what is the difference between Gnosticism and Theism with respect to religion and spi

what is the difference between Gnosticism and Theism with respect to religion and spirituality?

Lil this is Y!A not an encyclopedia

Very BIG... Gnosticism believes in the spirit of self. Theism believes in the human self.

Personally, if you research Gnosticism it makes much more sense.

Theism confuses everyone. They aren't sure if the are spirit or human. Some think they are one of the same but feel the JC myth was human not spiritual, or at least the church will have you think of it in those terms.

Interestingly, the great mother church removed gnosticism because Gnostic's were taught to believe in the spirit of self and the only way to find a god is to look within [does that sound familiar?]. The church would not have had a hold over the people if they let that ideal prevail. They had to make it human in order to control the masses. Thus they made the resurrection myth a human issue which makes no sense.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AnfFZH87Q1nkjop3cCRuB4Dty6IX;_ylv=3?qid =20071130203852AAum2b2&show=7#profile-info-rNrD4d8yaa

Lots of good references and links in the above question.

Theism is the belief in one God. As far as Gnosticism is concerned, there are no surviving Gnostic Books, only books against Gnosticism written by Early Christian Church Fathers. That's why the word Gnostic has a negative connotation . Gnosis is the Greek word for knowledge. Gnostic sects believed that the material world is evil and souls become trapped in it and the soul needs to learn how to escape. Basically, "knowledge of yourself".The Early Gnostic's used the Gospel of John. They adjusted it to suit their belief. I hope that this explanation didn't put you to sleep.