ABSTRACT
This article aims to analyze the theses of Albert Camus on the Gnostic movements that had a great influence on early Christianity. Therefore, it starts with an examination of the relationship between Gnosticism and modernity, and then demonstrates how, according to the French-Algerian thinker, the Gnostic sects represent the fil rouge that links the Greek tradition (of rationality) to Christian perspectives (mainly the idea of redemption). In addition, the analysis intends to demonstrate how, for Camus, Gnosticism and modernity maintain close ties, mainly due to the concept of man’s exile in the world. Thus, it is understood how Camus appropriates this feeling to formulate his own philosophical and literary work, articulating Gnostic nihilism and contemporary nihilism.
Keywords:
Camus; Gnosticism; Nihilism; Existentialism