From the root word "image". This is a theological premise that states that Christ's actions on the earth (including the "passion") is illusory. The literal historical existence or happenings of Jesus is not the point to a Gnostic, nor is it thought that the bloody sacrifice of a scapegoat is our salvation. Instead it is the meaning of the allegories contained in scripture, the Gnosis they impart, that is thought to be true salvation.