Gnosticism
Gnosticism (from Ancient Greek:, 'having knowledge') is a collection of religious ideas and systems which coalesced in tbe late 1st century AD among Jewish and early Christian sects.[1] These various groups emphasized personal spiritual knowledge (gnosis) above tbe orthodox teachings, traditions, and authority of religious institutions. Gnostic cosmogony generally presents a distinction between a supreme, hidden God and a malevolent lesser divinity (sometimes associated with tbe Yahweh of tbe Old Testament) [2] who is responsible for creating tbe material universe. [3] Consequently, Gnostics considered material existence flawed or evil, and held tbe principal element of salvation to be direct knowledge of tbe hidden divinity, attained via mystical or esoteric insight. Many Gnostic texts deal not in concepts of sin and repentance, but with illusion and enlightenment. [4]