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CHAPTER VII

POST-CHRISTIAN GNOSTICS

Expectation of Parusia causes Gnosticism to be ignored by Apostolicwriters—Change in Christian teaching at end of Ist century—Destructionof Temple of Jerusalem forces Christians to separate from Jews—Somecompromise with heathenism necessary—Coveted position of Christianbishops—Founders of Gnostic sects—Only evidence of their teachingtill lately, Irenaeus and Epiphanius, both unsatisfactory—Discovery ofPhilosophumena of Hippolytus, and Salmon and Stähelin’s attacks onits credibility—The Pistis Sophia and Bruce Papyrus—General featuresof Post-Christian Gnostics—Their belief in Divinity and Historicity ofJesus—Difficulties arising from this and their various solutions—Secrecyof doctrine common among Gnostics and consequent calumnies—ManyGnostic doctrines still doubtful—Parallel between the Gnostic andProtestant sects—Gnosticism bridge between heathenism and Christianity—Effectof this on Catholic practice and doctrine ...