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Religions/Belief Systems - Gnosticism
Gnosticism was a belief system that combined Christian, Greek an Asian mysticism, especially during the first two centuries of Christianity. Originally, Gnosticism may have been something of a tactic to bring `pagans` under the influence of the Christian Church. Some elements of Gnosticism mysticism have been incorporated into mainstream Christianity.
Difficulties eventually arose in deciding what elements of Gnostic belief and practice were acceptable to Christianity. It was decided that such men as Socrates and Plato were `Christian in intention, and by their lives and works had prepared the way for Christ.` Thus, they seem to be in conflict with the Church dictum that there is no salvation outside the Church.
* see also Pythagoreanism, Platonism