Internet Archive: Richard Smoley Inner Christianity : the esoteric tradition

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Hidden wisdom

By: Richard Smoley

Published: 1999

Views: 548

Topics: Occultism.

Collections: Books to Borrow, Internet Archive Books, americanuniversity-ol, University of Colorado Boulder, John Stewart Memorial Library at Wilson College

Richard M Smoley

Views: 14

Collections: RECAP US Federal Court Documents, Additional Collections

This item represents a case in PACER, the U.S. Government's website for federal case data. If you wish to see the entire case, please consult PACER directly.

Forbidden faith : the gnostic legacy from the Gospels to the Da Vinci Code

By: Smoley, Richard, 1956-

Published: 2006

Views: 292

Topics: Gnosticism

Collections: Books to Borrow, Internet Archive Books, Delaware County District Library (Ohio) - Open Libraries Collection, Cowles Library, gwulibraries-ol, Milton Public Library - Open Libraries, openlibrary-d-ol, riceuniversity-ol, University of Arizona Libraries

Includes bibliographical references (p. 213-234) and index

First flowering : the best of the Harvard advocate

By: Smoley, Richard M

Published: 1977

Views: 43

Topics: Harvard University, College students' writings, American -- Massachusetts -- Cambridge, College prose, College verse

Collections: Books to Borrow, Internet Archive Books, binghamton-ol, dartmouthlibrary-ol, ithacacollege-ol, occidentalcollegelibrary-ol, randolph-macon-college-ol, The Claremont Colleges, uni-ol, University of Arizona Libraries, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Oklahoma Libraries, Washington Research Library Consortium - Open Libraries

Includes index

Inner Christianity : a guide to the esoteric tradition

By: Smoley, Richard 1956-

Published: 2002

Views: 302

Topics: Christianity, Theosophy, New Thought, Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality, Religion, Christian Life - General, Religion / Christianity, Mysticism, Christianity - General, Christianity - Christian Life - General

Collections: Books to Borrow, Internet Archive Books, cua-ol, dartmouthlibrary-ol, Cowles Library, riceuniversity-ol, University of the West, Washington Research Library Consortium - Open Libraries

Includes bibliographical references (p. 265-277) and index

The essential Nostradamus

By: Smoley, Richard, 1956-

Published: 2010

Views: 54

Topics: Nostradamus, 1503-1566, Prophecies (Occultism)

Collections: Books to Borrow, Internet Archive Books, Delaware County District Library (Ohio) - Open Libraries Collection

p. cm

Conscious love : insights from mystical Christianity

By: Smoley, Richard, 1956-

Published: 2008

Views: 66

Topics: Love -- Religious aspects -- Christianity, Mysticism

Collections: Books to Borrow, Internet Archive Books

ix, 212 p. ; 24 cm

The deal : a guide to radical and complete forgiveness

By: Smoley, Richard, 1956-

Published: 2015

Views: 20

Topics: Forgiveness

Collections: Books to Borrow, Internet Archive Books, Hamilton Public Library - Open Libraries

164 pages ; 19 cm

The essential Nostradamus : literal translation, historical commentary, and biography

Source: removed

By: Smoley, Richard, 1956-

Published: 2006

Views: 44

Topics: Nostradamus, 1503-1566, Prophecies (Occultism)

Collections: Internet Archive Books, binghamton-ol, Hamilton Public Library - Open Libraries, University of Arizona Libraries, University of Colorado Boulder, Worthington Libraries - Open Libraries Collection

305 p. ; 24 cm

How God became God : what scholars are really saying about God and the Bible

By: Smoley, Richard, 1956- author

Published: 2016

Views: 59

Topics: God -- Biblical teaching

Collections: Books to Borrow, Internet Archive Books, Cowles Library, Hamilton Public Library - Open Libraries, openlibrary-d-ol, tulsacc-ol

xxx, 286 pages ; 23 cm

Contemporary authors. Volume 235 : a bio-bibliographical guide to current writers in fiction, general nonfiction, poetry, journalism, drama, motion pictures, television, and other fields

Published: 2005

Views: 60

Topics: Authors -- 20th century -- Bio-bibliography, Authors -- 21st century -- Bio-bibliography, Literature, Modern -- 20th century -- Bio-bibliography, Literature, Modern -- 21st century -- Bio-bibliography, Dramatists, Journalists, Motion picture authorship, Poets, Screenwriters, Television writers, Authors, Literature, Modern

Collections: Books to Borrow, Internet Archive Books

1 online resource

Inner Christianity By Richard Smoley

By: ,God,The Prophets,Richard Smoley.

