The Nas Ticks
Gnosticism’s Integral Role in Comprehensive Knowledge
Now on their way to the storage room, Jasper donned his skeleton suit, the signal to the Indigenous Nawas that he was no intruder. After placing Neems and Nerines near the entrance, he pressed against his trachea to call out to his fiancees. “I’m heading inside to stash away the instruments. Have a watch over the bases. I’ll be making arrangements to see you soon.” Jasper then faces the door and it opens, and the entourage begins hauling the equipment into storage.
Four overused words in the past 5 years are Narcissism, Authenticity, Reality, and Gaslighting. I’m not stating this as if I’m tired of these words, because there are many men out there who aren’t gentlemen. There are plenty of people who are manipulative, abusive, double-tongued; sinister. At the end of the day though, discretion will serve people well. If you ever wonder how people can go through the darkest times with grace, just know sometimes favor isn’t fair. Some of us have angels surrounding the air.
Nas — Recession Proof (Official Audio)
Music is a sacred thing to me, and it’s something I want to share freely on my terms, but also with reasonable hesitations. For one, there are genres of music that have yet to be created or discovered, that produce a level of joy and freedom America hasn’t experienced yet. Two, I don’t consider myself an elitist, however I’ve gotten to the age where I don’t have enough time to be frustrated working with artists who don’t see the bigger picture, or if you’re Christian, ‘pushing the needle’ being a hindrance to people seeing the full glory of Christ. For many artists, rappers, singers, musicians and otherwise I share the love of music with you, but in many ways I can’t relate to you. My deepest desires define my true goal: progressing Godward. I want to be inclusive in nature, yet because of real outside threats, I’m exclusive for self-preservation.
Hate Me Now
After some prayer and meditation, I thought of weaving a few themes together across a few posts while resurrecting a blog post hacked a few years ago. So before I reassume my role as a Prophet, let me highlight some concerns about music while highlighting some verses in one of the Gnostic Gospels, The Book of Thomas.
Before the age of printing, the meticulous work of scribes was essential for preserving texts. Seated at their desks, often in scriptoriums within monasteries, scribes carefully copied texts by hand onto materials like parchment or vellum. They would painstakingly transcribe each letter, word, and illustration, adhering to established scripts and conventions. Accuracy was paramount, though errors could occasionally creep in during the lengthy process. This dedication ensured that knowledge and stories from the past endured, albeit through a slow and labor-intensive method.
Understanding this fact is the premise for lost Ancient texts that could have been a part of the Biblical Canon; the Lost Chronicles and Kabbalah, as well as the Gnostic texts, which were discovered around the 1st century AD. Gnosticism was considered a teaching that came before orthodoxy was established in Rome by Eusebius and Eusebius of Nicomedia. Along with Marcionism and Ebionism, Gnostics were one of the many sects that existed prior to the Council of Nicea.
SIDEBAR: The remnants of the Jedi Order saw how Berklee College of Music handled Nicolas Payton and we’re not having any of it. Just like how Harvard is being penalized for any criticism of White Jews, (Christianity btw is a form of Anti-Semitism by supplanting the Old Jewish Covenant), and possibly mishandling of any outward aggression towards Jews, making any peaceful resolution in America between Zionists and Palestinians under the Trump Administration is performative at best and futile at worst. If only the same consideration were held against microaggressions against Blacks, including Black Jews and Black Muslims…myself even…but you know, that’s how games are lost when you invalidate truth and simply sweep things under the rug.
The Message
Gnosticism comes from the Greek Word “gnosis” meaning the range of knowledge between general understanding to the more deeper, perfect, and esoteric understanding of Jesus’ teachings. It is found 29 times in the Protestant Bible and for my fellow recording artists, we will highlight one in the Gospel of Luke before we examine the Gospel of Thomas.
52 “Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the <key to knowledge.> You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.” — Luke 11:52 NIV <emphasis added>
It is true that for centuries artists have used their art to challenge norms and speak truth to power. It is also true that most of those very same artists lacked truth to free generations. So we’ve come to a point in a revolution where there’s an opportunity to establish an everlasting period of enlightenment and freedom through art, and I want to be a part of that movement until the end…if God permits. The Gospel of Thomas is one of those keys of knowledge that supplements the Gospel message. It is regarded by many scholars as a ‘gospel of sayings’ in contrast to Gospel narratives depicting Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection.
If only the same consideration was held against microaggressions against Blacks, including Black Jews and Black Muslims…myself even…but you know, that’s how games are lost when you invalidate truth and simply sweep things under the rug.
