Towards a Gnostic catechism
Nov. 22nd, 2002 12:31 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sophiaserpentiaI was inspired by the "Gnostic Catechism" presented by Bishop Hoeller, to try my own hand at using this format to compile my thoughts, hopes, and aspirations for what I want to assemble. The results of that have finally come about, in a rough draft that will no doubt need much revising.
But what is a journal for, if not to immortalize passing thoughts and whims, so that we can witness our own growth etched in words?
Behold.
This is a rough-draft for a catechism for the Gnostic Renewal, dated 11/21/2002.
LESSON I
On the Purpose of the Gnostic Renewal
1. What is the purpose of Gnostic instruction?
Gnostic instruction serves to bring one to a place in one's life where one can achieve Gnosis.
2. What is Gnosis?
Gnosis comes from a Greek word meaning "knowledge" or "perception." In the Gnostic Renewal it represents a state of being in harmony within oneself and of being in rhythm with the Root of All.
3. In what way is this achieved?
By following the Two Great Commandments of Jesus, namely, to cultivate compassion and agape.
4. What is compassion?
Compassion means that one's actions are committed in a spirit of mindfulness of the joys and sorrows of other beings.
5. What is agape?
Agape is a sense of wonder and thankfulness for the simple miracles of life and existence. Agape involves seeking inner harmony as part of our quest for harmony with the Root of All.
6. What is "inner harmony"?
For many people, the conscious mind is at odds with the unconscious intuitions and desires as well as the body and emotional state. The mystics of the ages have described a more ideal state where harmony has been achieved between body, mind, and soul, ideally to the point where all parts of one's being act as a unified whole.
7. How is inner harmony achieved?
There is no one "action" that can bring about this state; however, the mystics of the ages have recommended the following practices: contemplative prayer, mindfulness, body and breath meditations, contemplation of scripture, reflection on the experiences of life, thorough examination of one's own triumphs and shortcomings, and psychological self-examination.
8. How is inner harmony related to being in rhythm with the Root of All?
The Gnostic Renewal holds that as inner harmony is achieved, the individual intuitively begins to grasp the rhythms that guide the workings of the Universe. The ancient Gnostics considered the cosmos to be ordered by a divine mind, which they called the Logos (which means "reason") or Nous (which means "mind").
9. How can this teaching be summarized?
This teaching is encapsulated in the Platonic dictum "Know thyself," the Delphic dictum "as above, so below," and the Christian dictum "on Earth as it is in Heaven."
LESSON II
On the Gnostic Renewal
10. To what beliefs must students of Gnostic Renewal subscribe?
There is no creed that defines the Gnostic Renewal. Students of Gnostic Renewal are not required to believe or suspend their belief in any teaching. It is noted however that certain beliefs are less conducive to Gnosis than others. The teachings and terminology of the Gnostic Renewal are to be viewed at all times as tools for instruction, and nothing more.
11. What beliefs are less conducive to Gnosis?
Generally speaking, those who hold the belief that there is only one set of teachings that contains the "ultimate truth" are likely to encounter difficulties on the path to Gnosis. This should not be taken to mean, however, that Gnosis is unattainable to people with such beliefs.
12. Should students of Gnostic Renewal give preference to any existing belief system?
The Gnostic Renewal is rooted in Judaism and Christianity. As such many of the phrasings used to capture the teachings of the Gnostic Renewal are rooted in Judeo-Christian tradition. This does not mean, however, that belief in either system is required or even preferred.
13. If not belief, what then serves to unite students of Gnostic Renewal?
A sense of fellowship and common purpose.
14. In what is fellowship rooted?
Compassion and agape.
15. And what is the common purpose served by all students of Gnostic Renewal?
To exemplify compassion and agape in their common lives, and to make the teachings of the Gnostic Renewal available to all who ask -- thereby to spread Gnosis within the body of humankind.
16. Is it the intent of the Gnostic Renewal to proselytize or win converts?
Absolutely not. students of Gnostic Renewal are bound by fellowship instead of creed, which means there is no need to actively "convert" people or promote the Gnostic Renewal as an institution.
17. What then does it mean "to spread Gnosis within the body of humankind"?
It is perceived as good and necessary for all people to work as agents of justice and compassion. By offering compassion without reservation to people of all beliefs, students of Gnostic Renewal are merely doing what is right. Doing so will encourage others to develop their own compassion and agape - which means they perceive the Gnosis, regardless of whether they are affiliated with the Gnostic Renewal as an earthly institution, or whether they know the terminology of the Gnostic Renewal.
