BASILIDIAN Meaning and
Definition
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Basilidian is an adjective used to describe anything related to or associated with the religious sect known as Basilidianism. Basilidianism was an early Gnostic-Christian movement that emerged in the second century AD. The sect was named after its founder, Basilides, a teacher of esoteric knowledge and mystical doctrines.
In terms of belief, Basilidians held a unique cosmological perspective, seeing the universe as a series of emanations or stages that formed a complicated hierarchy. Their teachings emphasized the existence of a supreme God, referred to as Abraxas, who was believed to be above all forms of material and spiritual existence. According to Basilidians, human beings were essentially spiritual beings trapped in a material world, and their ultimate goal was to ascend through various "aeons" or stages of existence to reach the divine source.
The Basilidian sect had a strong emphasis on the importance of secret knowledge and revealed truths. Their teachings were regarded as a blend of Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, and other philosophical and religious traditions. Their rituals and practices included prayer, meditation, and study of sacred texts, with a particular focus on decoding hidden meanings and symbols.
As an adjective, basilidian can be used to describe any aspect, belief, or practice associated with Basilidianism. It may refer to the sect's cosmological views, religious practices, or theological concepts. This term is primarily used in historical and religious contexts to describe the teachings and traditions of the Basilidians, who played a significant role in the development of early Christian Gnosticism.
Etymology of BASILIDIAN
The word "Basilidian" derives from the name Basilides, who was an early Christian theologian and founder of the heretical Gnostic sect known as Basilidianism. Basilides lived in Alexandria, Egypt, during the second century AD and developed a complex philosophical system that incorporated elements of Platonic thought, Jewish mysticism, and Christian teachings. The followers of Basilides were called Basilidians, and the term "Basilidian" came to be used to refer to their beliefs and practices. Ultimately, the word is derived from the Greek name Βασιλείδης (Basileides), meaning "royal son" or "son of a king", suggesting a certain level of nobility or superiority in their spiritual understanding.
