Literally, "one who knows." Every religion has its gnostics, but Gnostic with a capital G almost always refers to Christian Gnostics. Beliefs vary widely, but essentially they value personal revelation and mysticism over dogma. Gnostics believe absolute religious truth can be known but it is only revealed towards enlightened humans, and the Gnostics purported to teach secrets that orthodox Christianity did not know. Hence, most Gnostic gospels are titled "The Secret Book of insert name."
The more extreme Gnostic theologians theorized that the Earth was created by an imperfect creator, called the Demiruge, who had "spun off" from a higher Father but does not realize it. Jesus was sent by the Father to show humanity the truth. The Cainites went one step further; they believed the Demiurge was evil, and they worshiped as saints all who stood against him in the Bible - Cain, Judas, etc.
The more extreme Gnostic theologians theorized that the Earth was created by an imperfect creator, called the Demiruge, who had "spun off" from a higher Father but does not realize it. Jesus was sent by the Father to show humanity the truth. The Cainites went one step further; they believed the Demiurge was evil, and they worshiped as saints all who stood against him in the Bible - Cain, Judas, etc.
The gnostics were mostly eliminated by Irenaeus and the orthodox movement, but they have seen a resurgence in the 20th century, as more gnostic gospels are discovered and translated.
by odesseyandoracle October 06, 2003
One of the most unfairly overlooked bands in history. You've probably heard "She's Not There" and "Time of the Season." Their other stuff is just as good.
by odesseyandoracle October 06, 2003
Jerry: She had manhands.
Elaine: Man, hands?
Jerry: The hands of a man. Like a creature out of Greek mythology. She was part human, part horrible beast.
Elaine: Man, hands?
Jerry: The hands of a man. Like a creature out of Greek mythology. She was part human, part horrible beast.
by odesseyandoracle October 06, 2003
The belief that the creator is an evil being who relies on prayers from humans to survive, and he created the world's religions for that purpose. If humans stop praying, he will die. Somewhat related to the more extreme Gnostic sects, such as the Cainites.
by odesseyandoracle October 06, 2003
The extra material around the crotch of a pair of pants that bunches up when the wearer sits down, making it seem as if he (or she?) is having an erection.
by odesseyandoracle October 06, 2003
A person who does not purport to know whether God exists, but has faith that He/She/It does; an agnostic theist. Fideists reject religious dogma.
by odesseyandoracle October 06, 2003