Gnosticism

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the Gnostic view of the Fall and the creation of Adam and Eve. It discusses the the connection between the Aeons and the emergence of the Adam and Eve myth in Christianity. The paper concludes that while there are obvious similarities, the story of Adam and Eve that we know in conventional doctrine differs considerably in many ways from the Gnostic myth.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Aeons
Sophia and the Demiurge
The creation of Adam
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"In conclusion, while there are obvious similarities, the story of Adam and Eve that we know in conventional doctrine differs considerably in many ways from the Gnostic myth. While there are permutations of the Gnostic myths, the creation of Adam and Eve are seen to be the result of a Fall that occurs with the birth or creation of the Demiurge. This error committed by Sophia the mother of the Demiurge, leads to the creation of the world and of humankind. The history of humankind and of Adam and Eve is therefore viewed in the Gnostic myth as the story of the struggle between the creator of this world, the false god, and the truth or gnosis of the divine Aeons. The conventional story of Adam and Eve as the instigators of the human fall from grace is therefore altered in the Gnostic myth. From this perspective, Adam and Eve are confined by the false god or Demiurge and the struggle for human salvation is one of awakening or knowledge of the true origins and history of humanity."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Apocryphon of John, from the Nag Hammadi Library,James M. Robinson, Ed, (1981) The Nag Hammadi Library. New York: Harper & Row., pp.103-4.
• Barbelo - Ennoia. April 6, 2008. http://altreligion.about.com/library/glossary/bldefbarbelo.htm
• Birth of a New Age. April 6, 2008. http://www.soul- guidance.com/houseofthesun/gnosticism.htm.
• Dark Mirrors of Heaven: Gnostic Cosmogony. April 6, 2008. <http://www.timelessmyths.com/mirrors/gnostic.php>
• Hoeller Stephan A. The Genesis Factor. April 6, 2008. <http://www.sullivan-county.com/nf0/nov_2000/gnostic.htm>

More papers on Gnosticism:

• Analytical Essay # 23995 : "Gnosticism vs. Christianity"
• Comparison Essay # 47232 : "Gnosticism and the New Age Religion"
• Term Paper # 105454 : "Gnosticism: Irenaeus and the Cainites"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: