This is a good passage on the early church heresy of gnosticism. Lest you think it only hung around in the second century, take a look at how he describes it here. Sound familiar?
By definition, all men were in need of salvation; therefore, of faith and repentance in faith. The Gnostic view left little room for the illuminati to practise love on this earth; “they live as though they were indifferent,” and Irenaeus. The Church anathematized the pseudo-Romantic heresies; there could be no superiority except in morals, in labour, in love.
See, understand, enjoy, said the Gnostic;
repent, believe, love, said the Church, and if you see anything by the way, say so.
In some sense, the Gnostics avoided any “scandal” to the mind and soul. The stones they offered fitted the corners of many temples; only not of the City of Christendom.
-Charles Williams, The Descent of the Dove, p.25
Also the dichotomy of “see, understand, enjoy” versus “repent, believe, love” is very striking to me. The gnostic does his mental gymnastics properly so he can enjoy things in life without having to bother with repenting and the monumental task of loving. He can talk a great deal about love, with the odd side effect of not ever having to love. I see myself on a bad day.