LESSON III
On God
18. What does the Gnostic Renewal teach about God?
"God," meaning a supreme or perfect being, may or may not exist as we understand the concept. However, for purposes of instruction there is presumed to be, as experienced by the mystics of the ages, a divine presence, like a mind guiding all.
19. By what basis is it possible to know or presume anything at all about God, including God's existence?
First-hand mystical experience. It is vitally important that students of the Gnostic Renewal consider all descriptions of, or expressions about, God, not as doctrine but as instructive premises that make sense only in light of mystical experience.
20. What are the characteristics of God perceived by mystics?
The Divine Presence (or "God") is that mysterious and ineffable quality by which all things have their existence, known to mystics of the ages as Brahman, the Dao, or the Ein Sof, and known to Gnostics as the Root of All, the Deep, and Stillness.
21. Does God have but a single essence?
The Root of All is perceived to be the innermost divine essence, in perfect equilibrium with regard to the cosmos. But we can perceive numerous divine aspects and essences that demonstrate the various divine workings in the cosmos. Though these are all "God," it helps sometimes to single out these aspects to further our understanding.
22. What is one such aspect?
The Holy Spirit, which students of Gnostic Renewal compare to breath, a process shared by all plants and animals. The word "spirit" is a cognate of "respiration." All living things breathe in and out the same air -- and metaphorically, the Holy Spirit manifests as change and movement that permeates all things.
23. What is another such aspect?
The Grace of God, which brings one a vivid awareness of divine presence, and with it a sense of cleansing and renewal.
24. Are there any aspects of God which are evil?
The Gnostic Renewal views the distinction between good and evil as a dichotomy resulting from human perception of the living condition. Since the aspects of God are not perceived as directly affecting the outcome of physical events, terms such as "good" or "evil" do not apply.
25. How else does the Gnostic literature describe God?
Much of the Gnostic literature describes a plethora of deities called "aions" and "archons." They are of interest mainly to students of Gnostic esoterica.
26. Are the Aions or Archons real?
The Gnostic Renewal views the aions and archons as aspects of cosmic nature or of the human psyche, depending on the context. They might also symbolize other things as well, especially in esoteric contexts.
LESSON IV
On the Cosmos
27. How did the cosmos come about?
The ultimate answer to this question is unknown.
28. In what way do all things "have their existence" by God?
Gnostic traditions teach that the elements of the cosmos are arranged like thoughts in the mind of God.
29. In what way does God bring about the existence of all things?
Scripture speaks of God saying "let there be light," followed by the existence of light. The Gnostic Renewal interprets this as a metaphor for what happens in nature: A thing exists where first there existed the potential for it to be. An event occurs where first there existed the potential for it to happen. God creates a presence of potential, which is then filled -- or not -- by nature. Thus it is said in the Tao Te Ching: "The way never acts, yet nothing is left undone."
30. Is God "one" with the cosmos?
A definitive answer cannot be given. Classical Gnosticism taught that God transcends the cosmos. However, many mystics report experiencing a divine presence permeating and uniting all things. Perhaps God is in all things, while not being all things.
31. What does it mean, to say that God "transcends" the cosmos?
The teaching of classical Gnosticism is that the reality of God is more "real" or more "fundamental" than the material reality of the cosmos.
32. Does this mean that the cosmos is an illusion?
No. This is a common misconception about Gnostic teachings. The Gnostic Renewal interprets this metaphorically to mean that one should align oneself with the spiritual rather than with the material.
LESSON V
On the relationship between God and Humankind
33. Does God require worship?
Not as understood by mystics. While many mystics choose to worship God, it should not be considered a requirement within the Gnostic Renewal.
34. What, then, defines the relationship between students of Gnostic Renewal and God?
The foremost goal of the Gnostic Renewal is apprehension of God's nature by way of mystical experience.
35. What else defines the relationship between students of Gnostic Renewal and God?
The second goal of the Gnostic Renewal is to guide people towards discernment of what is "God's will" for humankind and to act in harmony with it.
36. What is "God's will?"
This is a traditional phrase which is interpreted in the Gnostic Renewal as comparable to the Taoist "watercourse way": the "path of least resistance" which guides our actions once we have obtained inner harmony.
37. How does one act in harmony with "God's Will"?
The teaching of the Gnostic Renewal in this regard is that one who acts out of inner harmony finds that one has a clearer perception of the workings of the Holy Spirit in this world. Since inner harmony roots one's thoughts and actions in the same order that defines the cosmos, one who acts from inner harmony is more inclined to act in harmony with God's Will as well.
