Confronting Modern Gnosticism: Upholding Christian Truth

 

Summary

In reflecting on the resurgence of Gnosticism, both ancient and modern, it's crucial to understand its implications for the church and society today. Gnosticism, an ancient heresy, has resurfaced as a form of religious paganism, threatening to create a new pagan civilization that seeks to extinguish the Christian message. This ideology is not merely a collection of unrelated issues but a coherent agenda that challenges the core tenets of Christianity. The discovery of the Nag Hammadi texts in 1945, which contain Gnostic writings, has fueled this revival, offering a narrative that aligns with modern cultural shifts towards spirituality and away from traditional Christian beliefs.

The essence of Gnosticism lies in its pantheistic worldview, where God is seen as an all-encompassing spirit, and creation is not a distinct act but an emanation of the divine. This belief system blurs the lines between the Creator and creation, promoting a monistic view that everything is one. Such a perspective is at odds with the Christian doctrine of a transcendent God who is distinct from His creation. The modern iteration of Gnosticism is evident in various cultural movements, from the New Age to the interfaith initiatives that seek to unify all religions under a single spiritual canopy.

The challenge for the church is to recognize and confront this ideology, which is often disguised as progressive spirituality or social justice. The rise of figures like Ken Wilber, who advocate for an integral spirituality that transcends traditional religious boundaries, exemplifies this trend. His influence extends to global leaders and institutions, indicating the widespread acceptance of these ideas.

As Christians, we must be vigilant and discerning, understanding the cultural and spiritual forces at play. The early church faced and overcame Gnosticism, and we are called to do the same today. By grounding ourselves in the truth of the gospel and equipping the next generation with a robust understanding of Christian doctrine, we can stand firm against the encroaching tide of neo-Gnosticism. The resurrection of Christ is our hope and assurance that God's truth will ultimately prevail.

Key Takeaways:

- Gnosticism, both ancient and modern, presents a significant challenge to Christianity by promoting a pantheistic worldview that blurs the distinction between Creator and creation. This ideology seeks to unify all religions under a single spiritual canopy, threatening the core tenets of the Christian faith. [02:31]

- The discovery of the Nag Hammadi texts has fueled the resurgence of Gnostic thought, offering a narrative that aligns with modern cultural shifts towards spirituality and away from traditional Christian beliefs. This revival is evident in various cultural movements, from the New Age to interfaith initiatives. [04:43]

- Modern Gnosticism is characterized by its emphasis on mysticism and social justice, often disguising itself as progressive spirituality. This movement challenges the church to recognize and confront these ideologies, which are gaining acceptance among global leaders and institutions. [36:38]

- The church must equip the next generation with a robust understanding of Christian doctrine to stand firm against the encroaching tide of neo-Gnosticism. By grounding ourselves in the truth of the gospel, we can confront this ideology and uphold the distinctiveness of the Christian faith. [55:24]

- The resurrection of Christ is our hope and assurance that God's truth will ultimately prevail. Just as the early church overcame Gnosticism, we are called to do the same today, trusting that the gospel will silence neo-Gnosticism and bring glory to God. [56:50]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:33] - Introduction to Gnosticism
- [01:09] - Cultural Shifts in Spirituality
- [01:52] - The Rise of Modern Paganism
- [02:31] - Gnosticism's Threat to Christianity
- [03:20] - Historical Context of Gnosticism
- [04:07] - Ancient Gnostic Texts
- [05:31] - Misinterpretations of Gnostic Texts
- [06:15] - Cultural Implications of Gnosticism
- [09:10] - Modern Gnostic Movements
- [10:30] - The Unveiling of Esoteric Knowledge
- [11:55] - The Perennial Philosophy
- [14:52] - Gnostic Views on God and Creation
- [17:08] - Gnosticism's Pantheistic Nature
- [19:29] - Gnosticism as a Form of Paganism
- [24:50] - The Future of Gnosticism
- [31:00] - Ken Wilber and Integral Spirituality
- [36:38] - The New Liberal Agenda
- [40:54] - Impact on the Evangelical Church
- [46:19] - Brian McLaren and Gnostic Apostasy
- [49:57] - The Scam of Gnostic Philosophy
- [55:24] - Preparing the Next Generation
- [56:50] - The Hope of the Resurrection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Understanding the Resurgence of Gnosticism

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
2. Isaiah 45:5 - "I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God."
3. John 1:1-3 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made."

