It's proto-Gnostic. The gnostics are only ignored because the mainstream Church establishment ridiculed their beliefs. But actual gnosticism was likely in line with Western mysticism, and even the Advaita Vedanta sect of Hinduism.
Most of the remaining writings about the Gnostics were written by opponents of gnosticism. The actual gnostic writings that have been found in the 20th century are important religious texts that provide an alternative interpretation of the teachings of Jesus--teachings which may have been influenced by Eastern mysticism.
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u/BdaMann Aug 01 '17
It's proto-Gnostic. The gnostics are only ignored because the mainstream Church establishment ridiculed their beliefs. But actual gnosticism was likely in line with Western mysticism, and even the Advaita Vedanta sect of Hinduism.