Gnosticism is difficult to define due to its many flavors and interpretations. It is not a separate denomination or religion but a religious philosophy, serving as a framework to explain the nature of God, creation, good and evil, man, and the purpose of life. Gnostics focused exclusively on the inner life of the spirit, distinctly separating it from material life. Some branches of Gnosticism adhered to asceticism, seeking to free the eternal spirit through regimented, plain, and insular lives, while others practiced hedonism, believing that actions with their bodies were irrelevant since only spirit mattered. This philosophy, described as vain or empty deceit, poses a danger by potentially robbing or cheating believers of their faith, hope, understanding of God, relationship with Him, vision, and purpose. The sources of this unsteady philosophy are identified as the traditions of men and the rudiments of the world, referring to demonic powers that shape this cosmos. These powers continually prompt men and women with vain deceits that contradict the truth about God and His purpose for mankind. Humans perpetuate Gnostic myths such as the immortality of the soul, eternal consciousness, progressive revelation, inherent goodness within each person, and the pre-existence and return of souls to heaven. At every turn, Gnosticism aimed to twist the nature of Christ. Various Gnostic beliefs included the idea that Christ entered Jesus at baptism and left before His death, that Jesus did not truly die since death would negate His divinity, that He could not be perfect due to creating matter deemed evil, or that He was a created being. Gnostics often did not accept the Bible as God's inspired revelation, or they equated other ancient, secret writings with Scripture for greater insight. They also supported progressive revelation, suggesting that God continues to reveal His will, often diminishing the importance of Holy Scripture in favor of direct spiritual communication.

An increasing number of movies and books have introduced and emphasized a major heresy known as Gnosticism, which the early church contended with during the first century. Although not in precisely the same form as in the years following Christ's death, there is a resurgence and growing popularity of philosophies associated with Gnosticism. It was the predominant source of heresy when the New Testament was written, with books such as John, I Corinthians, Galatians, Colossians, I and II Timothy, Jude, and I John combating various elements of it. Even the book of Revelation references Gnostic beliefs and practices, mentioning knowing the depths of satan and the Nicolaitans. Gnosticism is not mentioned by name in the Bible, with one possible exception in I Timothy 6:20-21. Modern feminist movements lean heavily on various Gnostic texts like the Gospel of Mary, the Gospel of Eve, and the Pistis Sophia to substantiate their ideas, promoting concepts such as the divine feminine. These texts are often cited by liberal Christian churches as historical proof of female apostles, supporting arguments for women holding any church position. Gnostic believers practiced equal access, participation, and claims to knowledge, even allocating clerical functions by lot at their ceremonies, which is reflected in the ordination of women and in attitudes that reject the need for authoritative teachers or leaders. Such egalitarian ideas lead to confusion, as doctrine becomes subjected to the lowest common denominator, with individuals often believing they know better or more than the rest of the church and its ministry.

Scholars define Gnosticism as a philosophy originating from Zoroastrianism and Hinduism of Persia and India, brought westward through Alexander the Great's conquests. These Eastern ideas merged with Greek culture, creating a potent blend that influenced both Jews and Christians over time. At its core, Gnosticism embodies a falsely called knowledge, propagated by satan the devil to deceive humanity. Gnostic thought mirrors the deceptive words spoken to Eve, promoting distrust in God by questioning His trustworthiness and the reliability of His Word. Gnostics prioritized experiential knowledge, teachings from elders, and insights from angels, astrology, or alchemy over scriptural foundations. In its essence, Gnosticism revolves around "knowing," often valuing mystical knowledge as the key to eternal life, believing that right interpretation of esoteric sayings could prevent death. This pursuit of knowledge led Gnostics to adopt beliefs and practices not rooted in God's Word, such as observing lucky days with spiritual significance or adhering to manmade regulations and doctrines. The Gnostic dualism of flesh and spirit viewed the flesh as evil, to be escaped, and the spirit as good, with death seen as a liberation of the spirit. Additionally, their antinomian stance rejected standards of conduct that conflicted with their own, favoring personal definitions of righteousness over divine commandments. Gnosticism also fostered a disdain for those deemed less enlightened, placing knowledge and understanding as the highest virtues. This self-centered pursuit of self-knowledge often disregarded the importance of love and outgoing concern, focusing instead on personal spirituality and enlightenment rather than communal bonds or divine guidance.