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Observation Questions:

1. What is the core belief of Gnosticism regarding the nature of God and creation, and how does it differ from the Christian understanding? [14:52]

2. How did the discovery of the Nag Hammadi texts in 1945 contribute to the resurgence of Gnostic thought in modern culture? [04:43]

3. What are some modern cultural movements that reflect Gnostic ideologies, as mentioned in the sermon? [09:10]

4. How does the sermon describe the influence of figures like Ken Wilber on the acceptance of Gnostic ideas among global leaders? [34:19]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the Gnostic view of God as an all-encompassing spirit challenge the Christian doctrine of a transcendent Creator? [14:52]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that modern Gnosticism disguises itself as progressive spirituality or social justice? [36:38]

3. How does the sermon propose that the church can equip the next generation to stand firm against neo-Gnosticism? [55:24]

4. What role does the resurrection of Christ play in countering the claims of Gnosticism, according to the sermon? [56:50]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the Gnostic belief that God and creation are one. How does this belief impact your understanding of God's distinctiveness as the Creator? How can you reinforce the biblical view of God in your daily life?

2. The sermon mentions the influence of cultural movements like the New Age and interfaith initiatives. Have you encountered these ideologies in your community or workplace? How can you engage with them while maintaining your Christian beliefs? [09:10]

3. Consider the role of figures like Ken Wilber in promoting Gnostic ideas. How can you discern and critically evaluate the spiritual teachings you encounter, especially those that claim to transcend traditional religious boundaries? [34:19]

4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of grounding ourselves in the truth of the gospel. What specific steps can you take to deepen your understanding of Christian doctrine and share it with others? [55:24]

5. How can the hope and assurance of Christ's resurrection empower you to confront modern Gnostic ideologies in your personal and community life? [56:50]

6. The sermon suggests that the church must prepare the next generation to face neo-Gnosticism. How can you contribute to this effort within your family or church community? [55:24]

7. Reflect on the cultural shifts towards spirituality mentioned in the sermon. How can you engage in meaningful conversations with those who are drawn to these shifts, while pointing them to the truth of the gospel? [01:09]

Devotional

Day 1: The Threat of Pantheism to Christian Distinctiveness
Gnosticism, both ancient and modern, challenges the core tenets of Christianity by promoting a pantheistic worldview that blurs the distinction between Creator and creation. This ideology seeks to unify all religions under a single spiritual canopy, threatening the unique message of the Christian faith. The resurgence of Gnostic thought, fueled by the discovery of the Nag Hammadi texts, aligns with modern cultural shifts towards spirituality and away from traditional Christian beliefs. This revival is evident in various cultural movements, from the New Age to interfaith initiatives, which often disguise themselves as progressive spirituality or social justice. [02:31]

Colossians 2:8 (ESV): "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."

Reflection: In what ways have you encountered beliefs or practices that blur the line between Creator and creation in your community? How can you lovingly address these with the truth of the gospel?


Day 2: The Cultural Shift Towards Gnostic Spirituality
The discovery of the Nag Hammadi texts has fueled the resurgence of Gnostic thought, offering a narrative that aligns with modern cultural shifts towards spirituality and away from traditional Christian beliefs. This revival is evident in various cultural movements, from the New Age to interfaith initiatives. These movements often present themselves as inclusive and progressive, appealing to those seeking spiritual experiences without the perceived constraints of organized religion. As these ideologies gain traction, they challenge the church to remain steadfast in its commitment to the gospel and to discern the underlying philosophies that may lead believers astray. [04:43]

1 Timothy 4:1-2 (ESV): "Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared."

Reflection: How can you discern between cultural movements that align with the gospel and those that subtly lead away from it? What steps can you take to ensure your spiritual foundation remains rooted in Christ?


Day 3: The Disguise of Progressive Spirituality
Modern Gnosticism is characterized by its emphasis on mysticism and social justice, often disguising itself as progressive spirituality. This movement challenges the church to recognize and confront these ideologies, which are gaining acceptance among global leaders and institutions. Figures like Ken Wilber advocate for an integral spirituality that transcends traditional religious boundaries, exemplifying this trend. As these ideas become more widespread, it is crucial for Christians to be vigilant and discerning, understanding the cultural and spiritual forces at play. [36:38]

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (ESV): "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds."

Reflection: Consider a recent encounter with a spiritual or social movement. How can you discern whether it aligns with the gospel or is a disguise for something contrary to Christian teachings?


Day 4: Equipping the Next Generation
The church must equip the next generation with a robust understanding of Christian doctrine to stand firm against the encroaching tide of neo-Gnosticism. By grounding ourselves in the truth of the gospel, we can confront this ideology and uphold the distinctiveness of the Christian faith. This involves teaching young believers to recognize and refute false teachings, while also instilling in them a deep love for God's Word and a commitment to living out their faith in a world that often opposes it. [55:24]

2 Timothy 3:14-15 (ESV): "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in equipping the next generation with a strong foundation in Christian doctrine? What practical steps can you take to mentor or teach young believers in your community?


