The concept of True Knowledge in Christianity
According to the text, True Knowledge in Christianity encompasses a profound understanding of reality and the motivations behind Christ's death, which liberates individuals from evil. This knowledge, rooted in Christ, is regarded as essential for a comprehensive understanding of God, oneself, and life's purpose. It is contrasted with various interpretations, such as those by Gnosticism and the Catholic Church. Ultimately, True Knowledge is seen as essential for spiritual enlightenment and salvation, highlighting the importance of Christ as the source of all understanding.
Synonyms: True understanding, Accurate knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding, Insight, Enlightenment, Awareness, Genuine understanding, Authentic knowledge, Perception, Discernment
In Dutch: Echte kennis; In Finnish: Todellinen Tieto; In Spanish: Conocimiento verdadero; In German: Wahres Wissen; In Swedish: Sann kunskap; In Malay: Ilmu Sejati; In Dutch: Ware kennis; In French: La vraie connaissance
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'True Knowledge'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) The text refers to true knowledge, which indicates an understanding that is accurate, reliable, and based on facts or evidence, as opposed to false or misleading information.[1] (2) This is the type of understanding that is demonstrated by actions, and when it is paired with fear and the pursuit of existence, it leads to the anticipation of positive outcomes.[2] (3) The text refers to the most true knowledge of our Lord Jesus, which, when exhibited, allowed people to see and hear, but still desire to walk in ignorance.[3] (4) The dogmas, which are the germs of true knowledge, are interspersed within the Miscellanies, designed to make the discovery of sacred traditions difficult.[4] (5) The day of the knowledge of truth, which dawns on those involved in darkness, as the provided text mentions, in correspondence with the manner of the sun’s rising.[5]
From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary
(1) The term refers to the ultimate understanding, that both the truth and its reflection are of the same material, both expressions of the same divine, eternal truth, whole and undivided, according to the text.[6] (2) Refers to the deeper understanding or insights that one seeks, often indicated as the ultimate goal of spiritual pursuit, akin to the large fish in the parable.[7]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) This phrase signifies the accurate understanding of God, oneself, duty, and the relationship between the present and the future, all found in Christ.[8] (2) The text states that in Christ, and in Christ alone, will you find it, which will influence all your nature.[9] (3) This is the deepest and most important need for all people, as it will affect their whole scheme of thought and life, according to the text.[10] (4) Understanding the true nature and motivation behind Christ's death, which empowers liberation from evil's influence.[11]
From: Hymns for Christian Devotion
(1) Accurate and profound understanding of concepts and reality.[12]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) Knowledge that is centered in Christ, presenting Him as the ultimate source of understanding and answers to existential questions.[13]
From: The city of God
(1) This is the knowledge that, if equally participated in, would have meant the evil angels would have remained eternally blessed equally with the good.[14]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) The text mentions that the first man sinned by seeking knowledge, as is plain from the words of the serpent, promising to man the knowledge of good and evil, and hence, it was fitting that by the Word of true knowledge man might be led back to God.[15]
Gnostic concept of 'True Knowledge'
From: The Gnostics and Their Remains
(1) The understanding that allows a soul to relinquish the belief in external objects, facilitating its return to non-existence or repose.[16]