Published: 2012

Views: 6,299

Topics: Inner Christianity, by, Richard Smoley, mystical and esoteric Christianity, Christian tradition, orthodox, heretical, esoteric doctrine

Collections: Community Texts

ABOUT THE BOOK Inner Christianity is the first introduction to mystical and esoteric Christianity for the general reader. 

It speaks from a nonsectarian point of view, unearthing insights from the whole of the Christian tradition, orthodox and heretical, famous and obscure. The esoteric tradition has traditionally searched for meanings that would yield a deeper inner knowledge of the divine. While traditional Christianity draws a timeline from Adam’s Fall to the Day of Judgment, the

====





Hidden wisdom


By: Richard Smoley
Published: 1999
Views: 548
Topics: Occultism.
Collections: Books to Borrow, Internet Archive Books, americanuniversity-ol, University of Colorado Boulder, John Stewart Memorial Library at Wilson College





Richard M Smoley



Views: 14
Collections: RECAP US Federal Court Documents, Additional Collections
This item represents a case in PACER, the U.S. Government's website for federal case data. If you wish to see the entire case, please consult PACER directly.




Forbidden faith : the gnostic legacy from the Gospels to the Da Vinci Code


By: Smoley, Richard, 1956-
Published: 2006
Views: 292
Topics: Gnosticism
Collections: Books to Borrow, Internet Archive Books, Delaware County District Library (Ohio) - Open Libraries Collection, Cowles Library, gwulibraries-ol, Milton Public Library - Open Libraries, openlibrary-d-ol, riceuniversity-ol, University of Arizona Libraries
Includes bibliographical references (p. 213-234) and index




First flowering : the best of the Harvard advocate


By: Smoley, Richard M
Published: 1977
Views: 43
Topics: Harvard University, College students' writings, American -- Massachusetts -- Cambridge, College prose, College verse
Collections: Books to Borrow, Internet Archive Books, binghamton-ol, dartmouthlibrary-ol, ithacacollege-ol, occidentalcollegelibrary-ol, randolph-macon-college-ol, The Claremont Colleges, uni-ol, University of Arizona Libraries, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Oklahoma Libraries, Washington Research Library Consortium - Open Libraries
Includes index




Inner Christianity : a guide to the esoteric tradition


By: Smoley, Richard 1956-
Published: 2002
Views: 302
Topics: Christianity, Theosophy, New Thought, Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality, Religion, Christian Life - General, Religion / Christianity, Mysticism, Christianity - General, Christianity - Christian Life - General
Collections: Books to Borrow, Internet Archive Books, cua-ol, dartmouthlibrary-ol, Cowles Library, riceuniversity-ol, University of the West, Washington Research Library Consortium - Open Libraries
Includes bibliographical references (p. 265-277) and index




The essential Nostradamus


By: Smoley, Richard, 1956-
Published: 2010
Views: 54
Topics: Nostradamus, 1503-1566, Prophecies (Occultism)
Collections: Books to Borrow, Internet Archive Books, Delaware County District Library (Ohio) - Open Libraries Collection
p. cm




Conscious love : insights from mystical Christianity


By: Smoley, Richard, 1956-
Published: 2008
Views: 66
Topics: Love -- Religious aspects -- Christianity, Mysticism
Collections: Books to Borrow, Internet Archive Books
ix, 212 p. ; 24 cm




The deal : a guide to radical and complete forgiveness


By: Smoley, Richard, 1956-
Published: 2015
Views: 20
Topics: Forgiveness
Collections: Books to Borrow, Internet Archive Books, Hamilton Public Library - Open Libraries
164 pages ; 19 cm




The essential Nostradamus : literal translation, historical commentary, and biography

Source: removed
By: Smoley, Richard, 1956-
Published: 2006
Views: 44
Topics: Nostradamus, 1503-1566, Prophecies (Occultism)
Collections: Internet Archive Books, binghamton-ol, Hamilton Public Library - Open Libraries, University of Arizona Libraries, University of Colorado Boulder, Worthington Libraries - Open Libraries Collection
305 p. ; 24 cm