The Living Blueprint
Ghostwriting involves creating content attributed to someone else, essentially becoming an unseen presence behind the words. This act of lending one’s voice while remaining uncredited can be seen as a form of literary “ghostliness.” Interestingly, the first verse of the Gospel of Thomas states, “These are the secret sayings that the living Jesus spoke and Didymus Judas Thomas wrote them down.
Exodus | Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin
And he said, ‘Whoever finds the interpretation of these sayings will not taste death.’” This verse suggests a path to immortality through understanding the true meaning of Jesus’ teachings. implying a transcendence beyond a mortal existence where one might fade into obscurity, like a ghost. The act of truly “finding the interpretation” could be interpreted as achieving a profound understanding that prevents a metaphorical “death” of the self or spirit, contrasting with the anonymity inherent in ghostwriting. Therefore, actively engaging with profound knowledge, as suggested by the Gospel, offers an antithesis to the fading presence of a ghostwriter, promising a form of enduring “life” through understanding.
(18) The disciples said to Jesus, “Tell us how our end will be.” Jesus said, “Have you discovered, then, the beginning, that you look for the end? For where the beginning is, there will the end be. Blessed is he who will take his place in the beginning; he will know the end and will not experience death.” (19) Jesus said, “Blessed is he who came into being before he came into being. If you become my disciples and listen to my words, these stones will minister to you. For there are five trees for you in Paradise which remain undisturbed summer and winter and whose leaves do not fall. Whoever becomes acquainted with them will not experience death.”
The archetype of the “starving artist” is the prevailing ethos of artists struggling financially. It’s a consequence that can stem, in part, from a lack of self-awareness, maintaining artistic integrity, and ascribing worthlessness to themselves or God’s value of their work. (Is 26:12; Is 40:17)
As he says, when you have money on your mind while making music, “God walks out of the room.” — Quincy Jones
With capitalism fostering classism and racism in caste systems outside the U.S, it is difficult for artists (especially Black and POC) to escape hardship. Without a clear understanding of Divine worth through spiritual unity, artists may never find or desire ‘Artistic Nirvana.’ For those artists, the sermon on the mount falls on deaf ears. (Matt 6:25–33.)
Rev.James Cleveland-Give Me My Flowers
“Jesus said, ‘If those who lead you say to you, “See, the Kingdom is in the sky,” then the birds of the sky will get there before you. If they say to you, “It is in the sea,” then the fish will get there before you. Rather, the Kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you.’”
An inherent and accessible “Kingdom,” is the state of fulfillment and abundance. It’s not a distant aspiration but a present reality to be recognized within and around oneself. Embracing this <inner and outer richness> challenges the notion of inevitable poverty. It’s a matter of perspective, which speaks to many other Gnostic perspectives including philosophy and science. Materialists and spiritualists across philosophical, sociological and scientific disciplines differ on definitions of ‘nothing’ in contrast to ‘something’. Judas brings this dynamic by supplementing Jesus’ saying found in Mark 4:25, “For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”
“Jesus said, ‘Whoever has something in their hand will be given more, and whoever has nothing will have even the little they have taken away from them,’ — The Gospel of Thomas (41)
Harmonizing these verses suggests recognizing and cultivating one’s inherent talents is a necessary component of hearing “Kingdom sayings”. The byproduct of this is ‘increase’ and “luxurious fellowship,” which falls in line with the progressive nature of the ‘social gospel’. Unlike fundamentalist or right-wing perspectives, God’s will is to have all His children (including Black and Brown people) enjoy His riches according to Divine wisdom.
Transcending Objectiveness
Jesus saw infants being suckled. He said to his disciples, “These infants being suckled are like those who enter the kingdom.” They said to him, “Shall we then, as children, enter the kingdom?” Jesus said to them, “When you make the two one, and when you make the inside like the outside and the outside like the inside, and the above like the below, and when you make the male and the female one and the same, so that the male not be male nor the female; and when you fashion eyes in the place of an eye, and a hand in place of a hand, and a foot in place of a foot, and a likeness in place of a likeness; then will you enter the kingdom.” — Gospel of Thomas (22)
Westside Gunn, Doechii — EGYPT (Remix) [Visualizer]
To offer objective criticism, one must strive for impartiality, setting aside personal biases and preferences to evaluate a subject based on its inherent qualities. This detachment allows for a clearer assessment, untainted by subjective leanings. This is not to say that personal thoughts and feelings should be suppressed, but rather tempered in view of self-discovery and relating with others. When done successfully, exploring personal truths and perspectives can be done healthily in community while observing something.
