What is the different between the French Gnostic Tradition and others?
The French Gnostic Tradition differs from others first in its succession, which is both apostolic (descended from the original Apostles of Christ) and spiritual (from a direct experience of Gnosis); there is also a difference in the understanding of this succession. Also, it has a continued history of the incorporation of esoteric and initiatory bodies as a formalized pathway to Gnosis. See our Position on Secret Initiatory Orders and the Church. Aside from both those academic points of interest, the French Gnostic Tradition is one that strives to maintain the Ancient Church and the continuing process of gnosis as a means to salvation. Our essential form is inwardly Cathar, as they preserved and persevered in spite of persecution, all the while paying homage to the different forms our Tradition has taken in order to survive, being outwardly more Gallican and orthodox in form.
