Modern Gnosticism is a revival of ancient Gnostic beliefs that view material reality as inferior or even oppressive to the “true self,” which is seen as purely spiritual or internal. Ancient Gnosticism, a blend of Greek philosophy and mysticism, flourished in the early centuries after Christ and taught that the physical world, including the body, was flawed or evil. Today, modern Gnosticism manifests in ideologies such as transgenderism, where an individual’s internal sense of identity is perceived as more "authentic" than their biological sex. Modern Gnostics claim that inner feelings and self-perceptions hold ultimate truth, often disregarding the physical reality of the body.
View of Human Nature and Implementation
Modern Gnosticism upholds a dualistic view of human nature, seeing the "true self" as separate from the body. Transgender ideology, for instance, embodies this view by positing that one’s gender identity exists independently of biological sex, and that the physical body should conform to this internal perception. This view is implemented through social and political changes, such as encouraging medical interventions to alter the body, advocating for legal recognition based on self-identified gender, and promoting policies that support subjective identity over biological reality.
Contrast with the Historic Christian View
Human Nature as an Integrated Whole: In contrast to modern Gnostic dualism, the Bible presents human beings as an integrated whole, created by God with both body and soul (Genesis 2:7). Our identity is rooted in this unity, and our physical sex is a core part of who we are as image-bearers of God (Genesis 1:27). Rather than separating inner feelings from physical reality, Scripture teaches that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, with our bodies intentionally designed to reflect God’s purposes.
The Goodness of Creation: The Bible upholds the inherent goodness of the created world, including the human body (Genesis 1:31). Gnostic views, which see the body as limiting or flawed, contradict the biblical teaching that our bodies are good and meant to be used for God’s glory. By disregarding this, modern Gnosticism devalues the God-given significance of our physical nature, suggesting that humans must reshape their bodies to align with internal perceptions rather than accepting and honoring God’s design.
Authentic Freedom and Identity: True freedom, according to Scripture, is found not in following subjective feelings but in aligning ourselves with God’s design and purpose. Jesus teaches that the truth will set us free (John 8:32), meaning that freedom comes from living according to God’s truth, not by redefining identity or reality based on feelings. Modern Gnosticism’s pursuit of identity apart from the body often leads to dissatisfaction and brokenness, as it seeks fulfillment in self-redefinition rather than in God’s plan.
Resurrection and the Value of the Body: The Christian hope includes the resurrection of the body, affirming that our bodies are integral to who we are. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul teaches that believers will be raised bodily, transformed but still fundamentally themselves. This future resurrection affirms the value of our physical nature and opposes the Gnostic notion that true identity is separable from the body. Modern Gnosticism, by treating the body as secondary, overlooks the full significance of the resurrection and the eternal value God places on our created selves.
Biblical Reality vs. Gnostic Illusions
Modern Gnosticism, with its elevation of subjective experience over physical reality, fails to address the true human condition—our brokenness due to sin and our need for reconciliation with God. The Bible teaches that true identity and purpose come from knowing God and conforming to His design, not from reshaping ourselves to fit internal perceptions. Jesus Christ offers a better answer, restoring humanity to wholeness by reconciling body and soul under God’s redemptive work. Scripture presents a coherent view of reality where identity is grounded in God’s creation and redeemed by Christ’s work, providing the only enduring solution to human brokenness.