Gnosticism is a collection of ancient religious ideas and systems that emerged in the early centuries of Christianity. It emphasizes personal spiritual knowledge, or "gnosis," over orthodox teachings and institutions. Gnostics often believed that the material world is flawed or evil, created by a lesser deity known as the Demiurge, and that true enlightenment comes from transcending this physical realm. Gnostic texts, such as the Gospel of Thomas and the Nag Hammadi library, reveal diverse beliefs about the nature of God, the universe, and humanity's role within it. These writings often challenge traditional Christian doctrines, presenting alternative views on creation, salvation, and the divine.