Gnosticism

Final Essay for Gnostic Study For Rev. Linda Francis                  Fifteen years ago my late husband and I began to read about the Gnostic religion.  We read a dozen or more books before his death, and  discussed them by the fireplace or on the back porch each night.  Missing our studies together I enrolled in a couple of local classes and several discussion groups.   Like myself and my late husband, I found that the others that also had an interest in this religion had one major thing in common.  We all were highly formally educated and were seeking to keep our minds informed long past our formal education years to achieve a career goal.  The second factor that we shared was a thirst for truth, or at least information from all sides of an issue to make the best choice possible, and this not only had to do with religion, but political and ethical issues, as well. Needing one more class to complete my sixty hours I decided to take one more class in Gnosticism. After some of the early classes I was disappointed and almost dropped the study.  It at first seemed as if the teacher was finding the faults within Gnostic teachings to show how wrong they were. The lesson on Hitler as a Gnostic was the one lesson that actually made me sign up for another class to complete my study. It was a class in the Gospel of Thomas  For some reason I did not drop it right away and in a few weeks I decided perhaps the teacher was like myself and was only trying to show both sides. By the time I reached this last lesson I had no doubts that the teacher liked as many things as I found that I liked about the Gnostics. I especially, enjoyed the idea the teacher tossed out about many scholars believing that Buddhism was a forerunner of many of the Gnostic/Christian ideas.  I too had wondered about the two.  I studied Buddhist meditation for many years and read much that I liked about that faith, as well, even taking some formal classes in this field. I have a little Buddhist sculpture where he is bent over weeping in his lap. One day after finishing my class I picked the Buddha up and said to myself. "I wish I had one of Jesus weeping, too. For surely both weep at what mankind kind and his egoic dogma has done to both of their teachings."  For these reason I find it harder and harder to call myself Christian anymore than I could claim I am a Buddhist.   And when I read one of the last lessons that stated that Gnostics felt they were the only ones with the real truth about God, I thought to myself, well there are the Jews, the Muslims, Baptist and Catholics, etc each believing they are the only right ones and that is why mankind has been killing each other with one war after the other all their lives.                 However, I will agree that a major part of enlightenment is seeking knowledge which was highly promoted by the Gnostics  and part of the narrow vision from other faiths is they refuse to study and open themselves up to the ideas of others, accepting only what their parents, community and the faith they were born into teaches.  The less formally educated the faith as a whole is (both women and children as well as men), the more dogma seems to appear in their rules and the more fearful and violent they are at defending these rules, even at taking the life of those different from them, to speak nothing of the shunning and refusing to show love to those different from themselves.   The study states that today, "If one desires to become a Gnosis you must seek your path to find your truth and understanding. In order to do this one must clear their mind of all barriers, to include their own ego. Finding the truth for one's self can be obtained numerous ways, meditation, dreams, and yoga among other practices."  I think of myself as on a spiritual path (a personal one) rather than a religious one (founded by an egoic group seeking control and claiming they know God's mind.)                 Our minister was away last Sunday and the sermon was delivered by a local writer and college professor.  Dr. John Nash, from East Tennessee State University.   He spoke of Sofia, wisdom and the Gnostic faith. He ended with a pondering thought. He stated, that at one time in the early foundation of the Christian faith that there was a Gnostic called Valentenus that was suggested  as a good idea as the next Pope.  He lost by just a vote or two. His name  was Valentinus.  Church father Tertullion reported that he narrowly lost the election.  Valentenus was educated in Alexandria, but moved to Rome in 136 AD.  He lived there for nearly 25 years.  The informaiton is in Dr. Nash's textbook,  called Christianity: the One, the Many," vol 1, p 258. The thought he left us to ponder was how might the world have been a different place to live in today, if Vllentinus had been elected … where ego was put aside and power, guilt and fear were not used a tools of control for not just the government, fathers ruling their families and  the Christians. ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception. The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

Hebrew language was established around the time of the Egyptian exodus. The written language of the Jews in Jesus time on earth as established by the Bible is Aramaic, today this version of Aramaic is called Old Aramaic, which was established around 1100 BCE.

