|  |
Image: frankbeckerde Welcome back for a new academic year!
Gnosis is the greek word for knowledge and often refers to spiritual knowledge that is supplied by a particular religious group. The most famous group of early Christians that match this description are now known to scholars as the Gnostics: they are a collection of early Christian sects who were eventually persecuted out of existence by the Church Fathers and Roman Emperors. The Gnostics stressed the importance of knowledge (gnosis) over faith (pistis) - this knowledge gave the knower the ability to gain everlasting life after death, however it was secretive and only could be gained once members had undergone complex initiation. This went against the mainstream belief that Christianity was open to all and was received through revelation rather than instruction.
Gnosis is the greek word for knowledge and often refers to spiritual knowledge that is supplied by a particular religious group. The most famous group of early Christians that match this description are now known to scholars as the Gnostics: they are a collection of early Christian sects who were eventually persecuted out of existence by the Church Fathers and Roman Emperors. The Gnostics stressed the importance of knowledge (gnosis) over faith (pistis) - this knowledge gave the knower the ability to gain everlasting life after death, however it was secretive and only could be gained once members had undergone complex initiation. This went against the mainstream belief that Christianity was open to all and was received through revelation rather than instruction.
Image: geralt Although the Gnostics were ultimately unsuccessful and hounded out of existence they were onto an important idea; knowledge is power. Nothing is more valuable than knowing facts and concepts; they are the building blocks of what Aristotle called Pronesis (practical wisdom).
Learning facts has become rather underrated in the modern world; sometimes people suggest that transferable skills are more important such as empathy and lateral thinking; but knowledge should not be neglected. For example imagine that you were a businesswoman trying to seal the deal on a new Oil Contact in Saudi Arabia. Whilst being empathetic and being able to think quickly on your feet will be important in securing the deal, knowledge of the religious customs of the region will also be very important. Should you wear a headscarf? What times during the week should you arrange the meeting to best suit the prayers of the clients? What if it is the month of Ramadan? If you do not know these things then you might jepordise the entire operation by causing unnecessary offence.
Learning facts has become rather underrated in the modern world; sometimes people suggest that transferable skills are more important such as empathy and lateral thinking; but knowledge should not be neglected. For example imagine that you were a businesswoman trying to seal the deal on a new Oil Contact in Saudi Arabia. Whilst being empathetic and being able to think quickly on your feet will be important in securing the deal, knowledge of the religious customs of the region will also be very important. Should you wear a headscarf? What times during the week should you arrange the meeting to best suit the prayers of the clients? What if it is the month of Ramadan? If you do not know these things then you might jepordise the entire operation by causing unnecessary offence.
This is of course only one example but the adage is true in numerous situations. And even in the more mundane life of GCSEs and A-levels it is all very well and good to know how to structure an essay or plan your exam answer, but without any facts to populate the essay you are not going to earn many marks!
What Gnosis do you hope to learn this year and how will your studies in R&P impact upon your future life?
What Gnosis do you hope to learn this year and how will your studies in R&P impact upon your future life?
RSS Feed
