Education Programs FAQ

Are these Distance Learning Programs?

Programs are designed to be completed through online distance learning courses. Lectures and presentations may be given at different locations, but will be recorded and made available online. Degree programs will also have an annual academic conference attendance requirement, and also an annual retreat attendance requirement.

What Programs will be offered?

The Gnosis Institute will provide graduate level courses, and award graduate degrees and certificates. In most of the programs, a diploma option will be available for those who have not completed an undergraduate degree.

The Development of Psyche & Spirit Program will consist of the study of spiritual growth and transformation from a pragmatic perspective. This program will offer a certificate in Personal Spiritual Development for those most interested in the personal applications. The graduate level work will have two areas: a practical element of aiding individual's in their spiritual development, and a research element to increase our knowledge. This program will be offered in association with the Philemon Center.

The Gnostic Studies Program will provide an interdisciplinary pluralistic and Gnostic approach to the study of Gnosticism, combining rigorous scholarship with forms of gnostic inquiry. Continuing the interdisciplinary tradition in Gnostic Studies, the program will include the necessary foundations in philosophy and psychology and an emphasis on practice and practical effects that are generally absent from Religion Studies programs.

The Living Philosophy Program will be a different Philosophy program, one that is focused on using philosophy as a vital tool for living. The Philosophy Programs in Academia might more accurately be referred to as “philosophology,” or the study of philosophy, rather than the practice of philosophy. The two emphases of the program are on philosophical counseling and philosophical inquiry.

The Spiritual Ministry Program will focus on preparing individuals to serve others in a spiritual setting or capacity. This will be the equivalent of a Divinity program that will prepare an individual for active service, rather than theological teaching or debate. This program will have a strong praxis, and practicum element, and will include elements of formation through service. Ministry preparation will be offered through the Gnostic Seminary.

The Story and Symbol Program will examine the foundations of meaning and understanding through the study of stories and symbols using the tools of the humanities and of the human sciences, with an emphasis on the insights of depth psychology. Story and symbol studies encompass visual arts, myths, legends, folk tales, scriptures, poetry, theater, film, fiction and non-fiction narratives.

How can all of this be done with academic rigor?

A strong foundation in critical thinking will be required of all students, beginning with a required course on critical thinking in religious/spiritual contexts. Unlike creedal religions, Gnosticism has nothing to fear either from critical examination, or from honest research. Gnosis is what matters in Gnosticism, and it is a different order and type of knowledge than the focus of academics. Everything else is at best a good description or indirect account of Gnosis, and as such, must be handled with the utmost rigor and care.