* refers to the pairing of Aeons, which are divine emanations.
In Gnosticism, what is the role of Sophia (*wisdom*)?
Answer: She is the final Aeon whose actions lead to the creation of the material world.
Sophia (*wisdom*) in Gnosticism is typically depicted as the final Aeon whose actions lead to the creation of the material world, often through the Demiurge.
Scholars universally agree that Gnosticism originated solely within Jewish mystical traditions in Persia.
Answer: False
Scholarly consensus suggests Gnosticism likely had diverse origins, influenced by Jewish, Hellenistic, and Persian traditions, and there is ongoing debate regarding its precise origins, rather than universal agreement on a sole origin in Jewish mystical traditions in Persia.
Gnosticism was primarily influenced by Stoic philosophy, particularly its emphasis on fate.
Answer: False
While Gnosticism drew from various philosophical traditions, the text highlights Middle Platonism and Neopythagoreanism as significant influences, not primarily Stoic philosophy.
Scholars find no connection between Gnosticism and early Jewish traditions or mysticism.
Answer: False
Scholars widely recognize significant connections between Gnosticism and early Jewish traditions, including Hellenistic Judaism and Jewish mystical streams, as evidenced by shared concepts and reinterpretations of biblical narratives.
Early scholarship proposed Persian origins or influences on Gnosticism, with figures like Geo Widengren linking Mandaean Gnosticism to Zurvanist Zoroastrianism.
Answer: True
Early scholarly hypotheses, including those by Geo Widengren, did propose Persian origins or influences on Gnosticism, specifically linking Mandaean Gnosticism to Zurvanist Zoroastrianism.
Hermeticism is identical to Gnosticism, sharing the same pessimistic view of the material world.
Answer: False
Hermeticism shares thematic similarities with Gnosticism but is generally characterized by a more positive and less dualistic orientation towards the material world.
Which of the following is NOT listed by scholars as a potential influence on Gnosticism's origins?
Answer: Stoic philosophy
The provided sources mention Hellenistic Judaism, Middle Platonism, and Zoroastrianism as potential influences on Gnosticism, but Stoic philosophy is not explicitly listed as a primary influence.
Which Greek philosophical school significantly influenced Gnosticism, particularly in its use of concepts like *hypostasis* and *ousia*?
Answer: Middle Platonism
Gnosticism borrowed significantly from Greek philosophy, especially Middle Platonism, which influenced its use of concepts like *hypostasis* and *ousia*.
According to scholars like Gershom Scholem, what connection exists between Gnosticism and early Jewish traditions?
Answer: Gnosticism emerged from Jewish mystical traditions like *Maaseh Breshit*.
Scholars like Gershom Scholem suggest Gnosticism has strong roots in Jewish traditions and mysticism, including concepts found in *Maaseh Breshit*.
Which Persian religion was suggested by Geo Widengren as a potential origin for Mandaean Gnosticism?
Answer: Zurvanist Zoroastrianism
Geo Widengren suggested Zurvanist Zoroastrianism as a potential origin for Mandaean Gnosticism.
How does Hermeticism generally differ from many Gnostic systems in its orientation towards the material world?
Answer: Hermeticism is more positive and less dualistic.
Hermeticism generally exhibits a more positive and less dualistic orientation towards the material world compared to many Gnostic systems.
Gnosticism emerged among early Christian sects in the late 1st century AD and was widely accepted by proto-orthodox institutions.
Answer: False
While Gnosticism emerged among early Christian sects, it was generally denounced as heresy by proto-orthodox institutions, rather than being widely accepted.
Gnosticism reached its peak in the 4th century AD and declined due to the rise of Manichaeism.
Answer: False
Gnosticism reached its peak in the mid-2nd century AD, and its decline was influenced by the rise of proto-orthodox Christianity and the deterioration of the Roman Empire, not primarily by Manichaeism.
Gnostic texts universally rejected the teachings of Paul the Apostle, viewing him as a false prophet.
Answer: False
Gnostic texts often revered Paul the Apostle and interpreted his writings through a Gnostic lens, finding resonance with his emphasis on spirit versus flesh, rather than universally rejecting him.