38. What is salvation?
Salvation represents a tangible change of state, where one feels keenly the preseonce of God in one's life. Gnosis is one form of salvation. There are other forms, which vary from person to person depending on their spiritual state and needs. Not all people will obtain or pursue Gnosis; but this does not mean that salvation is closed to them.
LESSON VI
On the Christ
39. What is the Christ?
In the Gnostic Renewal, the Christ is understood as a spirit, a demonstration of Divine Grace and guidance that confers the opportunity for Gnosis.
40. How did the Christ come to be?
The Christ was begotten when the potentiality for Christ spirit came to exist within the spirit of humankind.
41. How does the Christ bring Divine Grace and guidance?
When the individual opens a space of potentiality within her own heart for the Christ spirit, Grace and guidance is then conferred.
42. Was Jesus the Christ?
The teaching of the Gnostic Renewal in this regard is that Jesus was in communion with the Christ spirit.
43. Is there more than one Christ?
Every human contains the potential for communion with the Christ Spirit. In this sense there are potentially an infinite number of "Christs."
44. Did the Christ come in human form?
Scripture speaks of Christ "taking on human flesh." The position of the Gnostic Renewal is that this refers not to a specific "incarnation" of the Christ, but rather, what happens when the individual achieves communion with the Christ spirit and begins to speak and act in light of this transformation.
LESSON VII
On Spiritual Instruction
45. Which religion is true?
A religion is a set of teachings and traditions that arose out of a given culture's experience and spiritual needs. Many are rooted in the experiences of mystics throughout history. So there are elements of truth in all. The Gnostic Renewal draws from many religions and philosophies to find the universal core of human spiritual yearning.
46. Which teachers should we follow?
There are many teachers throughout history who have given us words of wisdom, and have instructed us also through the example of their lives. The Gnostic Renewal focuses on Jesus, Paul, and others in the Jewish and Christian tradition, but not exclusively.
47. Was Jesus divine?
Perhaps. The Gnostic Renewal takes no position on the divinity of Jesus, or the historical truth of his miracles or resurrection. What is certain is that students of Jesus can see the workings of the Christ spirit in the words he gave us and the example of his life and conduct.
48. Do prophets record the words of God?
In a sense. Many prophets and other writers of scripture throughout history have written words that are inspired by their experiences with the Spirit, or have attempted to put into words their impressions of that which defies direct description. It is not the words that are important, so much as the truth to which they point.
49. How should one approach scripture?
With reverence. They should also be seen as products of a particular culture and a particular time period. While there are aspects of truth and human experience that never change, the moral and ethical needs of culture grow over time, as the human race has grown and the human condition has grown.
50. Is there one teaching that encompasses truth?
No. Words change meaning, and the universe too is growing, as is the human psyche. No one teaching can capture the Spirit forever.
51. How does the student of Gnostic Renewal decide which scripture to use?
Scripture must be read with an eye to the author's goals. Some authors attempted to selflessly describe their spiritual experiences. Other authors had a clear agenda in support of an earthly institution. The student of Gnostic Renewal should read all scripture skeptically and discern for herself which scripture speaks most plainly of Spirit.
52. What worldly institutions offer the best instruction?
It is only for the individual to decide which spiritual institution best serves his or her spiritual needs. The Gnostic Renewal as an institution exists only to fill a perceived gap.
53. Why should one belong to a spiritual institution?
If one finds it beneficial to commune in fellowship with other people, one should participate in a spiritual institution. There are times in everyone's life when the advice or companionship of another human being is important for one's spiritual well-being.
LESSON VIII
On sacraments
54. What is a sacrament?
A sacrament refers to any thing or action set aside for God, a visible token or action representing our relationship to the divine. In the Aramaic usage, a sacrament "sets a trap for God," thus it is an attempt to capture in some tangible way that which is ineffable and intangible.
55. Are sacraments necessary for salvation?
In the strictest sense, no. However, people instinctively respond to sacraments, and find that their relationship with the divine is enhanced by the use of sacrament.
56. What public sacraments are employed in the Gnostic Renewal?
The Baptism of Water and Eucharist are public sacramental celebrations of the relationship between God and humankind, and are open to all who come.
57. What esoteric sacraments are employed in the Gnostic Renewal?
The Chrism and Sacrament of the Bridal Chamber (or Baptism of Fire) are esoteric sacraments which individuals may undertake if they feel their relationship with God is better enabled by exploration of esoteric mysteries.
58. What additional sacraments are employed in the Gnostic Renewal?
Many people wish to celebrate important passages in their lives as sacraments, and the Gnostic Renewal honors this through traditional celebration of birth, passage into adulthood, marriage, and death.
