Gnosticism began among the Jews quite some time before the Christian era. So it wouldn't be surprising to see it enter the early church along with early Jewish converts.
After the loss of the Apostles who actually had to fight against gnosticism in their own day, it became a problem for early church fathers to deal with with varied success.
The reason I bring this up is because gnosticism or esoteric knowledge being necessary for salvation has always been a problem. It goes against the generally simple doctrine of Christ that he taught and which is found in the Biblical scriptures.
It is evident that Christ wanted to save as many people as possible. See John 3:17
"For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."
And that is one of the root problems with needing "special knowledge" not shared with others, that makes gnosticism so odious. The more layers of esoteric knowledge one piles on before salvation is achieved the fewer successful candidates will qualify. From Christ's point of view it seemed like He wanted the doctrine to be as simple as possible in order to save as many as possible. Which brings up the second and third problems with gnosticism.
ENVY.....and SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS
If the individual can be convinced that they hold "special power" or knowledge that others do not posess and that they are members of an elite club, it gives them a platform from which to judge the rest of the world. "I'm so much luckier and blessed than the rest of you who don't know what I know." ETA: Envy and self-righteousness are vices, emotions or character weaknesses that con men use to ply their marks.
And for those members who haven't quite made the grade yet, they look at those who have the special knowledge and power and continually envy them in the form of self-loathing. You don't generally hate yourself if you consider yourself to be on a par with those around you.
Masonry although possibly not connected directly to ancient gnosticism, definitely has gnostic elements in a more modern form since about the 16th century (I believe). Many argue that the mystical letter G in the Masonic symbol stands for gnosis.
For a con man, just as in ancient times, "gnosis" is a great tool for creating loyalty, a feeling of exclusivity, envy and desire. There's nothing quite like having the key to the executive bathroom....except wanting the key to the executive bathroom...
Joseph's twisting of Masonic rituals into a modern form of gnosticism was the perfect way to achieve his ends in aquiring wealth, adoration, women and loyalty. But in reality this is a very ancient malady that the original Apostles fought to keep out of the church.
1 Timothy 6:20-21
"Oh Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”—
Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen."
We should ask ourselves, "If God wants to save as many as possible, would he make His Gospel more complex, difficult to attain and understand or would He want a simpler, more elegant solution? Have faith, be believing, keep my commandments."
