Some ancient forms of Gnosticism had many things in common with modern ideas of anarchism: their members lived on communes with little to no private property and they practiced ceremonies led by people chosen each time by lots rather than hierarchical authority. Gnostic groups also practiced equity among the sexes and some members were vegetarians. Central to all gnostic philosophy was an individual attainment of affirmed alignment with God as taught by Jesus to the first gnostic sects, a personal experience rather than one based on dogma. They often had decentralized church structure and, given that early gnostics believed all people are precious children of God, they placed a strong emphasis on equality. Some modern gnostics view themselves in opposition to spiritual entities called "archons," a word which means "ruler"; the word "anarchy" is derived, and so in many ways the goal of gnosticism is a form of Christian anarchy. Other modern gnostics believe they are ruled by the Demiurge — an Archon overlord.