59. What personal sacraments are employed in the Gnostic Renewal?
Personal sacraments include any practices which the individual finds beneficial with their own relationship to God; these might include prayer, meditation, breath and body exercises, esoteric practices, and so on.
60. How are sacraments to be understood by students of the Gnostic Renewal?
The ceremonies of sacrament can become a material distraction from the spiritual nourishment of the individual. It is important to note that the sacraments are an institutional approximation of that which really occurs between the individual and God. Therefore it is not the sacrament itself which confers Grace or Gnosis, but rather effort within the individual.
61. Who may administer sacraments within the aegis of the Gnostic Renewal?
Sacraments will work best when administered by someone who has received instruction in their proper use and meaning, or who understands the mysteries they represent. It is the position of the Gnostic Renewal that God does not care whether or not one is a "bishop" in an earthly institution.
62. What is the Baptism of Water?
This is a sacrament that represents the individual's entrance into the fellowship of Gnostic Renewal.
63. Is Baptism necessary to participate in the ceremonies of the Gnostic Renewal?
It is never required for participation in the Eucharist or in any other public ceremony. It is, however, a required prelude to the esoteric sacraments.
64. What is the Chrism?
This is a sacrament that represents the individual's induction into the study of esoteric mysteries. In the classical Gnostic tradition it involved a ceremonial test or ordeal. While this ordeal may be performed as a ceremony, the real Chrism comes from the trials and tribulations of life.
65. What is the Sacrament of the Bridal Chamber, or the Baptism of Fire?
This sacrament represents the culmination of the esoteric mystery -- the communion of God and humankind.
66. When is the Sacrament of the Bridal Chamber performed?
It may not be necessary or even appropriate to celebrate this as a formal ritual. Obviously any ceremony conducted to represent the achievement of Gnosis is merely symbolic and does not in itself confer the state of Gnosis. But if celebrated with a ceremony it should be preceded by Chrism, and only after the student of the esoteric mysteries feels the Sacrament has been conferred.
67. What is the Eucharist?
The Eucharist is a demonstration of thankfulness, rememberance, and devotion dedicated to the Divine presence. It is commonly performed with bread and wine.
68. What does the bread of the Eucharist represent?
The bread represents the body of the individual who dedicates her life to the pursuit of communion with the Christ spirit.
69. What does the wine of the Eucharist represent?
The wine represents the essence of the Christ Spirit, and its ability to transform us.
LESSON IX
On the Earthly Institution of the Gnostic Renewal
70. What is the earthly institution of the Gnostic Renewal?
The Fellowship of Gnostic Renewal ("the Fellowship") is the earthly institution tasked with promoting the Gnostic Renewal.
71. What is the main goal of the Fellowship?
To educate all who seek to know about the Gnostic Renewal, to maintain an active and informed clergy, and to promote the well being of humankind by supporting social justice and equity.
72. What are the primary functions of the Fellowship?
To celebrate the Eucharist, to foster discussion and education of the Gnostic scriptures, and to perform other sacraments as needed.
73. How is the Fellowship organized?
The legal organization of the Fellowship will be determined as the needs of the Fellowship evolve. However, in general, there are four basic "tiers" of membership.
74. What is the first tier of membership?
"Participants" are those who partake of Eucharist or celebrate other public sacraments, but have not been Baptized.
75. What is the second tier of membership?
"Members" are those who have been Baptized. "Probationers" are those who have undergone the Chrism.
76. What is the third tier of membership?
"Priests" or "Priestesses" are those who have been deemed qualified to perform the Eucharist. "Initiates" are those who have undergone the esoteric course of study and have been deemed qualified to guide others in the esoteric mysteries.
77. What is the fourth tier of membership?
"Bishops" are those who have been educated in all aspects of the Gnostic Renewal and have been deemed qualified to participate in the Council of Bishops.
78. Who deems someone qualified to enter the third or fourth tier?
The Council of Bishops.
79. Does membership in a higher tier represent "closeness" to God?
Membership in any tier is simply a function of the earthly institution and in and of itself signifies nothing about the closeness of a person to God.
80. How are decisions and important determinations made by the Fellowship?
The Council of Bishops makes decisions by majority vote, following the accepted rules of order.
81. Who is on the Council of Bishops?
Any Bishop recognized by the Fellowship is on the Council.
82. Can someone be removed from the Fellowship?
If someone is disruptive or actively harms the Fellowship in some way, that person can be removed from an event at the discretion of the Priest, Priestess, Initiate, or Bishop presiding over the event. In addition, a continued pattern of disruption can merit permanent removal from the Fellowship by vote of the Council of Bishops.
