The Ancient Neo-Platonist Attack on Gnosticism - Plotinus Against the Gnostics

While the attack on Gnosticism by the early church is well known, it is less appreciated that the pagan founder of Neo-Platonism Plotinus led a frontal assault on the gnostics in his famed Enneads as well. What were the philosophical, cosmological and moral objections Plotinus held against Gnosticism? In this episode, I explore a purely pagan set of criticisms to gnosticism. This episode is also a huge Neo-Platonism collaboration - check out the other episodes! Filip Holm @LetsTalkReligion : What is Neoplatonism? (followed by Neoplatonism and Islam): Dr Angela Puca @drangelapuca : Plotinus and Iamblichus on Theurgy and Magic: Zevi Slavin @SeekersofUnity : From Neoplatonism to Kabbalah, A Mystical Journey: Dr. Dan Attrell @TheModernHermeticist : The Platonic Philosophers’ Creed by Thomas Taylor: Dr. John Vervaeke @johnvervaeke : Levels of Intelligibility: Neoplatonism & 4E Cognitive Science: Make Sure to Subscribe & Consider supporting Esoterica by becoming a monthly Patron - a one time donation - or the Super Thanks - Your support is profoundly appreciated! Recommended Reading: Burns - Apocalypse of the Alien God: Platonism and the Exile of Sethian Gnosticism - 978-0812245790