According to Jewish tradition the Torah was revealed to Moses in 1312 BCE at Mount Sinai. Biblical scholars cannot find any signs of Mosaic authorship, but are many indications of what we call the Mosaic Law to be a much, much, later writing. In and around the Pentateuch Moses is credited with haven written certain things ... but nowhere is it affirmed that the Pentateuch was authored by Moses. According to Traditional Rabbinic texts, this material was originally transmitted to Moses at Sinai, then from Moses to Israelites. In this time period time it was forbidden to write and publish the oral law; as the writing would be incomplete and subject to misinterpretation and much abuse. The Jewish alphabet is composed of 22 characters-only; there are no vowels in this written alphabet. Without the oral traditions, the Jewish bible would be incomplete, and not readable.

However, after exile, the dispersion and persecution, this oral tradition only, was lifted when it became apparent that writing was the only way to ensure that the Oral Law was/is to be preserved. After years of effort by a great number of tannaim, the oral traditions were written down around 200 CE by Rabbi Judah haNasi is credited with the written version of the Oral Law, which is called the Mishnah. Other oral traditions of this same time period not entered into the Mishnah were recorded as "Baraitot" (external teaching), and the Tosefta. Other traditions were written down as Midrashim. Now show me any Clergy that can prove Moses wrote Gen? Cannot be found, cannot be proven. Now open your eyes and hearts, when the Assyrians burned Jerusalem in 588 B.C. all texts and records were burned by the Assyrians. I repeat, all texts were burned. Were there any Jewish literature texts in any other location, translated by Jews into another tongue in this other language?

These records were not re-assembled in Jerusalem until much later like 247-169 B.C., how do we know this to be true? Glad you asked, II Maccabees very quickly mentions a person named Nehemiah; no ancestry is given and verified, brought to the library the acts of the kings, prophets and David, when setting up a library in Jerusalem. So where is the earliest mention of Genesis, by an apocryphal writer, who said Ezra wrote all which has been done since the beginning, but only after the Jews returned from Babylon, about 450 B.C.? How do I prove it go to II Esdras in Chapter 14, and look at verse 22 in the Apocrypha.

In the translations from Jerusalem library, these manuscripts, by the Jews were written on whatever material were available at the time. Oral histories until the library, how careful do you think the copyists were in translating the vowel points and consonant values of the original languages into English, with respect to verse or even chapter? Remember this was Jewish history, translated by non Jews. The Jewish version was large, but the English version was huge! Did not look, smell or walk like a duck, so was it?

75 percent Rule, per the Author “The author is the known or believed writer of the Narrative of God’s Word, as we know it; the key in this respect is the 75 % rule. Unless the author is confirmed by the above listed prerequisites of 75 % or greater said author is not posted as confirmed writer.” If not confirmed, then is it true, correct, and authoritive? “If it is based upon facts-only, and not a collective of thoughts. The (A) Narrative of God’s Word”-AS PER MAN! Is Anonymous an Author? Now if numerous works are based upon Anonymous, how many legs is one standing upon? It is only the proven factual historical data, NOT, the whole of the work, or the works, as the case may be.

What this means is the All of, prior to 246 BCE, must be, needs be, closely looked at with the eye and historical factual data, and only before and after very much prayer and fasting-for discernment of the truth, not the Per Man version-period. This will take much time, digging, researching, and oh so much prayer. Just being in print or on leaf, even bark, does not, and cannot make it truth-anymore than adding the word Holy the title of a Graphic Novel! Now because some writes a story about a Pro Catholic or Anti Catholic stance, this is Gospel, two words-Little Boys!

 If one is going to paraphrase, sacred text, how many other Creative Licenses is one going to construct? If this is Theology, I have Ocean front property in Idaho to sell-any takers; it is sacred and priced to move!

