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Medieval heresies, and most importantly in this case, the Gnostics, are terms that describe a whole set of different beliefs, but all can be seen as a mixture of Indian, Egyptian, Babylonian and Christian creeds, that bring in astrology, magic and selected areas of the Jewish Cabala. The word 'Gnostic', derives from Greek, and means 'to know', as in opposition to mere theory. They share significance with the words 'wizard' and 'witch', which both also come from an original meaning of 'those who know'. The Church inevitably persecuted these beliefs, but the beliefs orginally sprung up due to a dissatisfaction with the Church. This is similiar to the MNK idea that the "Church is Impotent" in Communication Sheet 11.

So what are the connections between the MNK and Gnosticism? In Communication Sheet 32 the MNK explicitly say that they "are a heretical movement from the Middle Ages", and go on to list many more references to 'direct knowledge', such as saying that the MNK "are a feeling as if power literally drips from your fingers". Gnostics also saw the world basically as an illusion, created by this imperfect God, and that it is simply a pale imitation of the 'real' world that is in the higher planes. If you 'open your eyes' then you can be part of it. This is not disimiliar to the beliefs of the philosopher George Berkeley (!). The MNK make continual reference to to the idea that if you are part of them, or believe in them, then life itself will be like a heaven on earth - you will have 'woken up'. Communication Sheet 17 is a poster that proclaims: "Ram-Raid Heaven in a Truck Called MNK". They are saying here that if you use the MNK's ideas, then you do not have to wait for death until you can enjoy heaven. The Gnostics believed in duality, with one their main tenants being that God was the flipside of the Devil, and therefore God was good and evil. This was one of the main excuses for the Church to persecute them. MNK also believe in duality, but they call it 'contradiction'. In Communication Sheet 18 they discuss this belief.

Further information can be found on the subject at the Virtual Library. These beliefs are also related to some of Plato's ideas. More detailed research into this subject is forthcoming.

Karen Eliot 30.10.96