— Philip K. Dick, Tractates Cryptica Scriptura

You shall know a tree by the fruit it bears.

— Jesus Christ

For this reason, error grew angry at him, persecuted him, was distressed at him, (and) was brought to naught. He was nailed to a tree (and) he became fruit of the knowledge of the Father. It did not, however, cause destruction because it was eaten, but to those who ate it, it gave (cause) to become glad in the discovery, and he discovered them in himself, and they discovered him in themselves.

— The Gospel of Truth

Over the past decade or so, there has been an increased interest in the Gnostic tradition, undoubtedly thanks in a large part to Philip K. Dick-influenced film and literature, mentions of Gnosticism in popular culture, and an increasing popular interest in the history of mystical and "alternative" spirituality in the West. It is an exceptionally exciting time to be a Gnostic, as our tradition seems to be undergoing something of a renascence.

This is also an exceptionally exciting time to be involved in Gnostic studies. Our understanding of the groups to which we refer as "Gnostic" is evolving and expanding thanks to the work of scholars like April DeConick, Michael Williams, Karen King, Einar Thomassen, John Turner, Birger Pearson, and Marvin Meyer, name a few, and through these studies, we now know more than ever before about our ancient predecessors.

In light of both our modern practical understanding of Gnosticism and the work of scholarship, we cannot define a monolithic Gnosticism as any single historical denomination; because we are so focused on individual experience and so open to other individual experiences, we cannot, by our very nature, limit ourselves. However, for a variety of reasons, many individuals have come to understand Gnosticism as a spiritual abstraction with no regard for dogma or traditional spiritual form, a misconception propogated by dubious scholarship and postmodern interpretation of Gnostic scripture by individuals with questionable motives. We feel that we have a responsibility to provide a voice to those who understand that Gnosticism has a rich, historical heritage, and that only by acknowledging this heritage with honesty can we remain true to our own modern Gnostic path.

At the Palm Tree Garden, we recognize that Gnosticism is a religion, but our Gnosticism cannot duplicate historical Gnosticism. So how do we, as modern Gnostics, live Gnosticism in the sense of our forebears? At the Palm Tree Garden, we take our inspiration from their attitude of faith, and in the devotion they showed in living their gnosis. We approach history honestly and try to be realistic about revelation. Only by living Gnosticism every second of every day, no matter where or with whom, will we be true to our forebears.

Therefore, and with this in mind, the aims and goals of The Palm Tree Garden are four-fold:

1. To give all of those interested in Gnosticism, regardless of specific tradition or denomination, a place to discuss Gnosticism with like-minded individuals, and in doing so, make available a virtual community which will attract individuals who are newly interested in Gnosticism.
2. To develop a sense of purpose and unity among the extant Gnostic community.
3. To continue developing modern Gnosticism as a living, breathing (pneumatic) tradition: well-balanced, not focused explicitly on a single method of understanding, but comprised of a variety of perspectives ranging from the academic to spiritual and understood within the matrix of living Gnostic experience.
4. To develop ways to clarify the current manifestation of Gnostic form and practice with the openness and compassion which are the very basis of our tradition, while maintaining a historical and intellectual honesty and acknowledging the differences between Modern and Historical Gnostic theory and practice.

The Palm Tree Garden is not intended to be a place to come up with a monolithic definition of Gnosticism so fixed as to be or become a singular Dogma, and, as gnostics, we recognize the dangers that petrification of beliefs and static adherence to formulae, however well intended, pose to the growth of both ourselves as individuals and us as a group. Nonetheless, we welcome open dialogue on the nature and purpose of Gnosticism, with the understanding that gnosis is truth, all else is conjecture.

The PTG is not a place to proselytize, or to denigrate others. It is not a place to cast aspersions on other, non-Gnostic traditions, no matter our personal feelings about them. Even though we may vehemently disagree on words and definitions, we recognize ourselves as co-religionists in the greater Community of Knowers.