How Do You Spell BASILIDIANS?

Pronunciation: [bˌazɪlˈɪdi͡ənz] (IPA)

Basilidians is a term used to describe a Gnostic sect in the 2nd century. The spelling of this word can be broken down phonetically as /bəˈsɪlɪdiənz/, where the stress is on the second syllable. The initial "b" is pronounced like a "b" in "bat," while the "a" in the first syllable is pronounced like the "a" in "about." The "s" in the second syllable is pronounced like an "s" in "sit," and the "i" sounds like the "i" in "pin." The ending "-idians" is pronounced like "ih-dee-ans."

Meaning and Definition
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BASILIDIANS Meaning and Definition

  1. Basilidians were a Gnostic sect that emerged during the 2nd century AD. The term "Basilidians" refers to the followers of Basilides, who was a prominent and influential Gnostic teacher based in Alexandria, Egypt. Their beliefs were rooted in a complex cosmological and metaphysical system, blending elements of Greek philosophy, Jewish mysticism, and Christian theology.

    The Basilidians' worldview revolved around the concept of emanations or aeons, which were divine beings that emanated from the ultimate, transcendent God. They believed that the material world was inherently flawed and the result of a cosmic mistake. According to Basilides, salvation could be achieved through the knowledge (gnosis) of the true nature of the divine realm and the soul's journey back to its original state.

    Basilidians held that Jesus was a divine being sent by the supreme God to aid humanity in its quest for salvation. However, they distinguished between Jesus as a physical human and the Christ, a spiritual entity that temporarily inhabited Jesus' body during his ministry. This separation between the human and the divine aspects of Jesus was a characteristic belief of the Basilidians.

    Eventually, Basilidians became known for their unique interpretation of Christianity, emphasizing the role of sacred knowledge as a means of attaining salvation. Although the sect declined over time, its influence persisted in subsequent Gnostic systems and theological debates.

    Overall, the Basilidians can be identified as an early Gnostic sect that incorporated diverse religious ideas into their complex cosmology, focusing on the importance of divine emanations, the flawed nature of the material world, and the necessity of spiritual knowledge for salvation.

Etymology of BASILIDIANS

The word Basilidians refers to a Gnostic sect founded by Basilides of Alexandria, an influential theologian and philosopher who lived in the 2nd century AD. The term Basilidians itself comes from the Greek word Basilidai, which means followers of Basilides.