83. What does removal from the Fellowship mean?
Removal from the Fellowship means simply that an individual was disruptive in some way. It implies nothing about the individual's spiritual state.
But what is a journal for, if not to immortalize passing thoughts and whims, so that we can witness our own growth etched in words?
Behold.
This is a rough-draft for a catechism for the Gnostic Renewal, dated 11/21/2002.
LESSON I
On the Purpose of the Gnostic Renewal
1. What is the purpose of Gnostic instruction?
Gnostic instruction serves to bring one to a place in one's life where one can achieve Gnosis.
2. What is Gnosis?
Gnosis comes from a Greek word meaning "knowledge" or "perception." In the Gnostic Renewal it represents a state of being in harmony within oneself and of being in rhythm with the Root of All.
3. In what way is this achieved?
By following the Two Great Commandments of Jesus, namely, to cultivate compassion and agape.
4. What is compassion?
Compassion means that one's actions are committed in a spirit of mindfulness of the joys and sorrows of other beings.
5. What is agape?
Agape is a sense of wonder and thankfulness for the simple miracles of life and existence. Agape involves seeking inner harmony as part of our quest for harmony with the Root of All.
6. What is "inner harmony"?
For many people, the conscious mind is at odds with the unconscious intuitions and desires as well as the body and emotional state. The mystics of the ages have described a more ideal state where harmony has been achieved between body, mind, and soul, ideally to the point where all parts of one's being act as a unified whole.
7. How is inner harmony achieved?
There is no one "action" that can bring about this state; however, the mystics of the ages have recommended the following practices: contemplative prayer, mindfulness, body and breath meditations, contemplation of scripture, reflection on the experiences of life, thorough examination of one's own triumphs and shortcomings, and psychological self-examination.
8. How is inner harmony related to being in rhythm with the Root of All?
The Gnostic Renewal holds that as inner harmony is achieved, the individual intuitively begins to grasp the rhythms that guide the workings of the Universe. The ancient Gnostics considered the cosmos to be ordered by a divine mind, which they called the Logos (which means "reason") or Nous (which means "mind").
9. How can this teaching be summarized?
This teaching is encapsulated in the Platonic dictum "Know thyself," the Delphic dictum "as above, so below," and the Christian dictum "on Earth as it is in Heaven."
LESSON II
On the Gnostic Renewal
10. To what beliefs must students of Gnostic Renewal subscribe?
There is no creed that defines the Gnostic Renewal. Students of Gnostic Renewal are not required to believe or suspend their belief in any teaching. It is noted however that certain beliefs are less conducive to Gnosis than others. The teachings and terminology of the Gnostic Renewal are to be viewed at all times as tools for instruction, and nothing more.
11. What beliefs are less conducive to Gnosis?
Generally speaking, those who hold the belief that there is only one set of teachings that contains the "ultimate truth" are likely to encounter difficulties on the path to Gnosis. This should not be taken to mean, however, that Gnosis is unattainable to people with such beliefs.
12. Should students of Gnostic Renewal give preference to any existing belief system?
The Gnostic Renewal is rooted in Judaism and Christianity. As such many of the phrasings used to capture the teachings of the Gnostic Renewal are rooted in Judeo-Christian tradition. This does not mean, however, that belief in either system is required or even preferred.
13. If not belief, what then serves to unite students of Gnostic Renewal?
A sense of fellowship and common purpose.
14. In what is fellowship rooted?
Compassion and agape.
15. And what is the common purpose served by all students of Gnostic Renewal?
To exemplify compassion and agape in their common lives, and to make the teachings of the Gnostic Renewal available to all who ask -- thereby to spread Gnosis within the body of humankind.
16. Is it the intent of the Gnostic Renewal to proselytize or win converts?
Absolutely not. students of Gnostic Renewal are bound by fellowship instead of creed, which means there is no need to actively "convert" people or promote the Gnostic Renewal as an institution.
17. What then does it mean "to spread Gnosis within the body of humankind"?
It is perceived as good and necessary for all people to work as agents of justice and compassion. By offering compassion without reservation to people of all beliefs, students of Gnostic Renewal are merely doing what is right. Doing so will encourage others to develop their own compassion and agape - which means they perceive the Gnosis, regardless of whether they are affiliated with the Gnostic Renewal as an earthly institution, or whether they know the terminology of the Gnostic Renewal.
LESSON III
On God
18. What does the Gnostic Renewal teach about God?
"God," meaning a supreme or perfect being, may or may not exist as we understand the concept. However, for purposes of instruction there is presumed to be, as experienced by the mystics of the ages, a divine presence, like a mind guiding all.
