Gnostic doctrine in modern sectarian movements

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to show the similarities between the original Gnostic faiths and contemporary sectarian religious movements. This study is on a comparative level Its purpose is not to illustrate a hypothetical line of descent from the original gnosis movements in the second and third century A.D. Instead, this dissertation attempts to explore the nexus of dogmatic convergence between the original sects and their contemporary counterparts. A fortuitous result of this study is a revelation of the intellectual vitality and dynamism of the Church Fathers whose perceptive analysis and critiques of the gnosis movements are still applicable today.