Gnostics In The World- But Not Of It

Stephen Hoeller of the Ecclesia Gnostica says it simply and best. (blog author's comments below)

1) Do Gnostics strive to improve the world?

Yes, by improving themselves through Gnosis.

2.) Why is this so?

The world is in large part the domain of the Archons. As such it is not perfectible. Still it can be somewhat improved and its inherent deficiency diminishes every time a human spirit attains to liberating Gnosis.

3.) Are Gnostics inclined to any particular system of worldly government?

Individual Gnostics may support any worldly cause or none. The Gnostic world view, however, advises caution concerning all such involvements.

4.) Does the Gnostic world view uphold or rebel against worldly "establishments"?

It does neither, for its attitude is well stated in one of its scriptures: "Do not put your trust in the potentates, rulers, and the rebels of this world, for their authority passes away and comes to an end and their works are as naught."

5.) What is the chief requirement of the Gnostic in worldly society?

The chief requirement of the Gnostic in worldly society is an optimum degree of freedom, for without freedom the pursuit of Gnosis becomes very difficult. Since the freedom of Gnostics cannot be separated from the freedoms of all others, the freer all human beings are, the better this is for Gnosis and for Gnostics.

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Mr. Hoeller's response to the first question is quite intriguing to me right now because I remember telling myself that very same thing when I decided to start this blog two months ago. The rationalization was that I am in this world. I am seen and I am heard. That means that I can have an impact. Each of us can. That makes us powerful. We are not the 'masses.' We are individual. And we can reach out as individuals to better the world if we choose-- as long as we're not trampling on another person's free will.

That is easier said than done, of course, when you think about all the things we do every day trying to impose our will on others. I'm not proposing an anarchistic society. But I do think that as a sentient species we need to grow up and learn from our mistakes from the past. Teach our children about the horrors we have committed and let them take those lessons to heart. Let our children form new ideas about how to maximize human freedom while still maintaining order and safety.