Gnostics did not believe his intent was to establish a Church, led only by males that could dictate rules for faith and morality. Their intent was not to establish Christianity as a political power to condemn others or to become a state religion.
Lost in the midst of many emotional struggles over beliefs was a different way to be Christian than claiming that there was only one true way to be Christian. Certainly, the Gnostics had beliefs but theirs were open to change and not final answers. Beliefs were open to debate, but more importantly faith was a seeking for truth, not declaring it blindly or arrogantly.
Gnostic Christianity emphasized one's experience and personal connection to Christ through what they called "gnosis." The experience of gnosis could range from what happened to Paul on the Damascus Road -- to ones receiving enlightenment.
