Understanding Neo-Gnosticism and Its Impact on the Church

In recent years, a new form of Gnosticism has emerged within the church, known as Neo-Gnosticism. This belief system places feelings over Scripture, leading to a subjective approach to theology that has significant implications for the church. This article will explore the key tenets of Neo-Gnosticism, its impact on the church, and how to recognize and avoid its influence.

Sola Feels: Feelings Over Scripture

At the heart of Neo-Gnosticism is the belief that feelings are more important than Scripture. This means that subjective experiences and private interpretations take precedence over objective truth. This approach to theology leads to a disregard for the authority of Scripture and a focus on personal preferences and desires that are equal to the hidden knowledge of original Gnosticism.

One prominent example of Neo-Gnosticism in action is Andy Stanley's promotion of "un-hinging yourself from the OT." This attitude towards the Old Testament demonstrates a disregard for the biblical narrative and the authority that rests in Scripture as a whole.

Subjective Social Justice

Neo-Gnosticism also has roots in the social justice movement, where the definition of justice is subjective and based on feelings. Rather than looking to the Bible as a moral arbiter, adherents of Neo-Gnosticism rely on their own emotions and private interpretations of Scripture that fly in the face of 2000 years of orthodoxy. This approach often leads to a doctrine of unforgiveness and reparations, which is incompatible with the biblical teaching of forgiveness and reconciliation. The mantra of Social Justice is “Lets get even” this is contrasted by the cry of Biblical Justice, “Christ forgave me, so I too can forgive others.”

Psychology Over Scripture

Neo-Gnosticism places sociology and psychology over Scripture, using these soft sciences to subvert the authority of the Bible. These disciplines are subjective, and when they take priority over the objective truth of Scripture, they lead to an erosion of biblical authority. Churches that appeal to psychology and sociology over Scripture can be identified as Neo-Gnostic. If your pastor spends significant amount of time appealing to the authority of psychologists, you may have found a red flag.

Recognizing and Avoiding Neo-Gnosticism

To avoid the influence of Neo-Gnosticism in the church, it is crucial to prioritize the authority of Scripture over personal feelings and interpretations. This means finding the literal meaning and truth of the passage and submitting to it. When we have the approach that Scripture is above our feelings we are safely guarding against Neo-Gnosticism.

Additionally, it is important to recognize the influence of psychology and sociology in the church and to ensure that these disciplines do not take priority over Scripture. The church should prioritize biblical counseling and teaching to ensure that individuals are receiving guidance based on objective truth.

Neo-Gnosticism poses a significant threat to the church. By prioritizing personal feelings and interpretations over Scripture, adherents of Neo-Gnosticism are at risk of straying from orthodox Christian beliefs. It is essential to recognize, avoid, and mark the influence of Neo-Gnosticism in the church by prioritizing the authority of Scripture and holding on to objective truth.