Gsoticism was a definite threat to the church in the early days of the churches development. It seems to have developed in Egypt and perhaps also grew in the Eastern areas more than Europe. Interestingly Islam appears to be philosophically the opposite of Gnosticism.

Presently the teaching of the church is threatened by the New Age thinking. Gnosticism and Gnostic thinking is definitely a large part of this movement. It is interesting the combination of beliefs that go into the New Age: Budhism, Hinduism, Gnosticism, Shamanism, etc. The list seems endless. These ideas were very much in opposition in the past, but, today, seem to be holding hands. These ideas do not make a consitent whole so it is hard to argue against the New Age.

I think there are two very important links that are part of this New Age.

1. The Light seems to be important all New Agers (see The Tibetan Book of the Dead). Although the Light is separate from God (in a very Gnosgtic view) the Light they are talking about is exactly what Jesus meant when he said "I am the Light."

2. They all understand the futality of the attempt to achieve salvation through physical striving (although salvation may have some different manings for the different groups). This is really only a slight difference with "we are saved through grace lest anyone should boast." We need to make it clear exactly what that means.