From its inception, proto-orthodox Christianity clearly defined Gnosticism as a minor deviation rather than a significant heresy.
Answer: False
Early Church Fathers, such as Irenaeus, actively opposed Gnosticism and defined it as a significant heresy, not a minor deviation, in their efforts to establish orthodoxy.
All Gnostic traditions viewed Jesus as a purely human prophet who achieved enlightenment without divine intervention.
Answer: False
Gnostic views on Jesus varied; some saw him as a divine revealer, others as a human who achieved enlightenment, and some even considered him a false messiah, but not all traditions viewed him solely as a human prophet without divine intervention.
Early Church Fathers like Irenaeus and Tertullian viewed Gnosticism as a legitimate development within early Christianity.
Answer: False
Early Church Fathers like Irenaeus and Tertullian actively opposed Gnosticism, viewing it as a corruption and a Christian heresy, not a legitimate development.
Gnosticism ceased to exist entirely after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
Answer: False
Gnosticism persisted after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, influencing later movements and continuing in various forms.
Gnostics generally rejected Paul's writings, finding them incompatible with their emphasis on *gnosis*.
Answer: False
Gnostics often revered Paul's writings and interpreted them through a Gnostic lens, finding them compatible with their emphasis on *gnosis*, rather than rejecting them.
The early Church Fathers viewed Gnosticism as a legitimate development within early Christianity.
Answer: False
The early Church Fathers regarded Gnosticism as a corruption and a Christian heresy, actively opposing it rather than viewing it as a legitimate development.
What was the general reaction of established religious authorities towards Gnosticism in the 2nd century AD?
Answer: They denounced it as heresy and sought to destroy Gnostic texts.
Established religious authorities, particularly the Early Church Fathers, denounced Gnosticism as heresy and actively worked to refute its doctrines and suppress its texts.
What does 'angel Christology' refer to in the context of early Christianity and Gnosticism?
Answer: The understanding of Jesus, particularly pre-incarnate, as an angel.
Angel Christology refers to the view that Jesus, especially in his pre-incarnate state, was an angel or the highest of archangels.
According to the text, when did classical Gnostic teachers reach their peak?
Answer: Mid-2nd century AD
Classical Gnostic teachers reached their peak during the mid-2nd century AD.
How did Gnostic groups generally view the writings of Paul the Apostle?
Answer: They often revered Paul and interpreted his writings through a Gnostic lens.
Gnostic groups often revered Paul's writings, interpreting them through their own lens and finding resonance with his teachings.
How did early Church Fathers like Irenaeus primarily categorize Gnosticism?
Answer: As a Christian heresy.
Early Church Fathers like Irenaeus primarily categorized Gnosticism as a Christian heresy, actively opposing its doctrines.
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a Gnostic view on Jesus?
Answer: Jesus as the supreme God who created the material world.
While Gnostics held diverse views on Jesus, such as a divine revealer, a human achiever of enlightenment, or a false messiah, the view of Jesus as the supreme God who created the material world is not mentioned.
How did early Church Fathers like Tertullian address Gnosticism?
Answer: They actively opposed it, labeling it a Christian heresy.
Early Church Fathers like Tertullian actively opposed Gnosticism, labeling it a Christian heresy and refuting its doctrines.
How did Gnostics interact with Paul's teachings?
Answer: They interpreted them in a Gnostic manner, finding them attractive.
Gnostics often found Paul's teachings attractive and interpreted them through a Gnostic lens, rather than finding them incompatible.
How did the early Church Fathers view the relationship between Gnosticism and Christianity?
Answer: They considered it a corruption and labeled it a 'heresy.'
Early Church Fathers viewed Gnosticism as a corruption of Christianity and labeled it a 'heresy,' actively opposing its teachings.
Angel Christology, the view of Jesus as an angel, was exclusively held by Gnostic groups like the Elchasaites.
Answer: False
While Angel Christology was present in some Gnostic groups like the Elchasaites and Valentinians, the source does not state it was exclusively held by them, nor does it confirm the Elchasaites exclusively held this view.