19. By what basis is it possible to know or presume anything at all about God, including God's existence?
First-hand mystical experience. It is vitally important that students of the Gnostic Renewal consider all descriptions of, or expressions about, God, not as doctrine but as instructive premises that make sense only in light of mystical experience.
20. What are the characteristics of God perceived by mystics?
The Divine Presence (or "God") is that mysterious and ineffable quality by which all things have their existence, known to mystics of the ages as Brahman, the Dao, or the Ein Sof, and known to Gnostics as the Root of All, the Deep, and Stillness.
21. Does God have but a single essence?
The Root of All is perceived to be the innermost divine essence, in perfect equilibrium with regard to the cosmos. But we can perceive numerous divine aspects and essences that demonstrate the various divine workings in the cosmos. Though these are all "God," it helps sometimes to single out these aspects to further our understanding.
22. What is one such aspect?
The Holy Spirit, which students of Gnostic Renewal compare to breath, a process shared by all plants and animals. The word "spirit" is a cognate of "respiration." All living things breathe in and out the same air -- and metaphorically, the Holy Spirit manifests as change and movement that permeates all things.
23. What is another such aspect?
The Grace of God, which brings one a vivid awareness of divine presence, and with it a sense of cleansing and renewal.
24. Are there any aspects of God which are evil?
The Gnostic Renewal views the distinction between good and evil as a dichotomy resulting from human perception of the living condition. Since the aspects of God are not perceived as directly affecting the outcome of physical events, terms such as "good" or "evil" do not apply.
25. How else does the Gnostic literature describe God?
Much of the Gnostic literature describes a plethora of deities called "aions" and "archons." They are of interest mainly to students of Gnostic esoterica.
26. Are the Aions or Archons real?
The Gnostic Renewal views the aions and archons as aspects of cosmic nature or of the human psyche, depending on the context. They might also symbolize other things as well, especially in esoteric contexts.
LESSON IV
On the Cosmos
27. How did the cosmos come about?
The ultimate answer to this question is unknown.
28. In what way do all things "have their existence" by God?
Gnostic traditions teach that the elements of the cosmos are arranged like thoughts in the mind of God.
29. In what way does God bring about the existence of all things?
Scripture speaks of God saying "let there be light," followed by the existence of light. The Gnostic Renewal interprets this as a metaphor for what happens in nature: A thing exists where first there existed the potential for it to be. An event occurs where first there existed the potential for it to happen. God creates a presence of potential, which is then filled -- or not -- by nature. Thus it is said in the Tao Te Ching: "The way never acts, yet nothing is left undone."
30. Is God "one" with the cosmos?
A definitive answer cannot be given. Classical Gnosticism taught that God transcends the cosmos. However, many mystics report experiencing a divine presence permeating and uniting all things. Perhaps God is in all things, while not being all things.
31. What does it mean, to say that God "transcends" the cosmos?
The teaching of classical Gnosticism is that the reality of God is more "real" or more "fundamental" than the material reality of the cosmos.
32. Does this mean that the cosmos is an illusion?
No. This is a common misconception about Gnostic teachings. The Gnostic Renewal interprets this metaphorically to mean that one should align oneself with the spiritual rather than with the material.
LESSON V
On the relationship between God and Humankind
33. Does God require worship?
Not as understood by mystics. While many mystics choose to worship God, it should not be considered a requirement within the Gnostic Renewal.
34. What, then, defines the relationship between students of Gnostic Renewal and God?
The foremost goal of the Gnostic Renewal is apprehension of God's nature by way of mystical experience.
35. What else defines the relationship between students of Gnostic Renewal and God?
The second goal of the Gnostic Renewal is to guide people towards discernment of what is "God's will" for humankind and to act in harmony with it.
36. What is "God's will?"
This is a traditional phrase which is interpreted in the Gnostic Renewal as comparable to the Taoist "watercourse way": the "path of least resistance" which guides our actions once we have obtained inner harmony.
37. How does one act in harmony with "God's Will"?
The teaching of the Gnostic Renewal in this regard is that one who acts out of inner harmony finds that one has a clearer perception of the workings of the Holy Spirit in this world. Since inner harmony roots one's thoughts and actions in the same order that defines the cosmos, one who acts from inner harmony is more inclined to act in harmony with God's Will as well.
38. What is salvation?
Salvation represents a tangible change of state, where one feels keenly the preseonce of God in one's life. Gnosis is one form of salvation. There are other forms, which vary from person to person depending on their spiritual state and needs. Not all people will obtain or pursue Gnosis; but this does not mean that salvation is closed to them.
