Gnostics

Such ideas of a hierarchy of subordinate emanations to fill the supposed abyss between the Infinite and the Finite were eagerly adopted and developed by the pseudo-philosophers called Gnostics, on both sides of the boundary between the Church and the World.

Pantheism, Its Story and Significance Religions Ancient and Modern J. Allanson Picton 1871

Along with Gnostics (from the Greek word "gnosis" meaning knowledge) they were persecuted, anathematised and systematically and progressively oppressed.

Al-Ahram Weekly Online 2009

The Gnostics were the chief adversaries of the Apostle Paul and the early Church, relentlessly pursuing Christians wherever they went, long before the mystery religions even began to crumble.

Archive 2009-06-01 2009

The Gnostics were the chief adversaries of the Apostle Paul and the early Church, relentlessly pursuing Christians wherever they went, long before the mystery religions even began to crumble.

[gnosis] gnosticism, gnostics 2009

NEESON: By far, the most successful and threatening was a group called the Gnostics, who lived in Egypt in the second century.

CNN Transcript Dec 24, 2009 2009

But if 'Nazoraeans' was an already-existing group perhaps baptizing Gnostics like the Mandaeans who were so designated in later times and Jesus and his followers were thought to Be connected with them, Christians may well have sought to defuse the label by redefining it as related to Jesus' hometown.

More Q, More Christmas, More Blogging All Around James F. McGrath 2009

NEESON: By far, the most successful and threatening was a group called the Gnostics, who lived in Egypt in the second century.

CNN Transcript Dec 24, 2008 2008

The early Christians, known as Gnostics, saw Jesus as a myth whose story was told for its allegorical undertones.

MAIL CALL: A FIRESTORM OVER 'THE PASSION' 2007

NEESON: By far, the most successful and threatening was a group called the Gnostics, who lived in Egypt in the second century.

CNN Transcript Apr 7, 2007 2007

NEESON: By far, the most successful and threatening was a group called the Gnostics, who lived in Egypt in the second century.

CNN Transcript Apr 8, 2007 2007