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. — 2 Cor 4:16–18
These two seemingly contrasting approaches are <in fact> integral components of Absolute Truth. Just as comprehensive understanding requires both an unbiased examination of reality and authentic self-awareness, Absolute Truth gives space for subjective affection, relativity across families and communities, and objectivism without dismissing Transcendent Truth. . Imagine a musician seeking to improve their craft; objective criticism from peers can highlight technical flaws and areas for growth, while introspective self-discovery can reveal their unique artistic voice and intentions.
Hypocrisy is not just a betrayal to others, it is also a betrayal to oneself and foolishness before God. This is what Luke 12:1–3 cautions against and shows how many wander far from Jesus’ revealed sayings speaking from an ungodly tongue. (Luke 12:8–12)
“whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight,”
Judas Thomas supplies a key in practicing truth in God’s revealed Word and through the Holy Spirit.
“Recognize what is in your sight, and that which is hidden from you will become plain to you,” — The Gospel of Thomas (5)
Both underscores the importance of genuine evaluation and Divine Revelation, both inward and outward. Without comparing The Gospel of Thomas with the Synoptics Gospels, it’s easy to not appreciate the interweaving of scripture. Look at how skillfully Luke 12:4–7 is thread with The Gospel of Thomas as we highlight the 51 and 84 sayings:
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Lil Nas X — THE ART OF REALIZATION
His disciples said to him, “When will the repose of the dead come about, and when will the new world come?” He said to them, “What you look forward to has already come, but you do not recognize it.” — The Gospel of Thomas (51)
Jesus said, “When you see your likeness, you rejoice. But when you see your images which came into being before you, and which neither die nor become manifest, how much you will have to bear!” — The Gospel of Thomas (84)
From an artistic perspective, this is The Good News! This “new world” of artistic mastery and truthful expression arises not just from external critique but from a present, internal awakening to seeing one’s self in themselves and in other people. This is a beautiful representation of humility, harmonizing those with varying abilities and resources, fostering celebration and consideration for those who, through no fault of their own, experience life vicariously. Since all have partaken in God’s grace, those who acknowledge that grace receive the greatest trophy, The Crown of Life.
Bloom on the Farm
The Church Fathers’ condemnation of Gnosticism as heresy can be viewed as a plantation for consolidating power and enforcing doctrinal uniformity, much like dominant ideologies marginalize dissenting voices through criminalization and economic domination. Their pronouncements against Gnostic beliefs, which often emphasized direct personal knowledge of the divine and diverse interpretations of scripture, parallel the way White Supremacists today dismiss Black Theology and Black Liberation movements as inferior or invalid due to their challenge to established hierarchies.
Just as Black theologians seek to interpret The Gospel through the lived experiences of Black people, Gnostics explored spiritual truths beyond the rigid confines of emerging orthodox Christianity. The simplicity of Divine Acceptance, evident in Jesus’ words in John 6:37, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away,” stands in stark contrast to exclusionary doctrines. Furthermore, the Gospel of Thomas (saying 49) states, “Blessed are the solitary and the chosen, for you will find the kingdom. For you came from it, and to it you will return,” highlighting a direct, individual path to the divine, bypassing the need for prescribed intermediaries.
“Wretched is the body that depends on a body, and wretched is the soul that depends on these two,” — The Gospel of Thomas (87)
And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught. — 1 John 2:27 BSB
As the current U.S Administration attacks DEI programs, access to free education, and the destruction of non-white history and culture the Black Church is put in a bind. For the Black Church to regain legitimacy in the years ahead, it must acknowledge how it’s been used as a puppet to keep Blacks from resisting the Babylonian regime. Black churches will also need to address it’s own dysfunction caused by sexual abuse, misapplications of Biblical Prosperity and the Word of Faith. The future Black church will blossom as it accepts Gnosticism as proto-orthodoxy. Along with certain aspects of Hoodoo and Ifa tradition, the Black Church will thrive once all of their spiritual expressions are recovered and discovered for the glory of Christ.
IP Nasty Work
Intellectual Property (IP) law, while intended to protect innovation, has historically functioned to marginalize non-white contributions by prioritizing and rewarding inventions originating from dominant Western cultures. This system often overlooks or appropriates indigenous knowledge and traditional practices, effectively erasing non-white innovation from the mainstream narrative. Furthermore, the costs associated with securing and defending IP rights create significant barriers, preventing individuals and communities without substantial resources from protecting their own inventions and participating equitably in technological advancement.
While figures like Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey have expressed desires for fewer IP restrictions in certain domains, a complete elimination could harm creators in fields like songwriting and technical music, where copyright and patents provide crucial protections for their artistic and technical works.
True Gnostic Gospel teaches prosperity transcends the need to fiercely guard intellectual property within capitalist or dirigiste systems. By renouncing the conventional pursuit of wealth, artists unlock a greater abundance, as the Gospel of Thomas suggests.
