What is Gnosticism? What is Gnosis?

Citing the catechism of our Church, Gnosis is 'illuminative science, the science of the Divine, of the Human and the Natural, Nature, or of the Infinite with the Finite.' Gnosticism is the study of this science. Personal Gnosis is the individual's knowledge and wisdom obtained by the experience of seeking for this grander Gnosis. It is to be understood as a continuous process, not a grade, diploma or degree to be obtained.

Are Gnostics Christian?

Some Gnostics are Christian, some are not. Gnosticism, like mysticism, spans the whole spectrum of religious sects as more of an approach to life than as a religion. Our Eglise Gnostique is a church of Christian Gnosis with a strong Cathar orientation, aside from our Gallican appearance in recent years.

What is the different between the French Gnostic Tradition and others?

The French Gnostic Tradition differs from others first in its succession, which is both apostolic (descended from the original Apostles of Christ) and spiritual (from a direct experience of Gnosis); there is also a difference in the understanding of this succession. Also, it has a continued history of the incorporation of esoteric and initiatory bodies as a formalized pathway to Gnosis. See our Position on Secret Initiatory Orders and the Church. Aside from both those academic points of interest, the French Gnostic Tradition is one that strives to maintain the Ancient Church and the continuing process of gnosis as a means to salvation. Our essential form is inwardly Cathar, as they preserved and persevered in spite of persecution, all the while paying homage to the different forms our Tradition has taken in order to survive, being outwardly more Gallican and orthodox in form.

What is the difference between Gnosticism and Hermeticism?

Hermeticism typically seeks illumination through the understanding of Nature in all its forms, both visible and invisible; while Gnosticism is primarily concerned with the Divine and the process of liberation away from this world toward higher planes of existence. Hermeticism frequently involves practicing "magic" or "magick". While similar, the practice of "theurgy", which is often used by Gnostics, differs from "magic". Hermeticism is often considered to be more "occult", whereas Gnosticism is often classified more along the lines of mystical and esoteric.

What is the difference between Esotericism and Occultism?

Occultism comes from the word "occult" meaning 'hidden.' On the other hand, "esoteric" denotes something existing internally, an integral component of a thing, inseparable from it's outward structure. More specifically, that which is properly dubbed "esoteric," is the innermost core of religious truth (which is not to say that the esoteric is equivalent to theological truth, because, the core, which is universal truth, corresponds to the metaphysical domain). Moreover, elementary logic suggests an inside can not exist without an outside, and vice versa. Consequently, unlike the occult, one can not consider an esotericism without at some point having the exoteric in view...it would be akin to a person saying "Let us talk about the inside", to which a respondent queries "The inside of WHAT", ad infinitum. Esoteric knowledge, being metaphysical, which among other things separates it from anything contingent, can only be know through the Intellect, by which we mean what has been described as the "Nous", or "al-Aql", in the Western religions and philosophies. In the East it is said that the Intellect was the first thing created, and the Western Tradition all the way to Aquinas agrees that Intellectuality is in a sense a human faculty that transcends contingency, and is quite near Deity. It is this "Nous" which directly perceives the incommunicable "esotericism," and whose attenuation results in "Gnosis"...whereas, popular occultism never even promises a "Gnosis", but a best, a discontinuous knowledge of various "laws", and at worst, fleeting, or even disastrous displays of "powers." (from J. Pierce).

Then is Gnosticism just another form of Esoteric or Mystical Christianity?

This can be a hard distinction to make, since we use many of the same tools and approaches. The root difference is the world-view (i.e. cosmology). For the Mystic, the end goal is union with the Godhead - brief tastes of this 'at-one-ness' whet the appetite and propel the open heart toward this experience of goodness and beauty. There is the belief that this goodness and beauty is the real state of the world but that man has fallen away or is deluded away from this pure state. For the Gnostic, the natural state of this world is not good or perfect, and it is through Gnosis that it can be escaped. The Ultimate Source is beyond that accessible to the human form. There is no personal god to save you. The experience of this 'at-one-ness' is the mystery of the ineffable which is tranformative and initiatic, but not an end-point.

The Gnostics didn't have Churches, so why copy Rome?

