Review article

https://doi.org/10.21464/fi45402

Gnosticism – Historical Changes in the Understanding and Meaning of the System

Mikolaj Martinjak orcid.org/0000-0002-3982-5304 ; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Fakultet filozofije i religijskih znanosti, Jordanovac 110, HR–10000 Zagreb

Abstract

As a complex religious-philosophical phenomenon, Gnosticism has undergone significant changes in interpretation and understanding. While the Church Fathers offered polemical descriptions of Gnostic teachings, the medieval period associated Gnostic ideas with contemporary dualistic heresies. The nineteenth century marked the beginning of the systematic, academic study of Gnosticism. Unlike the earlier polemical approach, Gnosticism was now approached in an interdisciplinary manner. A key turning point occurred with the discovery of the Nag Hammadi Library texts in 1945. These texts provided direct access to original Gnostic writings, stimulating a new era of research. Modern authors challenge traditional categorizations, emphasizing the complexity and diversity of Gnosticism. This article provides a brief historical overview of the evolution of the concept and phenomenon of Gnosticism.

Keywords

Gnosticism; philosophy of Gnosticism; Nag Hammadi; heresy; Church

Hrčak ID:

345852

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/345852

Publication date:

30.12.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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