LESSON VI
On the Christ
39. What is the Christ?
In the Gnostic Renewal, the Christ is understood as a spirit, a demonstration of Divine Grace and guidance that confers the opportunity for Gnosis.
40. How did the Christ come to be?
The Christ was begotten when the potentiality for Christ spirit came to exist within the spirit of humankind.
41. How does the Christ bring Divine Grace and guidance?
When the individual opens a space of potentiality within her own heart for the Christ spirit, Grace and guidance is then conferred.
42. Was Jesus the Christ?
The teaching of the Gnostic Renewal in this regard is that Jesus was in communion with the Christ spirit.
43. Is there more than one Christ?
Every human contains the potential for communion with the Christ Spirit. In this sense there are potentially an infinite number of "Christs."
44. Did the Christ come in human form?
Scripture speaks of Christ "taking on human flesh." The position of the Gnostic Renewal is that this refers not to a specific "incarnation" of the Christ, but rather, what happens when the individual achieves communion with the Christ spirit and begins to speak and act in light of this transformation.
LESSON VII
On Spiritual Instruction
45. Which religion is true?
A religion is a set of teachings and traditions that arose out of a given culture's experience and spiritual needs. Many are rooted in the experiences of mystics throughout history. So there are elements of truth in all. The Gnostic Renewal draws from many religions and philosophies to find the universal core of human spiritual yearning.
46. Which teachers should we follow?
There are many teachers throughout history who have given us words of wisdom, and have instructed us also through the example of their lives. The Gnostic Renewal focuses on Jesus, Paul, and others in the Jewish and Christian tradition, but not exclusively.
47. Was Jesus divine?
Perhaps. The Gnostic Renewal takes no position on the divinity of Jesus, or the historical truth of his miracles or resurrection. What is certain is that students of Jesus can see the workings of the Christ spirit in the words he gave us and the example of his life and conduct.
48. Do prophets record the words of God?
In a sense. Many prophets and other writers of scripture throughout history have written words that are inspired by their experiences with the Spirit, or have attempted to put into words their impressions of that which defies direct description. It is not the words that are important, so much as the truth to which they point.
49. How should one approach scripture?
With reverence. They should also be seen as products of a particular culture and a particular time period. While there are aspects of truth and human experience that never change, the moral and ethical needs of culture grow over time, as the human race has grown and the human condition has grown.
50. Is there one teaching that encompasses truth?
No. Words change meaning, and the universe too is growing, as is the human psyche. No one teaching can capture the Spirit forever.
51. How does the student of Gnostic Renewal decide which scripture to use?
Scripture must be read with an eye to the author's goals. Some authors attempted to selflessly describe their spiritual experiences. Other authors had a clear agenda in support of an earthly institution. The student of Gnostic Renewal should read all scripture skeptically and discern for herself which scripture speaks most plainly of Spirit.
52. What worldly institutions offer the best instruction?
It is only for the individual to decide which spiritual institution best serves his or her spiritual needs. The Gnostic Renewal as an institution exists only to fill a perceived gap.
53. Why should one belong to a spiritual institution?
If one finds it beneficial to commune in fellowship with other people, one should participate in a spiritual institution. There are times in everyone's life when the advice or companionship of another human being is important for one's spiritual well-being.
LESSON VIII
On sacraments
54. What is a sacrament?
A sacrament refers to any thing or action set aside for God, a visible token or action representing our relationship to the divine. In the Aramaic usage, a sacrament "sets a trap for God," thus it is an attempt to capture in some tangible way that which is ineffable and intangible.
55. Are sacraments necessary for salvation?
In the strictest sense, no. However, people instinctively respond to sacraments, and find that their relationship with the divine is enhanced by the use of sacrament.
56. What public sacraments are employed in the Gnostic Renewal?
The Baptism of Water and Eucharist are public sacramental celebrations of the relationship between God and humankind, and are open to all who come.
57. What esoteric sacraments are employed in the Gnostic Renewal?
The Chrism and Sacrament of the Bridal Chamber (or Baptism of Fire) are esoteric sacraments which individuals may undertake if they feel their relationship with God is better enabled by exploration of esoteric mysteries.
58. What additional sacraments are employed in the Gnostic Renewal?
Many people wish to celebrate important passages in their lives as sacraments, and the Gnostic Renewal honors this through traditional celebration of birth, passage into adulthood, marriage, and death.
59. What personal sacraments are employed in the Gnostic Renewal?
Personal sacraments include any practices which the individual finds beneficial with their own relationship to God; these might include prayer, meditation, breath and body exercises, esoteric practices, and so on.
