title: A Dictionary of Gnosticism
author:  Andrew Phillip Smith 
description: "This book is the answer to the prayers of students and practitioners of Gnosticism from far and wide. Andrew Phillip Smith has given us a readable, informative and accurate compendium of words, names and concepts of Gnostic interest that will be welcomed and used abundantly.<br />" --<b>Dr. Stephan A. Hoeller</b>, Bishop of the Ecclesia Gnostica and author of <i>Gnosticism: New Light on the Ancient Tradition of Inner Knowing</i><br /><br />"Not only is this an excellent aid for anyone trying to make sense out of the complicated cosmologies and scriptures of the ancient Gnostics, but it also provides an overview of gnostic movements and mystics down through the centuries.<br />" --<b>Jay Kinney</b>, author of <i>The Masonic Myth</i> and <i>The Inner West<br /></i><br /><br />"A long-awaited and indispensable grammar of classical Gnosticism - essential for any serious student, and a practical gem for the curious.<br />" --<b>Jordan Stratford</b>, author of <i>Living Gnosticism<br /></i><br /><br />"More than a dictionary for reference and research, this book is an index of ideas and suggestions. Readers interested in Gnosticism and related alternative religions of earlier times will find a whole host of new ideas and leads and directions for further inquiry. Think of the book as a thousand starting points for your explorations into spiritual unknowns" --<b>Stevan Davies</b>, Professor of Religious Studies, Misericordia University<br /><br />"<i>A Dictionary of Gnosticism</i> is a valuable resource for any student of Gnosis. If you need a helpful translator of the language, or a sympathetic guide to the beliefs of these extraordinary women and men who lived a long time ago, in a world far, far away, then this is the book for you. Think of it as the 'Lonely Cosmos Guide to Gnosis', and always pack a copy when you are setting out for that strange and exciting country. Have a great trip!<br />" --<b>Timothy Freke and Peter Gandy</b>, authors of <i>The Jesus Mysteries</i> and <i>The Gospel of the Second Coming<br /></i>
zlib_text:  
  Agnosticism, Atheism, Monism v. 11.11, www.philaletheians.co.uk, 7 February 2018 
  Page 1 of 9 
  Agnosticism, Atheism, Monism 
  
  CONFUSING WORDS SERIES 
  AGNOSTICISM, ATHEISM, MONISM 
  Agnosticism, Atheism, Monism v. 11.11, www.philaletheians.co.uk, 7 February 2018 
  Page 2 of 9 
  Agnosticism, Atheism, and Monism are typical of an endless list of –isms, e.g., evolution-
  ism, existentialism, humanism, hylo-idealism (and other false idealisms), materialism, pes-
  simism, positivism, quietism, rationalism, sacerdotalism, scepticism (whether religious, 
  philosophical or merely “healthy”), etc. 
   
   
   
  Abstract 
  Agnosticism is the modern variation on the ancient theme of the Greek philosopher, 
  “All I know is that I know nothing.” Agnosticism is lack of reason (ajnana-agnoia), 
  nescience rather than ignorance. Having found gnosis we cannot turn our backs on 
  it and become agnostics, says a Master of Wisdom. 
  The strong Agnostic assumes the negative position of knowing nothing but phenom-
  ena and r