Created and natural wetlands for controlling nonpoint source pollution


Published: 1993
Views: 4
Topics: Water quality management -- United States, Nonpoint source pollution -- United States, Wetland conservation -- United States, Constructed wetlands -- United States
Collections: Books to Borrow, Internet Archive Books, Georgetown University Law Library - Open Libraries Collection, gwulibraries-ol, johnshopkins-ol, riceuniversity-ol, unb-ol, University of Arizona Libraries, University of Colorado Boulder
v, 216 p. : 25 cm




How God became God : what scholars are really saying about God and the Bible


By: Smoley, Richard, 1956- author
Published: 2016
Views: 59
Topics: God -- Biblical teaching
Collections: Books to Borrow, Internet Archive Books, Cowles Library, Hamilton Public Library - Open Libraries, openlibrary-d-ol, tulsacc-ol
xxx, 286 pages ; 23 cm




Contemporary authors. Volume 235 : a bio-bibliographical guide to current writers in fiction, general nonfiction, poetry, journalism, drama, motion pictures, television, and other fields


Published: 2005
Views: 60
Topics: Authors -- 20th century -- Bio-bibliography, Authors -- 21st century -- Bio-bibliography, Literature, Modern -- 20th century -- Bio-bibliography, Literature, Modern -- 21st century -- Bio-bibliography, Dramatists, Journalists, Motion picture authorship, Poets, Screenwriters, Television writers, Authors, Literature, Modern
Collections: Books to Borrow, Internet Archive Books
1 online resource




Inner Christianity By Richard Smoley


By: ,God,The Prophets,Richard Smoley.
Published: 2012
Views: 6,299
Topics: Inner Christianity, by, Richard Smoley, mystical and esoteric Christianity, Christian tradition, orthodox, heretical, esoteric doctrine
Collections: Community Texts
ABOUT THE BOOK Inner Christianity is the first introduction to mystical and esoteric Christianity for the general reader. It speaks from a nonsectarian point of view, unearthing insights from the whole of the Christian tradition, orthodox and heretical, famous and obscure. The esoteric tradition has traditionally searched for meanings that would yield a deeper inner knowledge of the divine. While traditional Christianity draws a timeline from Adam’s Fall to the Day of Judgment, the

Inner Christianity: A Guide to the Esoteric Tradition : Smoley, Richard

Inner Christianity: A Guide to the Esoteric Tradition : Smoley, Richard: Amazon.com.au: Books



Inner Christianity: A Guide to the Esoteric Tradition Paperback – Illustrated, 15 October 2002
by Richard Smoley (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars 143 ratings

Kindle $24.73Read with Our Free App
Audiobook $14.95
Paperback $43.17

Inner Christianity is the first introduction to mystical and esoteric Christianity for the general reader. It speaks from a nonsectarian point of view, unearthing insights from the whole of the Christian tradition, orthodox and heretical, famous and obscure. The esoteric tradition has traditionally searched for meanings that would yield a deeper inner knowledge of the divine. 

While traditional Christianity draws a timeline from Adam's Fall to the Day of Judgment, the esoteric often sees time as folding in on itself, bringing every point to the here and now. While the Church fought bitterly over dogma, the esoteric borrowed freely from other traditions-Kabbalah, astrology, and alchemy-in their search for metaphors of inner truth. Rather than basing his book around exponents of esoteric doctrine, scholar Richard Smoley concentrates on the questions that are of interest to every searching Christian. How can one attain direct spiritual experience? 

• What does "the Fall" really tell us about coming to terms with the world we live in? 
• Can we find salvation in everyday life? 
• How can we ascend, spiritually, through the various levels of existence? 
• What was Christ's true message to humankind? 
• From the Gospel of Thomas to A Course in Miracles, from the Jesus Prayer to alchemy and Tarot, from Origen to Dante to Jung, Richard Smoley sheds the light of an alternative Christianity on these issues and more.