Once anyone misrepresents sacred text in defense of beliefs and doctrine, is this proof of ideology, and is this truth? Should much of one’s position be based upon the many persons named Anonymous, then needs be the truth is in the distinct factual data only, which can proved by historical data to be factual, not the entire work, or combined works of any of the authors named Anonymous.

 It is only that which is proved, not the whole body-to ensure not only clarity, by the trust of and in the Divine; as well as the Divinity of the work/cited section (s). Should the Father and Son be of two Intelligences and one substance, explain the Son of Man. If anyone is to paraphrase sacred text-is it of God or Satan?  Citing a sacred work or an author of such, and citing probably of______, (a location), this is Theology-me thinks not. The Cairo Geniza covers the period of importance of the years 950-1200, fragments and pieces, much like fragments of a Diary. It is the culture, and the activities of the Jews in Cairo, on the order of the Dead Sea Scrolls is very much a really big stretch. The books listed therein, are at best fragments. Best known are the incomplete writings of Sirach, and fragments of the Quran. The goings on of the wealthy families is hardly Theo centric. I am not saying they are junk, but on the order of the Dead Sea Scrolls-nope!

Now the Nag Hammadi, on the other hand is of real value, only one copy of the Gospel of Thomas was contained therein, and its discovery in 1945 is timely. Especially for the End Times generations, the remainder of its contents are priceless. Because something is not Coptic or Gnostic, certainly does not mean it has diminished value.

Valentinus’s views on Pagans and Jews, are bit too strange for even a person as myself, to swallow-not sure I could even choke those views down-at all. Refusing to believe Jesus suffered, is enough for me to refuse his teachings. When passed over for a Bishop’s anointing, when it was discovered he was a poor-man, he turned heretic-good for him; he certainly got his just deserts. I am not saying he was not brilliant, just not in his right-mind. The question about Noah being a Prophet? This Sir is a no-brainer; Yes. By his act of obedience, by his professing to his family to believe the impossible, and by completing the tasking, yes, yes, Yes. He heard the call, obeyed the call, and completed the tasking to full completion-YES!

Story and tradition, most certainly in and of its self will never make sacred text. Whilst I agree that the re-writes of the various Bibles throughout history may have diluted it, somewhat altered it, the idea of creating a new version to suit your wants is heretical-Sir. Invoking oral traditions, then scripting these traditions to be called Sacred is very dangerous-do proceed cautiously; you walk on very thin ice, dangerously thin ice. Man wrote the Sacred Texts, man made changes to suit their/his notions and beliefs for the better of the church. Forgetting the church is the congregation, not a building or institution, is a trait not to be desired or sought after. The Roman Church has done plenty of that throughout history why must you add to the mess.

 Levi was the only person to believe Mary when she told of the ascending-the only; the rest demand proof-they did not believe. Peter was aghast over the preferential treatment same said Mary received from Christ. This same person Mary was the only person to stay awake, whilst Jesus was in the garden, prior to his arrest-the only. It was this same Peter who loudly complained of the Priesthood for women. Latter it was Paul who worked to get Women removed from the Priesthood-eventually it was complete between 1100 and 1200. Yes so much has been rewritten, taken out, changed to suit the wants of a few, for the unequal treatment of all Women. Created in the image of God, Male and Female; be ye Jew, Greek, Male or Female, all are equal unto Christ.

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To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link.

Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program.

Four Gospels Course

I believe that the teachings in this book are brilliant. The way that Jesus answers the question to Pharisees about taxes was so smart. He answered the question honestly and without offense. I believe that the teaching about loving others as you would want to be loved is one of the most important lessons taught.

                             I think that the lessons about greed talk so much about the trouble the world is having today. I know that The times that we are living in now are what Jesus was talking about and I do believe that being prepared means spiritually. I think that everyone should find and get to know God and be prepared for everything has has prepared for us.

                    I think the story of Jesus being captured and betrayed teaches us that real trust is very hard to come by. I enjoyed this whole book I think that it taught a lot about today's life.

                                                                                         Gwen Simpson

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To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link.

Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program.

