Gnosis

/ˈnoʊsɪs/ noun

Definition

Spiritual or mystical knowledge, especially the kind believed to offer salvation; deep understanding that goes beyond ordinary knowledge.

Etymology

From Greek gnosis meaning 'knowledge,' from gignoskein 'to know.' In early Christianity, it referred to secret divine knowledge distinct from faith (pistis).

Kelly Says

The Gnostics believed they had gnosis—special knowledge hidden from ordinary people—which made them dangerous to the early Church because they suggested the path to salvation was through secret wisdom, not just faith.

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