Gnostic texts like the Gospel of Thomas present Jesus primarily as a figure whose teachings focus on a future, apocalyptic kingdom of heaven.
Answer: False
Texts like the Gospel of Thomas often emphasize Jesus's teachings on an already-present kingdom of heaven, rather than focusing primarily on a future, apocalyptic kingdom.
Sethianism attributed its *gnosis* to Adam and Eve's first son, Cain.
Answer: False
Sethianism attributed its *gnosis* to Seth, the third son of Adam and Eve, not to Cain.
Valentinus, founder of Valentinianism, believed materiality was inherently evil and the source of all suffering.
Answer: False
Valentinus and Valentinianism often viewed materiality as an error of perception rather than inherently evil, presenting a more monistic perspective compared to some other Gnostic schools.
The Basilideans were a Gnostic sect founded by Marcion in Rome around 150 AD.
Answer: False
The Basilideans were a Gnostic sect founded by Basilides in Alexandria, not by Marcion in Rome.
Marcion of Sinope rejected the New Testament and its God, positing a higher, loving God who sent Jesus to affirm the Jewish Law.
Answer: False
Marcion of Sinope rejected the Old Testament and its God, whom he identified with the Demiurge, positing a higher, loving God who sent Jesus to free humanity from the Jewish Law.
The 'Thomasine traditions' refer to Gnostic texts that reject the teachings of the Apostle Thomas.
Answer: False
The 'Thomasine traditions' refer to Gnostic texts attributed to the Apostle Thomas, which explore his teachings and interpretations of Jesus, rather than rejecting them.
The 'Five Seals' in Sethianism are understood by scholars as a symbolic representation of the material world's entrapment.
Answer: False
Scholars like Birger A. Pearson suggest the 'Five Seals' in Sethianism may represent a quintuple ritual immersion in water, potentially linking to Mandaean baptismal practices, rather than solely symbolizing entrapment.
To whom did Sethianism attribute its *gnosis*?
Answer: Seth, the third son of Adam and Eve
Sethianism attributed its *gnosis* to Seth, the third son of Adam and Eve, and his consort Norea.
How did Valentinian Gnosticism, founded by Valentinus, typically view materiality?
Answer: As an error of perception rather than inherently evil.
Valentinian Gnosticism often viewed materiality as an error of perception rather than inherently evil, presenting a more monistic perspective.
Where was the Gnostic sect known as the Basilideans primarily centered?
Answer: Alexandria
The Basilideans were a Gnostic sect founded by Basilides and primarily centered in Alexandria.
What did Marcion of Sinope preach regarding the God of the Old Testament?
Answer: He rejected the Old Testament God, identifying him with the Demiurge.
Marcion of Sinope rejected the God of the Old Testament, identifying him with the Demiurge, and posited a higher, loving God.
Which apostle is primarily associated with the 'Thomasine traditions' in Gnosticism?
Answer: Thomas
The 'Thomasine traditions' are associated with texts attributed to the Apostle Thomas.
What do scholars like Birger A. Pearson suggest the 'Five Seals' in Sethian Gnosticism might represent?
Answer: A quintuple ritual immersion in water.
Scholars like Birger A. Pearson suggest the 'Five Seals' in Sethian Gnosticism may represent a quintuple ritual immersion in water.
Mandaeism is a religion that shares no significant concepts or cosmology with Gnosticism.
Answer: False
Mandaeism shares significant concepts and cosmological elements with Gnosticism, including a dualistic worldview and the importance of knowledge (*manda*) for salvation.
Manichaeism's dualism, characterized by 'radical dualism,' is identical to the dualism found in Valentinian Gnosticism.
Answer: False
Manichaeism's 'radical dualism' posits two co-equal divine forces, which differs from the 'mitigated dualism' or 'qualified monism' found in Valentinian Gnosticism.
Mandaean baptism (*masbuta*) is a singular, lifelong ritual performed only once for purification.