Universal LIfe Church

Omega Dawn: This is a course deep in thoughts, scholarly, and really not Plain Vanilla Christian Theology.  The Author is very much “Drunk With Words”; this course should only be commenced with person’s whom are Mature in their own personal faith and have a solid foundation of their personal belief systems and practices. It will shake one to their inner core, by that I mean the course is not false but it will cause the student to check the references, not to validate but rather for their own increase. 

If the student were to do a web search of Traditionalism, what you will locate is not what the author is trying to teach. Again the teachings are not FALSE, but what you thought you knew, or what you find out while engaged in the course over the vastness of the internet, is not in the same Universe, as what the teachings of Omega Dawn are. I had a difficult time getting through the first pdf, for the course reads like a dictionary of theology, albeit most likely not what you are accustomed to. References, definitions, and citations are the course. Please be prepared you cannot find all references just on the internet-you will have to use your local Bible College, and Public Library Inter-library loan system. 

Some of the web version documents listed as the source are not reproduced in a readable manor; their copying and readability is not good. With the inter-library loan system it may take weeks to get the desired document or documents. Perhaps I am thick headed, but I really suggest and caution students of Omega Dawn to take your time with course. Read, re-read each pdf, then read the entire set of Pdf’s as a book. The author repeats throughout, much of the course is not what you read, but how you read each sentence, each paragraph. Your thesis of Omega Dawn is not going to be some sort of critique, not a mere book report. I cannot stress this enough, unless the student is a Traditionalist, go slow. 

When you are ready to draft the first 1500 words, re-read again each pdf and then the entire set of Pdf’s. Your thesis will be about not what you read, but what you learned. It will take several readings of the course, to get it all to sink in. This learning comes in the form of change in the student. As I write my first 1500 words, I am well past my seventh reading of each pdf, and seven as a book reading. My first few attempts to read the first pdf left me feeling this guy is heavily intoxicated with words, he repeats very much, and the jumping around all over in a jumbled Mel of a Hess. I had to put aside the course for a very long time. Then in a series of maneuvers and manipulations, such as a series of President Long’s advanced athletic moves on the mat full contact-dude you are so not ready for what I am gonna do to you-I had to read all the Pdf’s again and again. It took a while, but I learned. 

Battered, bruised, aches, sprains, and bloodied, I bowed, and limped off of the mat. What Bruce Lee did to Chuck Norris is nothing compared to what this course did to me. My biological mother taught me to read before Kindergarten, my library at home was all theological. At least one paragraph of the King James Version each day was mandatory. Gen to Rev, then she taught me how to break the bible into thirds, reading part two, then part three, then part one, part 3, 1 & 2, then 2, 1, &3; then break it down in quarters, then progressing to the 66 books, in the same fashion. I came to Omega Dawn knowing where to find what I am looking for. Omega Dawn was not a TKO; it was a severe beating, then a KO. Only will power enabled me to limp off the mat, and collapsed due to the blows I absorbed. The kind of beating where you sleep for four days nonstop, just to be able to stand beside the bed. 

This form of Traditionalist is very much not the stuff from the 1800’s or twentieth century. It is not the Bad Catholic, Sufism, Hindu, Taoist, stuff you will find online. This is Old very Old Skool, like older than Moses’ older brother as the originator and founder sort of thing. 

The use of the open foot notes is to be consulted throughout the course, do not just scan the foot notes, go to your bible and read each entry as listed. It will take a considerable amount of time to do this-“Just Do IT”, if one does not, it will be that Mel of a Hess I spoke of earlier. Do use the inter-library system, to get the full impact of what is being taught. This is very much a teaching course, not a reading course. I was aware of the usual three paths of Christian belief systems: Pentecost’s, Protestant’s, Catholic’s, and now a fourth path Traditionalist’s. Traditionalist’s claim their source to be the original source Jesus Christ and the Apostles. Old, very Old Skool. Is it for real, in as few words as I can muster that is very much up to each and every student of Omega Dawn. 