60. How are sacraments to be understood by students of the Gnostic Renewal?
The ceremonies of sacrament can become a material distraction from the spiritual nourishment of the individual. It is important to note that the sacraments are an institutional approximation of that which really occurs between the individual and God. Therefore it is not the sacrament itself which confers Grace or Gnosis, but rather effort within the individual.
61. Who may administer sacraments within the aegis of the Gnostic Renewal?
Sacraments will work best when administered by someone who has received instruction in their proper use and meaning, or who understands the mysteries they represent. It is the position of the Gnostic Renewal that God does not care whether or not one is a "bishop" in an earthly institution.
62. What is the Baptism of Water?
This is a sacrament that represents the individual's entrance into the fellowship of Gnostic Renewal.
63. Is Baptism necessary to participate in the ceremonies of the Gnostic Renewal?
It is never required for participation in the Eucharist or in any other public ceremony. It is, however, a required prelude to the esoteric sacraments.
64. What is the Chrism?
This is a sacrament that represents the individual's induction into the study of esoteric mysteries. In the classical Gnostic tradition it involved a ceremonial test or ordeal. While this ordeal may be performed as a ceremony, the real Chrism comes from the trials and tribulations of life.
65. What is the Sacrament of the Bridal Chamber, or the Baptism of Fire?
This sacrament represents the culmination of the esoteric mystery -- the communion of God and humankind.
66. When is the Sacrament of the Bridal Chamber performed?
It may not be necessary or even appropriate to celebrate this as a formal ritual. Obviously any ceremony conducted to represent the achievement of Gnosis is merely symbolic and does not in itself confer the state of Gnosis. But if celebrated with a ceremony it should be preceded by Chrism, and only after the student of the esoteric mysteries feels the Sacrament has been conferred.
67. What is the Eucharist?
The Eucharist is a demonstration of thankfulness, rememberance, and devotion dedicated to the Divine presence. It is commonly performed with bread and wine.
68. What does the bread of the Eucharist represent?
The bread represents the body of the individual who dedicates her life to the pursuit of communion with the Christ spirit.
69. What does the wine of the Eucharist represent?
The wine represents the essence of the Christ Spirit, and its ability to transform us.
LESSON IX
On the Earthly Institution of the Gnostic Renewal
70. What is the earthly institution of the Gnostic Renewal?
The Fellowship of Gnostic Renewal ("the Fellowship") is the earthly institution tasked with promoting the Gnostic Renewal.
71. What is the main goal of the Fellowship?
To educate all who seek to know about the Gnostic Renewal, to maintain an active and informed clergy, and to promote the well being of humankind by supporting social justice and equity.
72. What are the primary functions of the Fellowship?
To celebrate the Eucharist, to foster discussion and education of the Gnostic scriptures, and to perform other sacraments as needed.
73. How is the Fellowship organized?
The legal organization of the Fellowship will be determined as the needs of the Fellowship evolve. However, in general, there are four basic "tiers" of membership.
74. What is the first tier of membership?
"Participants" are those who partake of Eucharist or celebrate other public sacraments, but have not been Baptized.
75. What is the second tier of membership?
"Members" are those who have been Baptized. "Probationers" are those who have undergone the Chrism.
76. What is the third tier of membership?
"Priests" or "Priestesses" are those who have been deemed qualified to perform the Eucharist. "Initiates" are those who have undergone the esoteric course of study and have been deemed qualified to guide others in the esoteric mysteries.
77. What is the fourth tier of membership?
"Bishops" are those who have been educated in all aspects of the Gnostic Renewal and have been deemed qualified to participate in the Council of Bishops.
78. Who deems someone qualified to enter the third or fourth tier?
The Council of Bishops.
79. Does membership in a higher tier represent "closeness" to God?
Membership in any tier is simply a function of the earthly institution and in and of itself signifies nothing about the closeness of a person to God.
80. How are decisions and important determinations made by the Fellowship?
The Council of Bishops makes decisions by majority vote, following the accepted rules of order.
81. Who is on the Council of Bishops?
Any Bishop recognized by the Fellowship is on the Council.
82. Can someone be removed from the Fellowship?
If someone is disruptive or actively harms the Fellowship in some way, that person can be removed from an event at the discretion of the Priest, Priestess, Initiate, or Bishop presiding over the event. In addition, a continued pattern of disruption can merit permanent removal from the Fellowship by vote of the Council of Bishops.
83. What does removal from the Fellowship mean?
Removal from the Fellowship means simply that an individual was disruptive in some way. It implies nothing about the individual's spiritual state.
