1. a religious and philosophical movement of the early Christian era that emphasized salvation through secret knowledge (gnosis) rather than faith or good works
Usage: historical; religious studies
2. any system of belief that claims salvation or enlightenment comes through special or secret knowledge
Usage: general usage

Examples

• Early Christian leaders condemned Gnosticism as heretical.
• The professor explained how Gnosticism influenced early Christian theology.
• Gnostic texts were discovered among the Nag Hammadi manuscripts.
• Some scholars argue that certain New Age movements show elements of Gnosticism.
• The church fathers wrote extensively against Gnosticism in the second century.
• Modern Gnosticism has attracted followers seeking alternative spiritual paths.