Saint Antony and His Being under the Influence of Gnosticism

In Christianity, some doctrines, rites and manner of practicing religion have been influenced by the mysterious religions and schools of ancient Greece. Among the influences they were exposed to is monasticism in Christianity. The Christian concept of monasticism might have its roots in Gnosticism. Many of the ideas of Saint Antony, who is known as the father of Christian monasticism, and who criticizes gnosticism have been influenced by Gnosticism. Such aspects, like: dissociation oneself from this world, self-discipline and austerity, solitude and self-denial, which characterize Antony's monasticism, have a sense of Gnosticism. Antony's theology also about epistemology, universalogy, anthropology and knowing salvation is influenced by gnosticism.