Day 5: The Hope of the Resurrection
The resurrection of Christ is our hope and assurance that God's truth will ultimately prevail. Just as the early church overcame Gnosticism, we are called to do the same today, trusting that the gospel will silence neo-Gnosticism and bring glory to God. The resurrection is not only a historical event but also a present reality that empowers believers to live victoriously in the face of spiritual challenges. It is the cornerstone of our faith and the ultimate proof of God's power and love. [56:50]

1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (ESV): "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

Reflection: In what ways does the resurrection of Christ give you hope and strength to face the challenges of modern Gnosticism? How can you share this hope with others in your community?

Quotes

I have selected 12 quotes from the transcript that align with the key takeaways provided. Here they are:

Gnosticism is both a specific ancient heresy that the church already faced and defeated, but that it is also the essence of the revival of religious paganism which has the goal of creating a new pagan, planetary civilization where the Christian message will be snuffed out if they can do it. That’s threatening the church, and that’s not new. [00:02:50]

The discovery of the Nag Hammadi texts in 1945 near the Egyptian village of Nag Hammadi Gnostic texts that come from the second or third centuries. And you know their message was probably more earthshaking than the events of the Second World War. Indeed you could almost say that the war for truth was beginning to work itself out in some kind of very public way in once Christian America from that time on. [00:04:44]

When the hippies went east and the gurus come west, when they sought to liberate spirituality and sexuality from the boundaries of classic Christianity, these texts arrive redefining the… so-called, the nature of Christianity. And it seems to me that what we have actually seen in this very short span of time in one generation that the agenda of the hippies on the west coast have become public policy for the nation at the beginning of the twenty-first century. [00:08:14]

We’re living in a time, we are told, of pagan apocalypse, a time of unveiling where this so-called esoteric knowledge is coming out onto the surface and is being made available for everybody. Nobody is embarrassed anymore to call themselves esoteric or even occult. This has become normal spirituality. [00:09:55]

The modern Gnostics like James Robinson and just before him Carl Jung, who was in love with the Gnostic text, – and actually the Jung foundation owned some of these Nag Hammadi texts – saw the value of these texts as fitting the progressive culture that has been developing since the ‘60s. [00:08:55]

The true God is that spirit behind everything, who brings the good news to his followers that we are divine like him. The false God of Gnosticism is the Creator of heaven and earth. He is called a blind fool and a joke because he thinks (quote) “that He is the true and living God.” [00:18:14]

Gnosticism serves most admirably as a bridge for paganism to infiltrate Christianity in our time. And she’s the one who announces the second coming of the goddess, the Sophianic millennium, the era of the goddess where all peoples and all faiths will be united together. And of course, at that moment Yahweh must be silenced. [00:20:04]

The time for glorifying the Almighty God, who supposedly rules, is not over. And he predicts that sometime in the future the calendar will be renamed and the year 2000 will be rechristened as the year 1 G.E., Global Era. The Lord’s Supper will be only significant as significant human fellowship, and Christmas will be a family holiday. [00:26:24]

Into this triumphalist spirituality steps a new Gnostic prophet by the name of Ken Wilber, who wrote a book in 2001 entitled A Theory of Everything: An Integral Vision for Business, Politics, Science and Spirituality. The new term, by the way so that you don’t look silly, is not New Age but Integral Spirituality or Progressive Spirituality. [00:31:15]

The universe is not winding down. It’s winding up. And a new metanarrative of deep religion with global consciousness will descend on a collective humanity. His system is based on what he calls holons, that is to say everything is a whole, but as a holon it can be integrated into another whole, and so you can build a holistic system by transcending and including. [00:32:21]

This is a massive movement, folks, and it is driving itself through our culture under the guise of doing good. This, I believe, is the new liberal agenda. Al Mohler, whom I respect deeply, said one thing wrong in August of 2008. He declared that the liberal Protestant river has run dry. Actually, I see a new stream of life now flowing in it. [00:37:12]

Just as the early church defeated Gnosticism, so this neo-Gnosticism will one day meet the truth of God’s powerful gospel and be silenced. As the Psalmist says, one day all the ends of the earth will fear Him. And the final testimony of Nebuchadnezzar will be taken up on the lips of all pagan rulers and nations, past and present, obliged one day to recognize that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father. [00:57:36]

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Transcript
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