- Gnosticism (from Ancient Greek: γνωστικός, romanized: gnōstikós, Koine Greek: [ɣnostiˈkos], ‘having knowledge’) is a collection of religious ideas and systems that coalesced in the late 1st century AD among Jewish and early Christian sects. These various groups emphasized personal spiritual knowledge (gnosis) above the proto-orthodox teachings, traditions, and authority of religious institutions. Gnostic cosmogony generally presents a distinction between a supreme, hidden God and a malevolent lesser divinity (sometimes associated with the biblical deity Yahweh) who is responsible for creating the material universe. Consequently, Gnostics considered material existence flawed or evil, and held the principal element of salvation to be direct knowledge of the hidden divinity, attained via mystical or esoteric insight. Many Gnostic texts deal not in concepts of sin and repentance, but with illusion and enlightenment.
- Frankfort, Washington (Wikipedia)
Frankfort is a ghost town in Pacific County, Washington on the mouth of the Columbia River near Portuguese Point. First homesteaded in 1876, a planned community was platted by two promoters, Frank Bourne and Frank Scott (whence the name) in 1890. Together they envisioned a resort community at the location. As there were no roads, and access to the area was only by boat, lots were sold on the premise that the railroad would eventually build a line through the community. A post office, general store, saloon, sawmill and a hotel were built and a newspaper, the Frankfort Chronicle, was established. The financial Panic of 1893 deterred any future investors, and the town took a downhill turn.