My feeling on this the author asks why has not the student sought out truth in the past. All of the tools have been give to you, was it that you did not believe or trust your Creator? Did you not love the Creator? You have to, must do; love the Creator enough to surrender completely-all that you are, do, feel, think, say, and love is a gift. But you would not or could not surrender totally, absolutely and completely to the Creator. Does the student so love this world that she/he would be in the world and of it? Should the student not be able to do just this very simple thing, you might be a child of perdition.

So as to keep a proper view, other Bibles can and should be cross checked and verified, but the Chief source for Omega Dawn really should be KJV. Be prepared for new thoughts to be introduced, Faith/tradition/& honor are the guiding principles of a Traditionalist. Honor is what the first pdf is about, honoring the Creator, Redeemer, and Savior. Multiple planes of existence cannot be a stumbling block for any student of Omega Dawn. What is this Omega Dawn stuff? I feel very sure the author would be very willing to author another course just on this subject. Omega Dawn is last chapter of the start of Factual Truth of Agape Love Jesus’ has and is for all things. Do re-read that last sentence. Maybe again!

Your Body is just a parking lot for your Soul, it is to the soul of each student the author will teach first, then the mind will follow-it must. It is obvious to the student that Traditionalism is going to be new, just as it is obvious that if you half heartily attempt this course you might not get to Book 3. Wisdom would be a good single word for Omega Dawn. The author is patient, and offers assistance in the foot notes. No Gold Star just for showing up-Omega Dawn as a course that will twist, bend and shake you real good. Common sense, a mature faith and belief system intact, will yield understanding and acknowledgement in honoring the Creator.

This Fourth path called Traditionalism is meant to be taken in small baby steps. I am grateful for thinking now here is something I do not remember, I have memory problems, so I do not trust my memory; I was scanning the Chaplaincy program, the Seminary program, checking out the HQ courses and discovered the course called Omega Dawn- no I was lead to Omega Dawn. When I got to the part about not being on the path, just heading towards it, Lights On Somebody Home! I had to see it four times, but when it hit-long weeping, mournful crying, I felt shame, disgust-for myself, about myself. Five and half decades I cheated my Creator, I stole his Honor, and still he loves me, all of us.

The format, all the foot notes are proofs required to progress, to enable understanding in completeness. I did not appreciate this format when I first read the first pdf, for the first time. The thoughts are not really new, the understanding is new. It was a real struggle to get through page 122, why that page, it did not sink in, and it was not making sense. Word Soup to the extreme, I kept thinking there is a reason, there is a message, and I did not get it. So I set it aside, and let it wiggle its way deep inside, I am so thankful it did sink in, now I do get it. I must say it will be ready for those who are ready for it-truth finds an address, once it is in the address book.

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To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link.

Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program.

