The Art of Preaching

Primitive Pentecostal Gnostics, or “Primitive Gnostics” as they are commonly known, are a minority religious sect, typically associated with charismatic movements, which simultaneously combines Christian faith with mystical Gnosticism. Gnosticism is an ancient spiritual tradition, rooted in Eastern and Western esoteric religious and philosophical strands, which teaches an understanding of the divine spark that resides within us all. Accordingly, the spiritual practice of Primitive Gnostics includes meditative practices such as centering prayer, as well as ecstatic experiences and visions, which are understood to be inspired by the mysteries of the Holy Spirit.

For Primitive Gnostics, homiletics, or the art of preaching, is a key component of their spiritual practice. Since the core of their spirituality is centered around an inner connection to the divine spark, much of Primitive Gnostic preaching consists of teachings about the beauty of inner spiritual connection and the value of love for both neighbor and self. Within the confines of the church, Primitive Gnostics’ sermons are focused on encouraging members of the congregation to practice self-awareness, compassion, and the mystical means of connecting to the “ultimate reality.”

In their sermons, Primitive Gnostics primarily emphasize two core concepts: First, they focus on the Christian foundational beliefs of love, mercy and grace, while also emphasizing the importance of “inner stillness” or a search for true knowledge. As members of their congregation open themselves up to the mystical power of the Holy Spirit, they are reminded to unite this energy with grace and love. Secondly, Primitive Gnostics often preach about the need for an organized religious structure which is based on the idea of equality and social justice. While these teachings connect with the traditional Christian faith, Primitive Gnostics also believe that organized religion should include mystical practices, such as fasting and prayer, which allow followers to more deeply connect with their faith.

Finally, Primitive Gnostics also place a strong emphasis on the spiritual transformation of humankind. They often preach about the power of radical transformation through love and the power of the Holy Spirit, encouraging listeners to challenge the status quo while still respecting the kinship they share with those around them. By flipping the traditional Christian message on its head and emphasizing the power of reconciling both the material and the spiritual, Primitive Gnostics strive to make the world a better place, one sermon at a time.