“The philosopher Hans Jonas was the first to compare ancient Gnosticism with modern existentialism. (Gnosticism and Modern Nihilism, 1952). For Jonas, the central tenet of both is the entrapment of human beings in a world at odds with their true nature. Jonas emphasizes that the two outlooks are far from identical. In Gnosticism, the world is demonic and hostile; in existentialism it is impersonal and indifferent. In Gnosticism one is presently separated from one’s true self; in existentialism, one has no fixed nature. In Gnosticism this alienation is surmountable; in existentialism it is not. …
“As time goes on, it can be seen that Mankind is ‘in process’. As the various strands of religion (belief) Gnosis (knowledge) and emotions (feeling) are brought together, a much more coherent whole emerges. Segal says: “Whereas Voegelin uses the term “Gnostic” negatively, Jung uses it positively. … Jung applauds Gnostics as budding Jungians.” ~Bernard Simon
Gnosticism
It is interesting that Hans Jonas is said to have compared Ancient Gnosticism with modern Existentialism. This sentence seems to imply that either Gnosticism is something that existed only in the distant past, or that ancient Gnosticism differs significantly from the modern version. The second part of that, I believe, is somewhat true.
While there are different Gnostic groups today just as in the distant past, I think that there is one major difference between the ancient ones and their modern version. The ancient Gnostics of virtually all variations taught that Gnosis, or divine knowledge, came through methods of directly accessing this divine knowledge through the development of the spirit and soul and the gradual achievement of higher and higher levels of consciousness. At least some of the modern ones seem to think they can find that Gnosis in books and ancient writings.
Existentialism
As best as I understand it, which I admit is limited, the Existentialist philosophy is a materialistic one that emphasizes the importance of the individual and the idea that each individual must find his own truth and his own path. It seems that in this philosophy, there are no higher beings to turn to for assistance or advice. Nor, apparently, do they see any advantage in working together with others. His seems far from the ideas of the Gnostics. I really don’t see why anyone would compare the two groups. The only thing they have in common is that they both think the material world is seriously messed up. And they are both right on that.
Surmountable Problems
While the existentialists see the problems of the world as permanent, the Gnostics see them as solvable. Specifically, the Gnostics believe that there is a spiritual realm that is far better than the physical. They don’t just believe in it, however, they experience it through their secret spiritual practices.
Gnostics see the physical world as the fallen world. It was created by the Demiurge, not the real God. But because the Demiurge is not the true creator, they could only create by changing something that already existed into something else. So the Demiurge created matter out of spirit. The Gnostics believe that the process can be reversed. It can be reversed by spiritual people working with God and the angels to make it happen. T isn’t just a dream. It is something that can definitely happen with enough cooperation from humanity. Getting enough people to contribute is a surmountable problem.
Mankind in Process
I would prefer to say mankind in progress rather than process. Process only means that we are still changing, still developing. It doesn’t say in which direction. While there are those who continue to devolve deeper into matter, the ones who are turning around and evolving into spirit are growing in number. As more and more of us make that turn, the frequency of the whole planet is increasing making it even easier for others to make the change. It also helps, of course, that the spiritual Sun of Righteousness that currently shines down on us is continuing to grow brighter and send more of the high-frequency radiation our way that aids the awakening process.
At this point, spiritual people are hopeful that the world will be able to change. It is still uncertain, however. A certain percentage of humanity must awaken for that to happen. We haven’t reached that percentage yet. And we can’t force others to change when they are not ready for it. All we can do is keep looking for those who are ready and give them what assistance and encouragement we can. We cling to the hope that enough of us will awaken soon to get the entire planet turning away from matter and back to spirit. This is what Gnosticism is really about. Not just gaining divine knowledge for its own sake. It’s about gaining knowledge to save ourselves and the world.