Gnosticism

MASTER OF GNOSTICISM BY: REVEREND KURT FONDRIEST This class enabled me once again to contemplate my own personal ideas and beliefs on spirituality.   I  feel  that if I am moved in any way about my point of life from a class then the lessons were successful. Gnosticism makes sense to me.  It is enriched in our daily lives if we allow it to do so. The idea of myself as co-creator is an empowering step and ability that I and everyone processes.  We can see the world as spiritual or material.  Can we see the world as both, with a centered balance? Reading the weekly lessons along with a great reference book" LIVING GNOSIS" A practical guide To Gnostic Christianity, by Tau Malachi demonstrated for me this state of flux that is always occurring.  I don't believe there is a carved in stone answer to living a life of gnosis, however I was able to come to a clear understanding about this once tabooed way of thinking.       The part that drew me into reflecting on my own thoughts of Gnosis was the "Sophian" gospel. This enabled me to see Yeshua as a man who was symbolic of the spiritual once he merged with the "Christo".  This enabled me to say yes to my own belief that the gospels are to be experiences in our own daily life.  These sets of books do me no good locked up or dismissed from the Contemporary Christian Counsel, who I see as the watch dogs on keeping the traditional esoteric belief in order. This is where Christianity for me has fallen off of the human path. Yesua was a man born with no more enlightenment then any other individual is, however he seeked the mission of life and found that life was not the mission rather the mission was of life. The way ones celebrates their divine mission to the life of living.      The connection of male and feminine being in balance and harmony is seen in the life of Yesua and Mary of Magdelene is a vision of dualistic nature within each of us. These natural states of consciousness are what will enable people to be  "LIGHT BEARERS''.  The Church of Universal Light uses the concept as part of their tenets.  I belong to this church as well and as a Holistic Minister I can see many more congregations coming back to this living of Gnosis.      The symbolism created in Gnosticism is expressed for the person to understand it to the level of their belief and spirituality.  The expression taught in these lessons I found to be of an eclectic verse. some of these resonated with me while others were not in sync to my level of living, however I did not dismiss their teachings since living the gospels is an experience that changes daily.  All of this is based on my mental, physical and spiritual awareness at any given time on this journey.      As with the course on Christian mysticism I found myself seeing Jesus and Mary as people who were learning about the "Christo" as they experienced it.  I have always believed Jesus was not the exception yet the example.  For me it makes natural sense that Yesua and Mary were destined to be soul mates.  Each approached their destiny from different paths that brought them together.      For me a good contemporary reference is the Rock Musical "JESUS CHRIST SUPER STAR." This demonstrates the life of Gnosis.  It takes all the rhetoric teachings and throws it out to the simple truth.  Again I found myself listening to the soundtrack of this musical as I read the lessons and the book on living Gnosis.  What also I found very enlightening was how Gnosis symbolizes The Creator and Satan .  It was using the dualistic elements that we as fractions of the creation of light have forgotten for some reason or another. Basically it is from Human understanding we will connect to the greatness of Creation .  Not through rhetorical principles and teachings.  We already know within ourselves what we hold true of the self and this is the step to be taken, I feel, to re-awaken our divine right and duty as light bearer's.   ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Gnosticism Course

MASTERS OF GNOSTICISM FINAL EXAM ESSAY
BY
Reverend George Parsons

As with all of the other discourses taken at Universal Life Ministry, a final exam is required to receive the diploma in the discourse.  This final exam is the form of a 600 word (or more) essay on what you learned, did not learn, liked, disliked, and the list goes on. 

The Masters of Gnosticism course truly opened my eyes to all of the various religions in the world of yesterday and today and how it seems to be re-immerging to assist in the development of the future.   I realize how most people cannot accept the teachings of Gnosticism, since it causes one to search for the inner Light in themselves through knowledge.  Most people would rather sit back in their comfort zone and hit the “I believe” button of the religion that they learned as a child.  They are the ones that walk around with a blindfold and refuse to accept that what they perceive as correct in religion could be in error, or not complete.

The fact that most of today’s major religions, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam all have a Gnostic origin.  Bishop Pat Schwab did an excellent job at painstakingly researching this topic and presenting the information for all to read and formulate their own thought on.  Bishop Pat summed it all up in three sentences,

“Within this course on Gnosticism, I have only laid at the threshold the facts enticing the seeker to continue their journey beyond that which I have given. I know from my own study scratching the surface is only the beginning of a journey. As with any investigation of anything one needs to take the steps.”
 
How very true.  The search for enlightenment, finding your inner Light, preparing yourself to reach the next plane of existence, all begins with questions and then researching to find the answers. 

Bishop Pat Schwab goes on to say,

“The church as I have mention went out of their way to destroy Gnosticism at any cost. Today’s Gnostic Society has done a lot to bring forth the lost gospels and mystery text presenting them to the public. Can one become a convert to Gnosticism? Surely doing so can open fields of study to us, and, as well, the scholars.
In today’s society it is becoming more and more common for many to seek out the inner-self and as well to find that light within us that seems to spark every time that a path of discovery opens to us. With each of these inner creations we have discovered that there is more to us as well as that which surrounds us.
 
