Syrian-Egyptian Gnosticism
The Syrian-Egyptian Gnostic schools of thought are recognized for their typically monist views. The Gnostic groups described here derive much of their teaching from Platonist influences. Creation is achieved via a series of emanations from an original monadic source. The product of these emanations is the creation of the material world.
An important defining aspect of these Gnostic groups is their recognition of evil. While other Gnostic sects identify evil as an equal force opposing good, the Syrian-Egyptian Gnostics see evil as inferior, lacking the spiritual insight and goodness that is possessed by good.
Many of these Gnostic movements have derived influences from Christianity, and these groups typically refer to themselves as Christian. |