Term
Gnosticism
A group of heresies characterized by metaphysical dualism, a docetic Christology, and the claim of secret knowledge (gnosis) necessary for salvation.
Filed underHistorical Theology
Definition
A matrix of heresies that was promoted by people such as Marcion, Saturinus, and Valentinus. It differentiated the god of the Old Testament and the god of the New Testament, embraced metaphysical dualism, held a docetic view of Jesus Christ, and claimed to possess a secret gnosis (Gr. gnosis) knowledge regarding salvation. It has resurfaced in modified form throughout church history.
Connections
Follow this entry through the Lexicon.
- Narrower than
- DualismTerm
- See also
- GnosisTerm
- Influenced
- PauliciansTerm
- Related to
- PleromaTerm
- Antitype of
- ValentinusPersonFounder of a major Gnostic sect.
- Influenced by
- ZoroastrianismTerm
Sources
- 1.Allison, Gregg R., and Wayne A. Grudem Historical Theology: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011). 746Original citation: Allison, Gregg R., and Wayne A. Grudem. Historical Theology: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011, 746.
- 2.Everett Ferguson Church History: Volume One: From Christ to Pre-Reformation. 2nd ed.. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2013). pp. 88-99Ferguson outlines the sources, principal teachers (Cerinthus, Basilides, Valentinus), and common features of Gnostic myths, including the role of the Demiurge and the restoration of the divine Pleroma.
Last revised August 14, 2026