Jesus said, “The kingdom of the father is like a merchant who had a consignment of merchandise and who discovered a pearl. That merchant was shrewd. He sold the merchandise and bought the pearl alone for himself. You too, seek his unfailing and enduring treasure where no moth comes near to devour and no worm destroys.” — The Gospel of Thomas (76)
Jesus said, “The angels and the prophets will come to you and give to you those things you (already) have. And you too, give them those things which you have, and say to yourselves, ‘When will they come and take what is theirs?’” — The Gospel of Thomas (88)
Jesus said, “Whoever finds the world and becomes rich, let him renounce the world.” — The Gospel of Thomas (110)
According to The Gospel, true riches lie beyond material gain. As this relates to the fight for IP in such systems, perhaps the dismantling of all IP law works in favor for artists in the long-run. Should racism, classism, and sexism be dismantled as well, look what barriers could be removed for a more profound artistic fulfillment!
The Ether is Real
The escalating use of artificial intelligence demands vast computational power, often cooled by significant amounts of water, exacerbating the already critical issue of global water scarcity. This depletion of a vital resource, coupled with the energy consumption of AI, further primes the environment for the intensification of global warming and the increased risk of devastating wildfires. In this context, Jesus’ enigmatic statement in the Gospel of Thomas (10), “I have cast fire upon the world, and see, I am guarding it until it blazes,” could be understood not as a literal act of destruction, but as a catalyst for revealing underlying tensions and consequences. The dissension Jesus speaks of in saying 16, “They do not know that it is dissension which I have come to cast upon the earth: fire, sword, and war… And they will stand solitary,” might mirror the societal divisions and environmental conflicts arising from unchecked technological advancement and resource exploitation.
“He who is near me is near the fire, and he who is far from me is far from the kingdom,” — The Gospel of Thomas (82)
Hell is hot, but the Kingdom of Heaven is like living in fire. If there’s one last thing the Black Church must do to regain its legitimacy is address the hypocrisy that comes from condemning others, particularly in patriarchy, misogyny, and the LGBTQIA community. If men can claim they are the bride of Christ, how therefore is gay marriage a sin? (Gal 3:28, Col 3:11)
Simon Peter said to him, “Let Mary leave us, for women are not worthy of life.” Jesus said, “I myself shall lead her in order to make her male, so that she too may become a living spirit resembling you males. For every woman who will make herself male will enter the kingdom of heaven.” — The Gospel of Thomas (114)
If we’re transphobic, what will happen when humanoids are able to have intercourse with humans?
After Jasper and the crew finished putting all the equipment into storage, they took weapons to be fully armed once outside. “We shouldn’t think ourselves in the clear once we start heading towards the base, “ Jasper said. Immediately spotted by the Nawas, Jasper and the crew signaled that they would leave in peace. Jasper took off his skeleton suit and dressed himself in a Yew outfit to ward off wild animals as they approached the base. Once the crew left the storage-house, the Neems and Nerines were blown away.
This isn’t my best piece of work, but I wanted to follow suit and write a blog with “[K]No[W] Bars”. As people celebrate National Teacher Day while Mother’s Day approaches, consider the following questions for discussion (assuming you read this far).
- How can you support the LGBTQIA community? In what ways can you advocate for them in religious circles?
- Why is solitude necessary for growth? How do you balance this with living in community?
- For artists: How can Gnosticism inform the way you create art? Would you adopt its insight and why?
- How do philosophical zombies, Haitian culture, and main character syndrome play a role in the Gospel? How could you grow, dispersing the Gospel of Life to others without biting another?
- In what ways can you hold the Church accountable for its scandals? In what ways is it out of your control? How can you edify the church so that it is healthy, welcoming, and restorative to those outside the faith?
Heavenly Father,
We humbly come before you this morning, asking for a renewed focus. Grant us clarity and intention to truly love others as you have loved us. Remove any distractions or selfishness that hinder our ability to see and serve those around us with compassion and understanding.
Lord Jesus, stir us up to grow in your grace and knowledge. Deepen our understanding of your sacrifice and love, that it may transform us from the inside out. Open our minds to your Truth, your wisdom and guidance of your Spirit, that we may walk in your ways more faithfully each day.
May this pursuit of love and knowledge not be separate endeavors, but intertwined, so that as we grow closer to you, my capacity to love others expands and flourishes. Let your lovingkindness be the foundation upon which this love is built, and let your beauty illuminate our path to service and compassion.
In the Name of Many Names,
Jesus, Ahuramazd, Orunmila
Amen.
God Bless you all. Until next time.