Answer: False
Mandaean baptism (*masbuta*) is a continuous process of repeated ritual acts performed throughout a believer's life, unlike the singular baptism common in Christianity.
In Mandaeism, John the Baptist is considered a false messiah who corrupted the teachings of Jesus.
Answer: False
In Mandaeism, John the Baptist is revered as their greatest teacher and a precursor to their tradition, not as a false messiah who corrupted Jesus's teachings.
Which of the following is a key characteristic of Mandaeism, linking it to Gnosticism?
Answer: Emphasis on a dualistic cosmology of light versus darkness
Mandaeism shares a dualistic cosmology of light versus darkness with Gnosticism, along with an emphasis on baptism and knowledge for salvation.
What type of dualism, characterized by 'radical dualism,' is specifically mentioned as being found in Manichaeism?
Answer: Radical dualism
Manichaeism is characterized by 'radical dualism,' positing two co-equal divine forces.
Manichaeism is characterized by which type of dualism?
Answer: Radical dualism
Manichaeism is characterized by 'radical dualism,' positing two co-equal divine forces.
What is distinctive about Mandaean baptism (*masbuta*) compared to Christian baptism?
Answer: It is a continuous process of repeated ritual acts.
Mandaean baptism (*masbuta*) is distinctive in that it is a continuous process of repeated ritual acts, unlike the singular baptism in Christianity.
How do Mandaeans view John the Baptist?
Answer: As their greatest teacher and a precursor to their tradition.
Mandaeans view John the Baptist as their greatest teacher and a precursor to their religious tradition.
The discovery of the Nag Hammadi library confirmed that Gnosticism was a monolithic movement with a single set of beliefs.
Answer: False
The Nag Hammadi library revealed Gnosticism to be a diverse collection of movements and beliefs, rather than a monolithic entity with a single set of doctrines.
The term 'Gnosticism' was used by ancient Gnostic writers themselves to describe their movement.
Answer: False
The term 'Gnosticism' was not used by ancient Gnostic writers; it was coined in the 17th century by Henry More, derived from the Greek adjective *gnostikos* used by heresiologists like Irenaeus.
The Nag Hammadi library, discovered in 1945, consists of a few Gnostic texts that primarily confirmed existing orthodox Christian views.
Answer: False
The Nag Hammadi library provided a substantial collection of Gnostic texts that revealed the diversity of early Christianity and challenged existing orthodox Christian views, rather than confirming them.
Gnostic ideas completely disappeared after the decline of the Roman Empire and had no influence on later religious movements.
Answer: False
Gnostic ideas persisted and resurfaced in later religious movements, such as the Cathars in medieval Europe, and continued to influence esoteric traditions into modern times.
Academic studies of Gnosticism have consistently maintained that it originated solely as a Christian heresy.
Answer: False
Academic studies have evolved from viewing Gnosticism solely as a Christian heresy to recognizing its complex origins in Jewish, Persian, and other traditions, questioning the unified category of 'Gnosticism' itself.
Michael Allen Williams proposed 'Gnosticism' as the most accurate term for the tradition, emphasizing its unified nature.
Answer: False
Michael Allen Williams proposed 'the Biblical demiurgical tradition' as an alternative term, arguing that 'Gnosticism' is a flawed category constructed by heresiologists and does not accurately represent the tradition's diverse nature.
Hans Jonas primarily studied Gnosticism through a historical-critical lens, focusing on textual origins.
Answer: False
Hans Jonas primarily studied Gnosticism through an existential phenomenological lens, identifying 'alienation' as its distinguishing characteristic, rather than solely a historical-critical focus on textual origins.
Gershom Scholem found no significant overlap between Gnostic ideas and medieval Kabbalah.
Answer: False
Gershom Scholem noted significant overlaps between Gnostic ideas and medieval Kabbalah, observing that Gnostic concepts reappeared in Kabbalistic texts used to reinterpret Jewish sources.
Gnosticism has had minimal influence on modern thinkers and movements, remaining confined to ancient history.
Answer: False
Gnosticism has significantly influenced modern thinkers and movements in psychology, literature, and esoteric traditions, and its ideas continue to be explored.
