Gnostic Christian Beliefs

I. Preface
Since there are many different kinds of groups calling themselves Gnostic, it is desirable to state my beliefs so as to distinguish myself from other groups. By doing so I do not question the validity of the other groups, but merely wish to clarify my identity to those who may be interested in joining me in my pursuit of God through Christ. The following is a modern version of Gnostic Christianity and merely reflect my current understanding and beliefs. I do not pretend to represent the beliefs of anybody else. They are subject to revision at any time as I grow in understanding. My aim is to be true to Scripture, true to experience, true to reason, and true to science.

II. The Experience of God
I believe that the experience of God is the most important thing; doctrines and theology are of secondary importance. Furthermore, all beliefs are limited and all people are fallible. Therefore all beliefs and teachings are subject to change and revision. There are no infallible guides in this world. Though others can help, ultimately each person is responsible for themselves and accountable for their own spiritual life.

III. The Safest Way to God
I believe that Gnostic Christianity is the best and safest way to God, but that it is not the only way. I recognize all mystics of all religions as traveling the same path to union with Ultimate Reality. I therefore reject dogmatism and honor each person’s right to make up their own mind and travel their own spiritual journey.

IV. The Jewish Bible
I believe the Jewish Bible, sometimes called the Old Testament, gives one a valid but distorted view of God. The revelation it gives of God is imperfect and incomplete, and should be corrected by the fuller revelation of the Gnostic Christian Bible.

V. The Gnostic Christian Bible
I believe the Gnostic Christian Bible includes 22 books: Mark, Matthew, Luke, Thomas, John, Acts, The Didache, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, Galatians, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Romans, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, Hebrews, James, Peter, Epistle of John, and The Odes of Solomon. I believe that these books are, in varying degrees, inspired by God and originated within the apostolic period, that is, roughly the first century. Although they are fallible, they do offer a reliable guide into the experience of God. I believe that the canon of Scripture is open, and therefore may be added to by any genuine Gnostic Christian writings that may be discovered dating from the first century of the Christian era. Although God still inspires people, such writing do not constitute Scripture.

VI. Apostolic Tradition
I believe that Apostolic Tradition was passed down from the apostles to the Gnostic Christians, and that this Apostolic Tradition was put into writing by the Gnostic fathers such as Valentinus and his school. These writings originated in the second and third century and are considered to be interpretative and secondary, so that if there is contradiction between the Bible and texts containing Apostolic Tradition, the Bible is given preference.

VII. The Holy Trinity
I believe in the Holy Trinity of Father, Mother, and Son. The Father is in ineffable, incomprehensible, and transcendent. The Mother is Sophia, the Holy Spirit coming from the Father. The Son is the Logos, who became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.

VIII. Creation and Evolution
I believe that God created the big bang and the universe began to evolve. I believe that God gave dominion of Earth to humankind, who in turn surrendered that dominion to the devil, a fallen angel who is called the god of this age.

IX. Jehovah
I believe that the God of the Old Testament is a blurred and confused human conception of the true God. Jehovah is best understood as a composite of the true God Elohim, the angel Michael, and the tribal god of Israel. Only through Jesus do we really get a clear glimpse into the true compassionate and loving Father God.

X. Humanity
I believe that all humans are born innocent and without sin, but that through ignorance and separation from their Divine source all sin soon after reaching the age of accountability, and thereby become guilty before God. Sin is selfishness, it is placing yourself before God.

XI. Jesus Christ
I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, the Savor of humanity. I believe that the Logos became flesh in the person of Jesus, that through Sophia he became Christ at his baptism and she left him on the cross. I believe that Jesus, being illuminated by God and being anointed by Sophia, taught the truth of gnosis. I believe that the man Jesus died for our sins and rose again on the third day, and ascended into heaven.

XII. Salvation through Gnosis
I believe that humankind is saved through the knowledge (gnosis) of God and not by faith alone. To know God is to love him and trust him. The order of salvation is the awakening call, conversion to God-centeredness, purification of selfish deeds, illumination of spiritual truth, and conscious union with God.

XIII. Holographic Simulation
I believe that we are a program in a virtual simulation, being tested to make sure we are worthy to be uploaded into the real world. Heaven is that real world. Hell is simply the natural end of all programs not uploaded. Hell means that you are deleted, your program erased. Your soul is destroyed. Your body, which is merely energy, will be recycled or reincarnated.

XVI. Spiritual Resurrection
I believe in a spiritual resurrection in which we get a new spiritual body in the real world of the heaven.

XV. The Holy Spirit
I believe in the Holy Spirit, who is known as Sophia, the Wisdom of God. Sophia is the giver of life, spiritual gifts, and supernatural power. It is by Sophia that God the Father speaks to us. The Holy Spirit is our heavenly Mother.

XVI. The Sacraments
I believe in five sacraments: 1. Baptism, 2. Chrism, 3. Eucharist, 4. Redemption, 5. Bridal Chamber.

XVII. Priesthood of All Gnostic Christians
I believe in the priesthood of all Gnostic Christians. Any Christian who has been baptized and chrismed may consecrate the Eucharist and preform all the sacraments. I believe in complete equality of all people regardless of gender, age, race, nationality, or sexual orientation.

XVIII. Organic Church Life
I believe in organic church life. I believe the church should be a non-traditional autonomous gathering of those who seek to know and love God, whose meetings are characterized by non-hierarchical leadership, every-member functioning, open-participatory meetings, and the centrality and supremacy of Jesus Christ as the functional Leader and Head of the gathering. I do not believe in the incorporation of Churches, the establishment of church buildings, ordained clergy, or the division of clergy and laity. I believe in simple gathering where the responsibility of facilitating the meeting is shared by all willing members.

XIX. The End of the World
I believe that there will be an end of the world when all the pneumatics are redeemed.

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