Some Serious Mind Bullet Action

Interestingly, gnosticism isn't just being embraced by some modern Biblical "scholars" (apparently orthodoxy is "certainly not a minority position within early Christianity studies" according to Ransom's linked article below. In other words, orthodoxy is the majority amongst biblical scholars, but why would they want to say it so affirmatively) as a challenge to the authority of the Catholic Church. It is also core to many of the beliefs of the Mormon church.

One particular example is explained in the following article:

There are many similarities between early Gnosticism and Mormonism; of interest here is the similar emphasis on form over substance and of technique over reality. The LDS sect and its apologists claim, in essence, that since they say they believe in Jesus Christ, they must be Christian. But what someone says is only as meaningful and valid as the object referred to––reality cannot be manipulated by words. Yet this approach was the norm for Joseph Smith, whose life was a series of manipulations involving dreams of treasure, power, greed, lust, and even occultic practices. It was natural that Smith would become involved in Masonry since it promised control over the material realm, gave power to a select few, and relied on secret techniques, all hallmarks of Gnostic practices and beliefs. Although today’s Mormons are not as flamboyant or as contrary as Smith, their belief system is still based on the same neo-Gnostic premises: language can be changed to suit one’s needs, only the Mormon elect are privy to the secrets of the Temple (essentially reworked Masonic ceremonies), and only the very best men will eventually become gods of their own universes.

There is also the emphasis on individuality in Mormon rituals that stinks of gnosticism:

In comparing Mormon temple work with Catholic worship, this former temple patron observes differences. Chief among these is the purpose of the work. For the Mormon, temple work is undertaken as a means to advancement, for oneself or for a dead person. The central figure is the patron or the one for whom he is doing proxy work. . . In return for his proper performance, he is promised exaltation as a god while being symbolically introduced into this eternal delight by being taken by the hand and brought through a cloth veil into the celestial room, there to contemplate his eventual deification.

How different the liturgy or work of the people at Mass, the central act for all Catholics! Christ and his Father are the focus. The Lord is the center, the source and goal of worship. Imperfect, striving members come to the Eucharist, first confessing their sinfulness to God and one another. In this house of prayer for all people, voices are raised together in adoration of the one Lord. It is to his service alone that the congregation dedicates itself.

And of course, the ever-present complication with trying to combine gnosticism with Christianity - doublethink. A condition suffered by all of the unorthodox "scholars" cited in Ransom's post.

Mind Bullets.