Welcome of the Catholic Gnosis weblog of John Uebersax.
There has been much recent attention to the subject of Gnosticism. People, especially people today, are naturally attracted to the idea of gaining some deeper knowledge or insight into spiritual matters. Yet the view has mistakenly emerged that gnosis — knowledge of deeper truths — is somehow distinct from traditional or orthodox Christianity and Catholicism. This is a serious error.
Yet many Church Fathers, and, indeed, Scripture itself, attests to the fact that many deep truths of Christianity are purposefully veiled, so that those without eyes do not see, and those without ears do not hear. Eyes and ears refer to spritiual senses — faculties of discernment and wisdom. One must be wise to gain wisdom. For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. (Mat 13: 12 )
In these pages we will explore the deeper wisdom of Catholicism. “Catholicism” here is understood broadly to include Roman Catholicism, Orthodox Catholicism, and other Eastern rites.
Special attention will be paid to the writings of the Church Fathers, Doctors of the Church, and Christian mystics — and of course to Scripture. We may also examine recent Letters and Encyclicals of the Roman Catholic Church. While it is not a priority here, we shall nonetheless be attentive to opportunities in this material to build bridges among Christian denominations, and between Christianity and other religions like Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
All are welcome here — Catholics, members of other faiths, neo-Gnostics, ‘New Age’ devotees, agnostics and atheists. It is not my role to judge or harshly criticize anyone’s opinions. The burden of proof, rather, remains with me to supply missing explanations, sharing a dimension of Catholicism that many have forgotten, and many have never heard of. As a fortunate inheritor of this 2000-year-old tradition, preserved and handed down to me by the effort and personal sacrifice of others, it is my duty to pass it on.
The Dangers of ‘Gnosticism’
Virtually every spiritual tradition warns that those who embark upon the gnostic or mystical path must beware numerous pitfalls. The surest safeguard is to have a competent spiritual director. However, as a practical matter it must be admitted that in the present age spiritual directors are not easy to come by. This makes a second precaution all the more imperative: a full and active participation in the sacramental and liturgical life of the Church. This comes by regular attendance at Mass, observance of liturgical feasts, regular reading of Scripture, frequent prayer, and participation in sacraments, especially Holy Communion. There is nothing more ‘gnostic’ or more mystical than the mystery of the Eucharist. Let this be your guide: if ever your gnostic or mystical interests cause you to forsake regular participation in Church life, know that you have strayed.
Statement of Orthodoxy
Nothing written here should be understood in any sense other than complete agreement with the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church and acceptance of the teaching authority of the Church.
Does a gnostic Catholic accept the teaching authority of the Church? Of course! A gnostic more than any other. The philosopher (lover of wisdom) recognizes his or her own ignorance. An ignorant person seeks the opinion of experts. And this expertise is found in the Church.
Thus, by ‘authority’ here, we do not mean the authority of a policeman, but the authority of an expert and authoritative source. Without hesitation, then, we affirm that the Church is the greatest authority on spiritual life. Seeking out the expert teaching, we find truth. Finding it, we recognize it as true. Thus, our opinion is shaped not by a blind acceptance of a teaching, but personal insight, testing, and verification. But this insight would never arrive were we to merely follow our own devices.
I maintain several other websites in the areas of religion, philosophy, psychology, and quantitative methods. For links to these, please see the sidebar, or visit my personal page.
My email address is: jsuebersax, followed by the ‘at’ sign, followed by gmail.com.
