What is Sociognosticism?
A little clarity on sociological-gnosticsm which has often been referred to as Sociognosticism:
For those not familiar with the term “sociognosticicm” hopefully this will provide more clarity.
If you’ve been following me for a while you know I use little (g) lower-case gnosticism to reference an umbrella term that is broader than just the first century Gnostic Christian heretics. It encompasses other occult, esotericism such at Rosicrucianism, Hermeticism, Alchemists, Pythagorean, theosophical cults and many more who share some underlying principles in their world views.
Sociognosticsm is short for -“Sociological Gnosticism" which refers to an idea where Gnostic beliefs—ancient religious concepts about hidden knowledge and dualism (intrinsically Hegelian) —are adapted to analyze or critique social phenomena. Gnosticism, at its core, revolves around the notion that the material world is flawed or evil, that we are trapped by an evil demiurge who has withheld knowledge from man. They believe that salvation or liberation comes through secret, esoteric knowledge (gnosis) which the illuminated one provides the gateway (for big G Gnostics this was Lucifer the light bearer). When applied to sociology, these ideas are reinterpreted to critique society, power structures, and human nature.
-Key Ideas of Sociological Gnosticism:
1. DUALISM IN SOCIETY (and nature): Similar to the Gnostic dualism of spirit vs. matter, sociological Gnosticism views the social world in terms of oppositions, such as the elite vs. the masses, or oppressors vs. the oppressed. This dualistic framework can be used to critique social hierarchies, power dynamics, and ideologies that are seen as alienating or controlling people. We see this in many groups such as Freemasonry, Kabbalah (the primeval), proto-Freemason cults, Platonism. The Theosophical iteration has rebranded the duality of the one vs the many arguing the telos of life is to return to “undifferentiated all”.
2. HIDDEN KNOWLEDGE & POWER: Just as Gnosticism emphasizes secret knowledge for salvation, sociological Gnosticism may imply that understanding the underlying forces of society (such as ideology, capitalism, or institutional power) is key to liberation. This aligns with certain Marxist or critical theory perspectives, where uncovering "false consciousness" or the hidden workings of power can free individuals from domination.
3. ALIENATION & SALVATION:
In sociological Gnosticism, people are alienated from their true selves or potential by societal forces. Like Gnostics seeking spiritual salvation, sociological Gnosticism could advocate for societal change through enlightenment—often in the form of revolutionary or transformative knowledge.
4. CRITIQUE OF MATERIALISM:
We see this from the right hand path largely comprised of religious post liberal groups currently. Traditional Gnosticism critiqued the material world advocating spiritual evolution that is detached from the physical realm. Sociological Gnosticism aka Sociognostics might critique materialistic values in modern society, questioning consumerism, economic systems, and the commodification of human relationships.
In essence, sociological Gnosticism- sociognosticism applies the metaphysical and esoteric ideas of Gnosticism to critique and interpret modern society, focusing on themes of power, alienation, and the quest for deeper understanding as a means of liberation. It’s basically gnostic critical theory, that advocates the Neoplatonic, theosophical and now new thought leaders’ notion of conscious evolution by criticizing any attachment to the material realm, in favor of a collectivist consciousness. This is a useful tool for dialectical progression towards the omega point whereby the state = God and we can all be absolved of our individuality subsumed into the noosphere.
