Gnosticism is an important heretical movement of the Christian church that occurred during the second century. It is partly of pre-Christian origin. Several Gnostic schools have taught that the material world was created and is directed by a minor divine emanation of the highest God, the demiurge, enclosing the divine spark in the human body. This divine spark can be released by Gnosis and the assistance of Christ.

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Gnosticism is a modern name that etymologically means “to possess knowledge.” Gnostic ideas and systems were developed in the Mediterranean world during the second century CE, in conjunction with and under the influence of early Christian movements. Various aspects of the Platonic tradition of the same period were intertwined with it. After the second century, a decline began but Gnosticism survived through the centuries within the Western tradition. Then it re-emerged during the Middle Ages in the southwest of France and the north of Italy.

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It is undeniable that many Gnostic schools in antiquity were considered heretical by the religious power that became the Catholic and the Orthodox churches. These gnostic groups were attacked and eventually eliminated. During the Middle Ages, the Cathars were also exterminated by order of the papacy.

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In the 19th century, the adepts Rose-Cross incorporated various Gnostic notions derived from archaeological discoveries and spiritual revelations. Today, the Kabbalistic Order of the Rose-Cross continues this work based on the gospels, text and Gnostic rites belonging to this very tradition.

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It is easy to understand that Christian esotericism draws on this original source developed in Egypt between the first and the fifth centuries CE. Very few initiatory Orders transmit this knowledge in the form of initiatory rites. However, far from being limited to this essential inner experience, our Order teaches both secret practices and Gnostic doctrine. These two elements constitute a fundamental part of the Rose-Cross Tradition and open up the mystical encounter with Ieschouah, the Christ.