The gnostics also recognized the concept of "Christ" in other religions and philosophies. In fact, they embraced Plato and his writings as being "gnosis" (revelatory....revealed by the Holy Spirit)
I did some reading this weekend on St. Augustine's "Two cities" ( I hope I called the book by the right name) anyway, Augustine suggested that Romans pay attention to Plato's exegisis on Philo (the love) sophy (the female name of the Holy Spirit, also called Wisdom) A love of Wisdom. Wisdom is another way of coming to Christ.
Valentinus ( an early gnostic christian) was really hip on Plato. One of the things the gnostics rely on is the ability to "hear and know the voice". They felt that the voice of Christ and the voice of Wisdom (Sophia, Holy Spirit) can be heard when people speak and write. Not everything people say comes from that voice, but some of it can. They can recognize that voice.
On a persoanl basis, Iv'e heard that voice in some very unsual places. I've heard them from a drunk woman and from a drug dealer.(which actually, the gnostics believe that you find more "Christ" in the lower places on the earth) I've heard them in Ghandi's voice and in MLK Jr.'s voice, along with others. I just don't hear them very often from your standard everyday variety of Christian. Oh, and I hear them quite often from the posters on this forum. It's not up to me to judge, of course, but it is up to me to listen and discern for myself the voice that speaks to me.
That is sort of what gnosis is all about.
Oh, and to add, they see Buddha as an enlightened one (one who has gnosis) Although, in comparison, they see Christ as the Logos (Word) and the ultimate one who did not come to gain enlightenment, but rather, came to enlighten.........the Light of the world.
