Modern ideologies like Marxism, Wokeism, and critical race theory are seen as modern and post-modern variants of ancient Gnostic religions, offering the promise of secret knowledge that can liberate individuals from a constructed prison.
Gnosticism employs a seductive approach by insinuating that individuals have been deliberately kept in the dark, promising to reveal deeper truths and perspectives that surpass conventional teachings, ultimately luring people into joining their cult-like structure.
Deep dives
The Gnostic Basis of Modern Ideologies
Modern ideologies like Marxism, Wokeism, and critical race theory are seen as modern and post-modern variants of ancient Gnostic religions. These ideologies believe that the world is a prison, constructed by a malevolent force to keep individuals from realizing their true potential. They offer the promise of secret knowledge or Gnosis that can liberate individuals from this prison. Figures like Hegel, Marx, Rousseau, and Kant shaped these ideologies by framing social orders as oppressive and imprisoning, with certain groups holding power over others. The Gnostic temptation lies in offering a higher level of understanding to individuals, implying that they possess secret knowledge that surpasses the limited teachings they have received. This temptation lures people into joining the ideology's cult-like structure, by promising to reveal deeper truths and perspectives.
The Mechanics of Gnostic Persuasion
Gnosticism employs a seductive approach to attract followers, resembling the temptation of Eve by the serpent in the Garden of Eden. Rather than outright claiming superiority, Gnostics present themselves as possessors of hidden knowledge. They insinuate that individuals have been deliberately kept in the dark and offer to expose the full story. However, to gain access to this knowledge, followers must first engage in compromising actions, symbolized by eating the forbidden fruit. The Gnostic appeal is built on the notion that leaders, teachers, and authorities do not want followers to surpass them. By joining the Gnostic cult, individuals are promised a revelation that goes beyond conventional teachings and unlocks their true potential.
The Gnostic Temptation of the Dignity Index
The concept of the Gnostic temptation is exemplified by a project called Unite and its educational program, Unite Ed. Within their initiative, they introduce a scoring system called the Dignity Index, which rates speech along a continuum from contempt to dignity. This index aims to promote unity and respect, but its structure implies that there are higher levels of understanding beyond the American principles of dignity. Levels one to five are presented to create the desire for unity and establish the belief that people should treat each other with dignity. However, levels six to eight elevate this understanding further, encouraging individuals to find common ground, engage in dialogue, compromise, and ultimately dissolve the notions of good and evil. The Gnostic temptation lies in positioning American values as a moderate level of understanding, indicating that higher levels exist within their program, enticing individuals to join their cult-like movement.