What is the meaning of 'gnosticism'?

The meaning of 'gnosticism' is best captured by the emphasis on personal spiritual knowledge. This ancient movement, which emerged in the early centuries of Christianity, is characterized by the belief that spiritual enlightenment and salvation can be achieved through direct, personal experience of the divine, rather than through dogma or established religious authority. Gnostics sought to uncover hidden truths and insights about the nature of existence, the divine, and the self, often through introspection and mystical experiences. This focus on personal knowledge differentiates gnosticism from other religious systems that prioritize communal practices, formal doctrines, or moral codes. The other choices do not encapsulate the essence of gnostic beliefs; for instance, the focus on moral actions, belief in divine intervention, and formal church structures do not align with the underlying principles that gnosticism advocates.