1st–2nd centuries

Gnosticism

Salvation comes through secret spiritual knowledge, often alongside a dualism that treats matter as evil or inferior.

The Central Error

Its varied systems commonly include spiritual elitism, a lower creator, and distortions of creation, incarnation, and bodily resurrection.

Opposed by early church fathers, especially Irenaeus in Against Heresies.

Secret Bible codes, hidden knowledge for an enlightened elite, New Age Christianity, or contempt for the body and created world.