About

This is my personal blog, a place to share ideas related to Gnosticism in general, Valentinianism, contemplative practice, nonviolence and social justice, and the Christian Fourth Way.

A bit about me:

My consecration by +Mar Ioahannes IV

I've been a student of Gnosticism and esoteric Christianity for 20 years.  I'm the founder of the  Alexandrian Gnostic Church, as well as Pastor of St. Photini's Parish in Jersey City, New Jersey, a growing community serving the greater NYC metropolitan area.  I also serve as co-director of GnosticNYC and represent the AGC on the North American College of Gnostic Bishops.

In addition to my work with the AGC, I'm also a Free Initiator in the Martinist tradition and author of the soon to be published "Secret Sayings: Meditations on the Gospel of Thomas," and "What Sets Us Free - Gnosticism and Liberation."

I'm also a long time advocate and activist for social justice and nonviolence.  I first became active during the buildup for the First Gulf War.  Since then, I've been involved in protests against the Second Gulf War and other military conflicts, anti-globalization marches, rallies against police brutality, the campaigns to free political prisoners such as Mumia Abu-Jamal and Leonard Peltier, actions in solidarity with the Palestinian people's struggle for justice, and the Occupy Wall Street movement.

I live just outside New York City with my wife and two noisy birds.

Guidelines for comments:

I'm glad you're here--and can't wait to hear what you're thinking.  But when you're composing that insightful comment, remember--if you can't play nicely, I'll take your ball and send you home. Or at the very least, delete the offending post. Repeat offenders may be banned. Should I be more specific?

You should:

• Be polite.  It never hurts to be nice, and you'll be much more likely to get a useful response when you're civil.
• Think, then speak. Are your comments helpful?  Encouraging? 
• Stay on topic.
• Consider Godwin's Law in effect. First to violate it loses, and the conversation is over.

You should not:

• Use inappropriate language or provide links/trackbacks to obscene or inappropriate content. This includes using obscenities as well as being just plain mean.
• Defame an individual or group.  Racists, sexists, homophobes, islamophobes aren't welcome.  Have your Tea Party elsewhere.
• Violate any trademarks or copyrighted material.
• Upload or link to viruses or other malicious code.
• Violate the privacy of others.
• Feed the trolls. It only encourages them.

These don't cover every possible naughty (or nice) act. I reserve the right to reject or redact any comments or posts that violate the spirit, as well as the letter, of these policies. And for good comments? Sometimes I have cookies.  Or a nice cigar.