The 'History of Religions School' argued that Gnosticism was exclusively a late Christian development.
Answer: False
The 'History of Religions School' argued that Gnosticism was primarily a pre-Christian phenomenon, with Christian Gnosis being one manifestation, rather than exclusively a late Christian development.
The 'Messina definition' of Gnosticism, proposed in 1966, is still widely accepted by scholars for its clarity.
Answer: False
The 'Messina definition' of Gnosticism has been abandoned by scholars because it created a monolithic category and excluded diverse movements, rather than being widely accepted for its clarity.
Elaine Pagels argued that Gnosticism was a minor deviation with little impact on early Christianity.
Answer: False
Elaine Pagels emphasized that debates with Gnostics significantly shaped proto-orthodox Christian beliefs, suggesting Gnosticism had a considerable impact, rather than being a minor deviation.
The text defines 'Theological critical realism' as a Gnostic concept related to the Demiurge's flawed creation.
Answer: False
The text explicitly states that 'Theological critical realism' is not defined in relation to Gnosticism within the provided material.
Michael Allen Williams proposed the term 'Gnosticism' as the most accurate term, emphasizing its unified nature and distinctiveness from Judaism.
Answer: False
Michael Allen Williams proposed 'the Biblical demiurgical tradition' as an alternative to 'Gnosticism,' arguing against its accuracy and emphasis on a unified nature.
Karen King critiqued the concept of 'Gnosticism,' arguing the term does an injustice to the diversity of early Christianity and continues the heresiologists' project.
Answer: True
Karen King critiqued the concept of 'Gnosticism,' suggesting it misrepresents the diversity of early Christianity and perpetuates the agenda of ancient heresiologists.
Carl Jung viewed Gnosticism purely as a historical religious movement with no relevance to modern psychology.
Answer: False
Carl Jung viewed Gnosticism as a map for individual psychological development, finding significant relevance to modern psychology, rather than purely a historical movement.
The 'ultimate Boeing 747 gambit' is discussed in the text as a primary argument against the existence of God.
Answer: False
The provided text does not mention the 'ultimate Boeing 747 gambit' as an argument against the existence of God.
The text details Thomas Aquinas's 'five ways' as key arguments for God's existence within the context of Gnosticism.
Answer: False
The text mentions Thomas Aquinas in the context of Scholasticism but does not detail his 'five ways' as arguments for God's existence within the context of Gnosticism.
The Nag Hammadi library confirmed that early Christianity was a unified movement with consistent beliefs across all its early communities.
Answer: False
The Nag Hammadi library demonstrated that early Christianity was a fluid landscape with significant diversity in scripture and belief, rather than a unified movement with consistent beliefs.
How did the discovery of the Nag Hammadi library change the academic understanding of Gnosticism?
Answer: It revealed a more diverse early Christian landscape and complex Gnostic roots.
The Nag Hammadi library provided primary source material that revealed the diversity within early Christianity and Gnosticism, shifting academic focus towards its complex Jewish, Persian, and philosophical roots.
Who is credited with coining the term 'Gnosticism' in the 17th century?
Answer: Henry More
The term 'Gnosticism' was first coined in the 17th century by Henry More.
What was the primary significance of the Nag Hammadi library's contents for the study of Gnosticism?
Answer: It offered invaluable primary source material revealing Gnostic diversity.
The Nag Hammadi library provided crucial primary source material that revealed the diversity of Gnostic thought and early Christianity.
Which medieval European movement is mentioned as potentially influenced by Gnostic ideas after their decline in the Roman Empire?
Answer: The Cathars
The Cathars are mentioned as a medieval European movement potentially influenced by Gnostic ideas after Gnosticism's decline in the Roman Empire.
What aspect of Islamic thought is mentioned as having parallels with Gnostic cosmology?
Answer: The idea of God being beyond comprehension
The idea of God being beyond comprehension is mentioned as an aspect of Islamic thought that parallels Gnostic cosmology.
How has the academic understanding of Gnosticism's origins evolved?
Answer: From viewing it as a Christian heresy to recognizing complex Jewish, Persian, and other roots.
Academic understanding has evolved from viewing Gnosticism as solely a Christian heresy to recognizing its complex origins in Jewish, Persian, and other traditions.
What alternative term did Michael Allen Williams propose for 'Gnosticism'?
Answer: The Biblical Demiurgical Tradition
Michael Allen Williams proposed 'the Biblical demiurgical tradition' as an alternative term for 'Gnosticism'.
What key characteristic did Hans Jonas identify as distinguishing Gnosticism?
Answer: Its concept of alienation.
Hans Jonas identified 'alienation' as a key characteristic distinguishing Gnosticism, viewing it as an existential response to historical circumstances.
According to Gershom Scholem, what is the relationship between Gnosticism and medieval Kabbalah?
Answer: Gnostic ideas reappeared in Kabbalah, used to reinterpret Jewish sources.
Gershom Scholem observed that Gnostic ideas reappeared in medieval Kabbalah, where they were employed to reinterpret Jewish sources.
Which modern thinker is mentioned as having explored Gnostic ideas in psychology?
Answer: Carl Jung
Carl Jung is mentioned as a modern thinker who explored Gnostic ideas in psychology, viewing them as a map for human development.
After its decline in the Roman Empire, where did Gnosticism persist and later resurface?
Answer: Near the Byzantine Empire and in medieval Europe.
Following its decline in the Roman Empire, Gnosticism persisted near the Byzantine Empire and resurfaced in medieval Europe through movements like the Cathars.
What was a key argument of the 'History of Religions School' regarding Gnosticism's origins?
Answer: Gnosticism was primarily a pre-Christian phenomenon.
The 'History of Religions School' argued that Gnosticism was primarily a pre-Christian phenomenon.
Why has the 'Messina definition' of Gnosticism been abandoned by scholars?
Answer: It created a monolithic category and excluded related movements.
The 'Messina definition' was abandoned because it created a monolithic category of 'Gnosticism' and excluded diverse movements, failing to capture the historical complexity.
What did Elaine Pagels emphasize regarding the impact of Gnosticism on early Christianity?
Answer: Debates with Gnostics helped shape proto-orthodox Christian beliefs.
Elaine Pagels emphasized that debates with Gnostics played a role in shaping proto-orthodox Christian beliefs.
What does the text state regarding the definition of 'Theological critical realism' in relation to Gnosticism?
Answer: The text explicitly states it is not defined.
The provided text explicitly states that 'Theological critical realism' is not defined in relation to Gnosticism.
Why did Michael Allen Williams propose the term 'Biblical demiurgical tradition' as an alternative to 'Gnosticism'?
Answer: Because 'gnosis' was a widespread concept, and 'Gnosticism' was constructed by heresiologists.
Michael Allen Williams proposed 'the Biblical demiurgical tradition' because 'gnosis' was a widespread concept, and the term 'Gnosticism' itself was largely constructed by ancient heresiologists.
What was Karen King's critique of the concept of 'Gnosticism'?
Answer: She suggested the term did an injustice to the diversity of early Christianity and continued heresiologists' project.
Karen King critiqued the concept of 'Gnosticism,' arguing it misrepresented the diversity of early Christianity and perpetuated the work of heresiologists.
How did Carl Jung approach Gnosticism?
Answer: As a map for individual psychological development.
Carl Jung approached Gnosticism as a map for individual psychological development, finding it relevant to understanding the human psyche.
What does the text mention about Thomas Aquinas in relation to Gnosticism studies?
Answer: Aquinas is mentioned in the context of Scholasticism and Neo-Scholasticism, but his 'five ways' are not detailed.
Thomas Aquinas is mentioned in the context of Scholasticism and Neo-Scholasticism, but his 'five ways' are not detailed in the provided text regarding Gnosticism studies.
What did the Nag Hammadi library demonstrate about early Christianity?
Answer: It was a fluid landscape with significant diversity in scripture and belief.
The Nag Hammadi library demonstrated that early Christianity was a fluid landscape with significant diversity in scripture and belief.