This article analyzes the utilization of the concept “Gnosticism” in a form of Satanism that has come to be known as “Chaos Gnosticism,” or “Gnostic Satanism.” The topic of the study is the Swedish expression of this phenomenon attached to Current 218 and the Temple of Black Light, previously named the Misanthropic Luciferian Order (MLO). The group is known as one of the more radical and violent forms of Satanism. The aim here is to show how MLO relates to ancient Gnostic myths and how the particular and at times sinister worldview of MLO is legitimized by the use of Gnosticism. We also argue that the way the concept “Gnosticism” is understood within the group is reminiscent of the way it is constructed in certain scholarly circles. This brings to attention the relationship between modern academic publications and the construction of new religious movements.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
August 2023
Research Article|
August 01 2023
Chaos Untold: The Use of Gnosticism in the Misanthropic Luciferian Order (MLO)
Johnny Olsson
Johnny Olsson, Lund University
Search for other works by this author on:
Nova Religio (2023) 27 (1): 29–50.
Citation
Paul Linjamaa, Johnny Olsson; Chaos Untold: The Use of Gnosticism in the Misanthropic Luciferian Order (MLO). Nova Religio 1 August 2023; 27 (1): 29–50. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/nr.2023.27.1.29
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Client Account
You could not be signed in. Please check your email address / username and password and try again.
Could not validate captcha. Please try again.