Issue 96

Interesting and Little Known Facts about the Gnostics

Gnosticism emerged during a time when Christians faced an identity crisis.

The Gnostics believed that knowledge is the key to salvation–for a select few.

The discovery of the Nag Hammadi collection brought ancient Gnostic writings to light.

Irenaeus the “peacemaker” was the early church’s best warrior against Gnostic heresy.

Before creeds, even before an official New Testament, there was the Rule of Faith.

Despite the appearance of Gnostic “gospels,” the early church decided that Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were without rival.

Ask those who knew his earliest followers, said Irenaeus.

Though Gnostic sects faded in the early church, Gnostic ideas have had a long shelf life.

A bird’s eye view of the early church, the emergence of the Gnostics, and the development of the biblical canon.

Defending the faith in today’s cultural climate means not only knowing our Bible but also knowing our history.