Which characteristic is attributed to gnostic beliefs?

Gnostic beliefs are characterized by a strong emphasis on personal spiritual knowledge, often referred to as "gnosis." This concept suggests that individuals can attain a deeper understanding and connection to the divine through personal experience and insight, rather than through external authority or organized religious systems. Gnosticism often stands in contrast to traditional religious structures that focus on dogma, rituals, and collective worship.

Gnostics tend to value inner knowledge and personal revelation as a path to spiritual enlightenment, advocating that such insights can lead individuals to attain liberation from the material world and its limitations. This intrinsic pursuit of wisdom and understanding aligns closely with the defining elements of Gnostic thought, highlighting the significance of personal spiritual journeys over institutionalized doctrines or theistic beliefs.

In contrast, characteristics such as an emphasis on organized religion, strict adherence to ancient texts, or a focus on the physical manifestations of divinity do not resonate with the core principles of Gnosticism, which prioritizes individual insight over formalized paths or tangible expressions of the divine.