This is a misconception many have. While there are some groups which happen to fall under the general guise of "gnostic" who did not have a particularly well-defined structure, there were many that did. Our particular lines of succession are outlined elsewhere, but it is a well-known fact that many Gnostics had parallel structures to the Church developing not long after Christ's time on earth. Valentinus traveled and taught in Rome and was at one time considered or suggested as a candidate for Bishop of Rome - the position now called the pope. Even the early church fathers who wrote polemics against the gnostics agree that one had to be careful about which church one entered because the Marcionite gnostic church was virtually identical to that of the burgeoning oriental orthodox church, at least in appearance and structure - and obviously similar in many practices. The Cathars, too, had a well-defined structure for both clergy and laity.

Why a Church? Can't I do this all on my own?

Many people will argue against "organized religion", or being "too fundamentalist". We feel this is in part due to the "ME" generation and an inclination toward instant gratification, or in philosophical terms, ethical egoism. Gnosticism as a personal, direct experience can appeal to the ego, and, unfortunately, many have indeed run amok. Ours is a 'Tradition', so we work it as a tradition, as it has been transmitted to us. Over the years there may have been small alterations in the structure or development of liturgy, but we have not altered the SPIRIT of the tradition by incorporating foreign elements or ideas as have some other groups. We feel that, as an ecclesia, it is important to work together in a community toward a common goal, and can also support one another as we strive for our own liberation. As in any community, certain functions are performed by certain people - for us, the Sacerdotal functions are performed by the Clergy. So, yes, it can be done on your own, but it is often difficult, and our Tradition agrees with the Gnostic Christian concept of community, in keeping to "wherever two or more are gathered..". We choose to cooperate, and to share our experiences as best we can. as well as maintain our tradition. This is why we can claim to be what we are ... because we, unlike many others, have operated as a community within this tradition from the very beginning. Additionally, it is accepted even within the mainstream that participation in a community provides striking mental, physical and psychological benefits. Ours is a sacramental tradition - i.e. offering the sacraments. All of these are presented not only in the typical 'church' understanding, but also as a means to the attainment of gnosis.

Then how is a Gnostic Church different from other churches?

A Gnostic Church is not a church of believers or worshippers, per se. It is a community of seekers. In a Gnostic Church, the clergy will not tell you what you must believe or what you must do. If they do, you're not in a real Gnostic Church. There is a doctrine of sorts, but it is used primarily as a practical means to the attainment we seek by following a particular pathway, not as a tool for the punishment of those who do not abide by its every word. Consequently, the Eglise Gnostique, as a Christian Ecclesia, does not espouse certain practices or beliefs. Our own Church has virtually all known Gnostic and Apostolic successions through consecrations and mutual exchanges, while our own particular tradition is descended from and works in the tradition of Jules Doinel and Jean Bricaud along with the Carmelite Church of Vintras, the Johannine (Templar) Church of Fabré-Palaprat, as well as that of the Cathars.

Is the Gnostic Church open to anyone?

Yes. The Eglise Gnostique is a community that welcomes seekers from all paths. Obviously, our initiatic rites like Holy Orders are for certain members only, as with our affiliated fraternal and initiatic bodies, but as a Church, we are open. Anyone is welcome to attend our services. We do not refuse the eucharist because you are not a member of our church, but encourage participation in the reception of the LOGOS. It should be said that confirmation (the baptism by wind and fire) is a sequel to baptism, so in that sense, it has the prerequisite of membership. It should be noted, in addition, that holy orders are open to anyone sincerely dedicated to Gnosis and working within our Tradition - women, men, married, single, etc. Behavior is one concern, restriction something else entirely.

Do you have Apostolic Succession?

Yes. The Apostolic Succession, in the commonly understood sense, was introduced into our church in 1913 with the consecration of Patriarch +Jean Bricaud by Mgr. +Giraud, who had been consecrated in the succession of Archbishop +Joseph René Vilatte whose succession comes in the line from the Oriental Orthodox Church. Since that time, all known extant lines of Apostolic Succession flow through our clergy; aside from many Gnostic, Templar and Spiritual successions. It has also long been held that our spiritual forebears, particularly the Cathars, did possess a real succession which was transmitted by meand of the Consolamentum, aside from their various other rites. We maintain this gnostic succession as well, although the documentation is not important because its purposes are different.

What is the Gnostic understanding of Apostolic Succession?

In the common sense, it verifies a chain of succession from teacher to student since the time of the Christ, linking us directly throughout history. In this same sense, it guarantees that, in spite of our differences in doctrine and understanding, we are all part of the One Church, the body of Christ, and have maintained the proscribed processes for the passing of this succession in a way that could not be questioned by the mainstream with whom we often debate the understandings of Gnosis and Christianity. This is a bestowal of authority as the result of work and study coupled with a recognition of attainment and takes place via cheirotonia - a laying on of hands in which a real ordination takes place. This ordination carries with it the additional responsibility of fulfilling certain functions within the community.

