What the devil is a "gnostic atheist"?

[IATIA]

To a certain extent, I agree with Stimbo. Dictionary definitions are good for referee purposes, but the definitions are simply from a poll and the majority rules. It is quite possible and quite frequently that one's definition does not agree with the 'norm'.

Case in point, I feel that 'gnostic' is reference to christian sects, albeit somewhat of an archaic definition today, by nature of this forum, we here do reference old and archaic histories and literature and, for clarity of argument (IMHO), gnostic as a reference to select christian sects is not only acceptable but preferred.

[Cyberman]

Maybe what we have here is a case of proper nouns, i.e. Gnostic as opposed to gnostic. Similarly, God refers to our old psycho friend, whereas god is a more general entity awaiting definition.

[Annik]

To a certain extent, I agree with Stimbo. Dictionary definitions are good for referee purposes, but the definitions are simply from a poll and the majority rules. It is quite possible and quite frequently that one's definition does not agree with the 'norm'.

Dictionaries just record usage. What you're saying is mostly true.

[Ben Davis]

Maybe what we have here is a case of proper nouns, i.e. Gnostic as opposed to gnostic. Similarly, God refers to our old psycho friend, whereas god is a more general entity awaiting definition.

Spot on. The term 'Gnostic' was adopted by the sect as a proper noun as well as to portray their 'certainty' of their esotericism; all the better to put over their religion as the 'right' one. This use has no impact on the meaning of the word 'gnosis' consequently it's perfectly OK to define oneself as an a/gnostic a/theist because the use is common rather than proper; gnostic rather than Gnostic.

[Doubting_Thomas]

Stimbo, re origin of term. The Gnostic were called that at the time, by Latin/greek speaking people (They are also known as Hellenistic Christians I think, or Heretics by loving bishops of orthodox Christianity. I think most of the original gnostic gospels were written in Greek, but one of the key collections was transcribed in Coptic, as in the Coptic Christians in Egypt). The reason Gnostic Christians are so rare today is because they were persecuted/assimilated by other Christians and Muslims.


Gnostic texts/gospels include such gems as:
> The Gospel of Philip, who talks about Jesus snogging Mary Magdalene (oh-noes.... Dan Brown)
> The Thunder, Perfect Mind, a document including a poem implying that God is female
> Apparently some evidence that not all early Christians believed either the virgin birth or reserection