Gnostic is a term that derives from the Greek "gnostikos" whose meaning refers to something or someone who is able to know. In the Portuguese language the term is used to refer to those who are sectarians of Gnosticism.
Gnosticism designates a set of beliefs of a philosophical and religious nature whose basic principle is based on the idea that there is in each man an immortal essence that transcends man himself. Gnostics consider human existence in this world as unnatural, as it is subjected to various sufferings.
According to Gnosticism, the path to freedom from these sufferings is through knowledge. Not knowledge acquired rationally and on a scientific basis, but an intuitive and transcendental knowledge that gives meaning to human life itself.
Gnosticism has its origins in several religious sects prior to Christianity, but in the first centuries of the Christian era it even mixed with Christianity itself. It later came to be declared heretical thought. There are those who defend the existence of a pagan Gnosticism and a Christian Gnosticism.