Clement on Faith and Knowledge
Faith is the foundation; knowledge the superstructure, by knowledge faith is perfected, for to know is more than to believe. Faith is a summary knowledge of urgent truths; knowledge a sure demonstration of what has been received through faith, being itself reared upon faith through the teachings of the Lord. Thus the Gnostic grasps the complete truth of all revelation from the beginning of the world to the end, piercing to the depths of scripture, of which the believer tastes the surface only. As a consequence of this intelligent sympathy with the Divine Will, the Gnostic becomes in perfect unity in himself, and as far as possible like God. Definite outward observances cease to have any value for one whose being is brought into abiding harmony with that which is eternal; he has no wants, no passions; he rests in the contemplation of God, which is and will be his unfailing blessedness.
Citation From: Henry Wace’s – A Dictionary of Early Christian Biography. 1911. compiled from from Clement’s Stramata volumes VI and VII. (ce 182-202)
The term Gnosis is used, and though I know it means knowledge I must reply to this usage of word.
I will keep it short. Gnosticism was started by Orpheus a Greek prophet who went down to the land mass today called India, in which he learned about the Sanskrit and teachings of Krishna. He combined the Hindu beliefs with Greek philosophy, and his followers deified him as the god of Music, and some viewed him as Krishna re-incarnate.
His followers upon hearing word on the crucifixion of the anointed healer Yehoshua began to believe he was their teacher the sun king who returned. They in an un-altruistic manner grabbed hold of gospels and testimonies and they “revised” or edited the works, implementing their own Gnostic principles, and removing the Yesraeli value to them. Thus their works found in the Nag Hammadi are not credible, for the Gnostics in the name of Gnosis chose to be false witness and to lie. Anyone who believes in the texts of this sect begin applying contradictory, dividing, and false principles to their being. So stay away from the Heathen ways.
The only one text that is acceptable is the Book of Thomas, which itself does not appear to be tampered with, and exhibits principles and parables centralized with the flavor, and truth of the anointed one. The gnostics must not have disliked the recount of Toma. Though be discerning even with this text until you know for yourself that the words therein are befitting a standing house.
Gnowledge is not useful, unless you attribute wisdom, as knowledge can be foolish or wise.
~Namaste~
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