Literalists believe that their particular spiritual
tradition is different from all others and has a unique claim on the
truth. They obsessively formulate dogmas
which define membership of their particular cult. They are prepared to enforce their opinions and
silence those who dissent, justifying their actions by claiming that they are
fulfilling God’s will. Gnostics, on the
other hand, are free spirits who question the presuppositions of their
culture. They follow their hearts, not
the herd. They are consumed by their
private quest for enlightenment, not by the goal of recruiting more adherents
to a religion.
Gnostics wish to free themselves from
the limitations of their personal and cultural identities and experience the
oneness of all things. They themselves
have no reluctance in adopting the wisdom of other traditions if it adds
something to their own. Literalists use
religion to sustain their personal and cultural identity by defining themselves
in opposition to others. This inevitably
leads to disputes with those outside their particular cult. It is Literalists who fight wars of religion
with Literalists from other traditions, each claiming that God is on their
side. Literalists’ enmity also extends
to Gnostics within their own tradition who question their bigotry. Most spiritual traditions have a tragic
history of brutal suppression of Gnostics by intolerant Literalists. Interestingly it is never the other way
around.
Timothy Freke & Peter Gandy
Jesus and the Lost Goddess
The Secret Teachings of the Original Christians
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