Many folks identify their religious journeys as quests, a word that shares in the etymology of “question.” So it’s not surprising that Talk Gnosis fans are such a curious lot. Periodically, we like to make a list of your questions and answer them in a special show. Here’s what we covered in this episode:

• What are your thoughts on how to actually transcend the demiurge?
• Once a Gnostic truly feels they’ve reached a point in their path of gnosis that they have broken free from the demiurge and can transcend, why wouldn’t they end their lives and escape this false reality?
• What strategies do you use to keep your mind at peace?
• Is ascension a mental process or a physical process?
• I was recently playing a Japanese role-playing game called Persona 5 that involved a battle against Yaldabaoth. What is the weirdest place that you have seen overt gnostic references?
• Why are you a Gnostic? You weren’t raised as Gnostics right?
• If you guys are Gnostic priests then why do you wear Roman collars?
• I still am unclear on how a Gnostic views the world. Can a canyon or a sunset or an ancient tree just be beautiful without any thoughts of the world being a veil pulled over our eyes?

As you might imagine, the conversation proved far-ranging, as Father Tony and Rev. Subdeacon Jonathan strove to answer these questions, each from his own perspective. Feel free to offer your own responses, either to the original questions or the answers given by the Talk Gnosis hosting team, in the comments.

Please note: This show was taped before the recent deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. While the Talk Gnosis team answered the question of why Gnostics might choose to end their physical lives after achieving transcendence theoretically, we want you to know, in the most reality-based terms,  that you matter, you are important, and that your life has value.

If you, or someone you know, is considering suicide, please get help. The Suicide Prevention Hotline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255 or at SuicidePreventionHotline.org. The site also has valuable information for those who are concerned about the welfare of friends or family members.

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The opinions expressed in this show do not necessarily reflect those of the Gnostic Wisdom Network, the Apostolic Johannite Church, or any other organization.

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