What is the difference between Christian Mysticism, and Gnosticism?
I am just curious, I am a former Lutheran (a kind of Christian), and If I had known about stuff like Christian Mysticism and/or Gnosticism (or hell, even Christian Kabbalah), I might not have converted to Buddhism (liked the prospect of many lives as opposed to just one, and yes, orthodox Buddhists DO believe in post-Morten rebirth), So, what did I turn my back on?
And dear friends, please no trying to convert me, I am fairly certain in my insignificant mass of proteins between my ears that there probably are not any creator gods.
THNX IN ADVANCE!!
Well first of all Paul, what you said has nothing to do with the actual question I posted (but that's OK). But it is clear to me that you REALLY DO convert to Buddhism. Don't you know anything about the way Buddhism is practiced in the cultures that have adopted it historically? If you use Buddhism to deepen your (Christian?) practice, then I am glad. I call the Buddhism used in that way "diet coke Buddhism", or "net-book" Buddhism". It is life style Buddhism vars Religious Buddhism, which DOES have a set of beliefs, included in the definition of "right-view" is stuff like post Morten rebirth and karma. But I want to be a RELIGIOUS Buddhist, not just a lifestyle Buddhist. So I must disagree with your comments about the Darma. Please visit accordionist.org.Reg
Gnosticism is a pancreatic cultural movement found in many religions of the Wes(a search for hidden knowledge)t, The Druze and Mandean religions are Gnostic,not all Christian mysticism is Gnostic
Christian Mysticism is a genre of Christianity. Gnosticism is a specific form of Christian Mysticism. In other words, Gnosticism is to Christian Mysticism as Kabbalah is to Jewish Mysticism.
Read more here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnosticism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_mysticism
absolutely nothing,how can it be a kind of Christians. Christians are supposed to be obedient to the word of God. The bible. Either you are Christian or not.
Gnosticism is a Prue-Christian religion, and the Gnostic's wrote The Bible entirely. The Vatican (Catholic) only wanted 'The important texts' to be made public, which is The Holy Bible, as you read today (though today's prints have been translated many times, etc.), the rest was supposed to be destroyed (because they were supposed fillers, like if I was to tell you about my walk to a store, that not being as important as WHY I went).
Did that make it more clear as to a difference for you?
Well I don't know about "Converting to Buddhism". Buddhism does not have to be a set of beliefs. In fact it is not a set of beliefs. Buddhism is about becoming aware and getting in touch with reality directly. Buddha was not necessarily an atheist. He didn't answer the question when asked if there was a God. So, you can practice Buddhism (meditation, mindfulness, the four noble truths, the eightfold path etc.) and still be a Lutheran if you want... or anything else. Since Buddhism is about Dropping Opinions (Beliefs) it is freeing in that you just stay in touch with Truth. I myself practice Buddhism and also pray to God so you can do both.
What is the difference between Christian Mysticism, and Gnosticism?