In a different sense, we must understand that Gnosis is, at least in part, a state of evolved self-realization to the point that one is divinely 'illumined' or 'liberated' from the constraints we have placed upon our selves as part of this world and are then free to continue the process toward reintegration into the Divine Godhead. In such a sense, any "succession" must be understood as an outward sign of recognition and approbation by the community for the transformation that has occurred. This, too, takes place via a laying on of hands, but it is understood as a blessing not an ordination; as cheirothesia not cheirotonia. For more information, see the article On the Apostolic Succession in the list of Positions of the Ecclesia.

What is the mission/ministry of your church?

To spread the Light of the Gnosis via the French Gnostic Tradition as an authentic representative of the early church and her purpose.

Why are you called the 'Church of the Initiates'?

As was mentioned above, the French Gnostic Tradition has incorporated esoteric, initiatory bodies as a formal pathway to Gnosis. Unlike many Gnostic Churches which model themselves on mainstream churches, we also view the process of becoming a member (Credente) of the Church, and that of Holy Orders as initiatory paths. The Laity is encouraged to participate in sympathetic fraternal organizations affiliated with our French Gnostic Tradition, as paths for perosonal revelation and growth. See also our Position on the relation to Secret Initiatory Orders.

What is the Gnostic concept of 'Salvation'?

In the Gnostic sense, salvation is liberation from this world and assumption into a higher plane, closer to the Original Source of all Emanations. It is, however, our understanding that in order to attain the salvation that is liberation, one must first be reconciled, or regenerated. An analogy would be similar to having a cut on one's arm - in order to heal, the cut will need to be cleaned and dressed, and perhaps closed with stitches if severe enough.

Can you recommend any good books about Gnosticism?

+Stephan Hoeller's new book "Gnosticism" is a good basic introduction to modern Gnostic churches and to the modern Gnostic attitude. The Eglise Gnostique, which is our principal source, is mentioned in +Stephan's work on pages 176-178. For a more scholarly and fundamental approach to Gnosticism, we would suggest finding a copy of Kurt Rudolph's "Gnosis". Not only is it thorough, but it provides good references to begin the study of Gnostic scriptures, and has one of the best presentations of the Mandaean path generally available.

What are the Gnostic scriptures?

Specifically, the term Gnostic scriptures refers to the collections of works found in the Nag Hammadi, Mandaean and Manichean scriptures. Writings of the Gnostics can be gleaned from the writings on the heresies of the 'Early Church Fathers', and the 'Pistis Sophia' However, non-Canonical works such as the 'Acts of John' are typically included. Of course, the canonical Old and New Testament and Apocrypha are extensively used and interpreted from a Gnostic vantage point.

What are the holidays you celebrate?

Within the Eglise Gnostique, we celebrate the observed Catholic (and some Orthodox) holidays (with some modifications) and feast days specific to our heritage and filiation. The Autumnal Equinox is a special anniversary date for our renaissance in the 19th century, but the most important date which is celebrated is that of Pentecost.

Do Gnostics believe in heaven?

Most Gnostics adhere to a cosmology that is almost Neo-Platonic in its organization. There is no static 'heaven' as such, but rather a chain of perfection progressively bringing us closer to a final union with the Original Source. Until a certain level of Gnosis is attained, the soul must continue incarnations on this plane.

There are so many different Gnostic schools and approaches... so how can one determine which one is the 'true' one?

Gnosticism is mythological in essence, which is very different from mainstream Christianity, which is more literal or dogmatic. The mythological or symbolic approach offers flexibility of understanding and interpretation. The only 'true' path is the one that emanates from your own heart.

As a matter of distinction, our community's main influences have been from the Pauline tradition with support from the teachings of the Magdalene and Johannine traditions - as particularly manifest in our forebears: Valentinus, who founded an important school of Gnosis, and the proto-orthodox pre-nicene Church. This tradition was then translated to the Cathars and the Rhineland mystics who are also important influences on the 'flavor' of our community in the present.

What other Gnostic Churches do you have relations with or recommend?

At present, we have no formal relations with any of the other various churches, "gnostic" or otherwise. We do maintain relations with some bishops of other jurisdictions, and would be happy to suggest an organization which may be near to you until such a time as our own Church may have a presence in your area.