It was always my understanding that Gnosticism (from the Greek Word Gnosis meaning knowledge) in its' various forms was a philosophy that we all have a spark of the divine within us that we can tap into (basic explanation). The reason being according to the Gnostics of various kinds we are in an imperfect shell but can be released through the practice of Gnosticism.
The reason I say various forms is because I've seen Gnostic Luciferianism (should be easy to figure out - Gnostic Satanists basically) as well as Gnosticism within Christianity, although I'm pretty certain there's forms of Gnosticism elsewhere that are less commonly known. Buddhism for example has very similar principles.
Its' a practice that was around thousands of years ago though and in fact was around in different theologies long before Christianity. Some even suggest that Jesus taught a form of Gnosticism - hence the earlier Gnostic Gospels, for example. Effectively Gnosticism can be described as "Salvation from Within".
A big jar full of books from their library was discovered in the 40s (Nag Hammadi Library), but other than that, not much is known... other than that they claimed to have "secret knowledge," which is quite possible, since Christ himself was speaking about the "Secrets of the Kingdom."
If you would like to dig into this more private side of the Christ story... that would support the Gnostic point of view, this is an excellent resource: http://gospelenigma.com
They teach that humans are divine souls trapped in a material world which was brought about by an imperfect creator, usually believed to be the Judeo-Christian God. This creator may be depicted as an embodiment of evil, or benevolent but inadequate. This creator supposedly exists alongside a remote and unknowable Supreme Being which is the embodiment of good. In order to free oneself from this inferior material world knowledge (nosies) of this unknowable god is necessary. Some gnostic sects see Jesus as an embodiment of this Supreme Being, while others view Jesus as a false deliverer who perverted the teachings entrusted to him by John the Baptist.
My impression is that they believe in a divine feminine and that we each have the capability to achieve 'nosies' (knowledge/spiritual knowledge). It seems to only focus on the New Testament and the other Nag Hammadi books. It's more about Jesus/God being loving and forgiving.
The mother goddess is Sophia (goddess of knowledge but what I've read, kinda vague) and Mary Magdalene was at least, an important disciple. Some think she was married to Jesus but all I've really been absolutely aware of is that she was very important-I even read somewhere that she represented the divine feminine. Mary, the mother, is hardly mentioned. It doesn't look down or say anything negative about her, it's just not mentioned.
I am a Gnostic and have been so for years. Some of the answers I have seen are on the right track and others not even close. There are many misunderstandings about the Gnostics because they haven't been very public about their teachings throughout history.
The most accurate explanation of Gnosticism I have found, what it is, it's history and its reemergence in modern times can be found here:
http://www.gnosticweb.com/gnosis-through-ages
I think the short article should answer all of your questions.
If there is something you want more clarification on, feel free to contact me.
What are Gnosticism beliefs?
