What is Gnosticism?

In this video, Dr. Michael F. Bird discusses the meaning of key terms such as Gnosis, what is a Gnostic, and the meaning of Gnosticism. It is the first of three videos about the meaning, varieties, and origins of Gnosticism.

What is Gnosis? (03:15)
Who is a Gnostic? (05:22)
What is Gnosticism? (06:51)

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[mikaelabell]

This was really informative, I'm excited for the next videos!

[troymulberry]

Dr. Bird, in one of your videos you cited a gnostic legendary recounting of the resurrection. Can you please identify which gnostic writing that came from?

[rashadjamal]

Hello Dr. Bird,

If I wanted to pursue further study of Gnosticism and its influence on Christianity what titles and works would you recommend? Thank you.

[EmilyTodicescu]

Very helpful, thanks Dr. Bird, and I look forward to the next instalment!

This question might be a bit granular, but I’ve been trying to witness to someone who seems resolute in their gnostic paradigm, and in particular is fixated on the following saying attributed to Jesus in The Gospel of Thomas: “Blessed is the lion which a man eats so that the lion becomes a man. But cursed is the man whom a lion eats so that the man becomes a lion.” I’ve tried to gently challenge this person on the authenticity of this saying, and how it detracts from the Gospel message (“save yourself” versus “trust and worship the only One with the power to save”). What else could I say to someone who seems committed to this paradigm?

[TheFreedThinkerPodcast]

Can you comment on the various Gnostic views of the will and determinism within Gnostic groups such as the Manicheans?

[gravytopic]

I am listening to this with interest, but I wanted to leave this perhaps pedantic note: that use of primer is correctly pronounced like “primmer”. The way you pronounce it refers to the paint undercoating. Thank you.

[elfrechaun]

Just curious because he's come under fire for this a bit recently and you seem to know him well and are friends. Do you think NT Wright uses the word "gnosticism" too loosely in describing positions he doesn't agree with or more Greek than his or that seem a bit anti-materialist or mind-body dualistic?

[Belliferous]

Michael Heiser was a modern day gnostic.