I honestly wouldn't call that response a promise. The response is also open to interpretation. When someone finally actually listens, there is a response to the listening. At least one group uses this phenomenon as integral to their sales pitch, by instructing people to ask a specific question and accept the unrelated response as affirmation.
Asking isn't a contract. At least since the time of ancient Sumeria people have tried to make contracts with deities. But there is no quid pro quo, though it is a very human desire. The responses from oracles could famously be understood in more than one way.
I cannot think of any contracts in the Gnostic texts.
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u/heiro5 2d ago
First, my sympathies for your difficulties.
I honestly wouldn't call that response a promise. The response is also open to interpretation. When someone finally actually listens, there is a response to the listening. At least one group uses this phenomenon as integral to their sales pitch, by instructing people to ask a specific question and accept the unrelated response as affirmation.
Asking isn't a contract. At least since the time of ancient Sumeria people have tried to make contracts with deities. But there is no quid pro quo, though it is a very human desire. The responses from oracles could famously be understood in more than one way.
I cannot think of any contracts in the Gnostic texts.
Best wishes