0 relating to knowledge, especially knowledge that most people do not have: --
They saw communism as the embodiment of a gnostic arrogance.
It is a book of ideas, clearly showing the author's interest for gnostic and dualist currents in the history of religions.
Irenaeus does not speak critically of icons or portraits in a general sense, only of certain gnostic sectarians use of icons.
Furthermore, the gnostic path does not require the intermediation of a church for salvation.
Arguing for a gnostic influence has to be seen as part of this strategy.
The story is used as a gnostic parable of the soul's pre-existence and return from its terrestrial sojourn.
For over thirty years, it has served as a stimulating, art-filled oasis for many gnostic artists.
The text contains two parts, an initial allegory, and a subsequent gnostic exposition of its meaning.
These suffered from a number of difficulties, not least the antagonistic bias the writers held towards gnostic teachings.
