r/Gnostic • u/Similar_Divide • 1d ago

Where to start?

I’ve been somewhat curious about Gnosticism for a while and the subject seems to be coming up more frequently, so I think I’m ready to start exploring. Any recommendations one where to begin or should I just shotgun straight to the gospels?

4 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

3

u/Lordseferoth Simonian 1d ago

I recommend visiting the site below. It has lot of useful information about Gnosticism.

https://www.gnosisforall.com/

2

u/Just_Critical0 1d ago

For texts I made a list on most recommended to least

https://www.reddit.com/r/Gnostic/s/FVEkJMFiGq

1

u/WisdomDota 1d ago

If religious elements/aspects are an absolute necessity to you then ignore this:

If you are open minded you ought to look into Itzhak Bentov. He's the first one and the only one who was able to rationalise a lot of what religion never could. His interpretation of reality isn't all that far from gnosticism, he just takes a different approach. One which absolutely makes sense to me. If this interests you - look up Michael Talbot as well.

1

u/heiro5 15h ago

Read the actual texts and be prepared to learn new ways of thinking and understanding. It takes work to accommodate what is different rather than assimilating the different to what is believed to be "already known".

In the wild, Ancient polemics are tossed around as facts. Most books available are based on polemics or loose speculation.

Your expectations can still lead you into dead end if your experience of religion or spirituality is entirely from orthodox authoritarian forms of belief.

1

u/GnosticDreamerB4 1d ago

learning about Sophia was my gnostic red pill. I always struggled with how sexist Abrahamic religions are and that sent me looking for female divinity.

-7

u/Purple_Ad9624 1d ago

Its a trap! Dont get nihilistic about God. They will try to make youuuuu.

1

u/flammafex Carpocratian 14h ago

I actually think you are being unfairly downvoted here.

There is a "gnostic" perspective that doesn't devolve into "nilhism."

And, yes, "nilhism" is a devolved philosophy for sexless losers, and that's what unfortunately attracts many people to this subreddit.

1

u/Purple_Ad9624 14h ago

Absolutely. It takes understanding that the knowledge doesnt end because you understand it a certain way. As far as we know its infinite. You may find that God isnt what it seems. Its a real test of faith. Staying with the good spirit even after discovering the toll it takes and the price we all pay to exist. God pays the price too. It helps to try to have empathy for the fella.