No longer is the greater majority letting one minister or denominational tell them the do’s and don’ts of their teachings. What may be said, as gospel truth is being questioned? No longer is biblical knowledge held by the select few. Ministries are beginning to realize that teaching, other than DEMANDING, brings the congregation a better understanding as they welcome the questions that arise out of their sermons and bible studies. No longer have the truths been hidden from us as they are available to us, not only on the web, but also in bookstores and other places. If one has the desire to seek the TRUTHS, LIES AND ILLUSIONS one only needs to open the pages of those books that by some are considered heretic yet opens a world of interest to the seeker.”


I have to say that I was closed minded before I started this course.  I held to the traditional thoughts of the Holy Trinity, Jesus as Savior, the Bible was the LAW for all to follow without question.  When I read the Bible, and had questions, I pressed the “I believe” button as most people do.  This course changed that for me.  I DO have questions.  I DO wonder how valid the Bible actually is.  I do believe that the Bible does hold some true scripture, but, I also believe that many words were changed to place a “Fear of God” in the masses of the time, thus allowing the church to control and influence the masses.  

As a result, I have taken the time to begin researching for the answers I seek.  I am trying to find out the validity of the Bible by looking into the books not considered “Holy” by the orthodox church at the time.  Through translations and manipulations and heavy influences, the Bible was not assembled until the early 4th century A.D.  By reading many of the books NOT included (and also, that survived because many were destroyed when not accepted) in the Bible, I have started to understand what God wanted for us.  I am beginning to understand the steps I need to take to reach that next plane of existence.  A thirst for knowledge has entered into me and I believe that each and every one of us need to do whatever they feel right to find their inner Light.

Thank you Universal Life Church for offering this course and Thank you Bishop Pat Schwab for presenting this information.  It has changed my life and views on religion.

I have launched a campaign to find out the truth for my own inner salvation.

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Gnosticism

Master of Gnosticism

By Rev. Patricia Buben

The Gnostics had a very different worldview from that of most other religions.  In their view, the natural world is temporary and evil.  For example, giving to the poor in a world that is temporary and everything is evil, would make no sense.

Their salvation would depend on gnosis (knowledge) so the affected soul wouldn't pass the Archons. It is their fault and not the fault of the Gnostic.

One of the second century church writers Irenaeus wrote:  "The Gnostic must indulge in everything. To be saved, they must sin. They must learn the role of the poorest farmer, to the wealthiest merchant."

The soul aspiring to enlightenment must first rid itself of all debts and obligations. The Gnostic seeks to be like the light and return to it. According to Irenaeus, it is impossible for the spiritual element to suffer corruption, no matter what actions they have indulged in. He goes on to explain and illustrates their logic by comparing this spiritual element to a bar of gold dipped in filth, which will preserve its worth and be unaffected by the filth. Such enlightenment is not possible from the creator, for this entity cannot recognize the power greater than itself. It is flawed and imperfect, so he couldn't hope to achieve this revelation.

The concept of salvation to the Gnostic is somewhat simple while at the same time very complex. Most religions require faith, good works or both to avoid damnation. Gnostics believe salvation comes through gnosis or knowledge. Gnosticism seems to indicate that even those who are not pursuing saving knowledge can return to the light someday.

However there are those few unfortunate souls who seem to be damned forever. Studying the universe though comes into play when discussing the Gnostic salvation. 

There are many types of Gnosticism that spread throughout the world, but most can be defined as:  "a religious movement consisting of various belief systems generally united in the teaching that humans are divine souls trapped in a material world created by an imperfect god, the demiurge, who is frequently identified with the Abrahamic God.

Gnosticism is very interesting to study, but I did have difficulty relating to some of the underlying philosophies (especially in the beginning).  I'm glad I took the course, though.  Bishop Pat took something that was (in my opinion) very difficult to understand and broke it down thoroughly so that the concepts can be better understood.  I liked the contrast he gave between Gnostics and Christians.  It was very effectively presented.  In summary, I enjoyed the course—both the history and descriptions of the Gnostic beliefs.

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