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1 pages
Language

English
Publisher

SHAMBHALA - TRADE
Publication date

15 October 2002
Dimensions


This item: Inner Christianity: A Guide to the Esoteric Tradition
$43.17$43.17










Product description

Review
"A wide range of material . . . provides a solid introduction to esoteric Christianity."-- Library Journal

"Smoley traverses a vast continent of belief and practice in this lively guide to Christian esotericism, and he does so with great intelligence and style."--Philip Zaleski, editor of the Best Spiritual Writing series

"We overlook the very heart and soul of Christianity when we reduce it to rules, dogmas, and rigid moral directives. Inner Christianity helps correct that mistake by spelling out, clearly and thoughtfully, the subtle interior mysteries of this religion. This book could help many, Christians and others, find a new level of intelligence in Christian thought and practice. It could change the direction of your spiritual life."--Thomas Moore, author of Care of the Soul and The Soul's Religion

"In this deeply wise and important work, Richard Smoley restores the realm of inner space to the Christian tradition. Drawing upon a wide range of mystical and esoteric literature and practice, he shows how multidimensional is the Christian message, and how profound its understanding of the nature and purpose of the psyche. In a time of so much change and confusion, this potent book serves as a source of profound guidance and gnosis."--Jean Houston, Ph.D., author of A Mythic Life and Jump Time

"Richard Smoley has rolled away the rock of symbol, myth, metaphor, and obscuration and resurrected the radiant light of an inner Christianity. In clear and vibrant language, he makes the deepest wisdom of the Christian tradition available and accessible to everyone. This book is an empowerment of faith and spirit and will, I predict, become a classic for all who walk the path of Christ in the midst of their everyday lives."--David Spangler, author of Everyday Miracles, Blessing: The Art and the Practice, and Apprenticed to Spirit






About the Author
Richard Smoley is a graduate of Harvard College and Oxford University. He is the coauthor, with Jay Kinney, of Hidden Wisdom- A Guide to the Western Inner Traditions and the former editor of Gnosis magazine.


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Richard Smoley


Richard Smoley is one of the world's most distinguished authorities on the mystical and esoteric teachings of Western civilization.

Richard was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, in 1956. He attended the Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut, and entered Harvard in 1974. As an undergraduate, Smoley was managing editor of the university's venerable literary magazine, The Harvard Advocate, and edited an anthology entitled First Flowering: The Best of the Harvard Advocate, 1866-1976. Featuring prefaces by Norman Mailer and Robert Fitzgerald, the book was published by Addison-Wesley in 1977.



After taking a bachelor's degree magna cum laude in classics at Harvard in 1978, Richard went on to the University of Oxford in the U.K., where he edited The Pelican, the magazine of Corpus Christi College. He took another B.A. in the Honour School of Literae Humaniores (classics and philosophy) in 1980, and received his M.A. from Oxford in 1985.



The most important part of his stay at Oxford came from his contact with a small group that was studying the Kabbalah, one of the mainstays of the Western esoteric tradition. It was here that he was first introduced to many of the ideas he has discussed in his books and articles.

After two years at Oxford, Richard moved to San Francisco in 1980. During this time he continued his spiritual investigations, working with teachings ranging from Tibetan Buddhism to A Course in Miracles. He was also a member of the board of directors of the San Francisco Miracles Foundation, an organization sponsoring the work of A Course in Miracles.

In 1986, Richard started writing for a new magazine called Gnosis: A Journal of the Western Inner Traditions. After four years of writing for Gnosis and a brief stint as managing editor, he came on board as editor in November 1990. In his eight years as editor of Gnosis, he put together issues of the magazine on subjects as diverse as Gnosticism, Freemasonry, G.I. Gurdjieff, and the spirituality of Russia. In 1998 Gnosis won Utne Reader's award for best spiritual coverage. In May 1999, Richard's book, Hidden Wisdom: A Guide to the Western Inner Traditions, coauthored with Jay Kinney, was published by Penguin Arkana. (A revised edition was issued by Quest Books in 2006.)

Richard's book Inner Christianity: A Guide to the Esoteric Tradition, was published in fall 2002 by Shambhala Publications. An audio version read by Richard is available from Berkshire Media Artists Inc. The award-winning literary magazine The Sun featured him in a lengthy interview on Christianity in its September 2003 issue.

Richard has also worked as editor for Faith.com, a Web site on religion and spirituality, and as managing editor of Lindisfarne Books, a highly respected publisher of titles on the spiritual traditions. He is a consulting editor and frequent contributor to Parabola: The Journal of Myth and Tradition. He has served as guest editor of Science of Mind magazine, and works as a consultant for the New Century Edition of the works of Emanuel Swedenborg, sponsored by the Swedenborg Foundation in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He is a frequent contributor to the Australian magazine New Dawn. He presently lives in western Massachusetts, where he teaches philosophy as an adjunct professor at Holyoke Community College. He is also editor of Quest Books, operated by the Theosophical Society in America.

In January 2006, Tarcher/Penguin published The Essential Nostradamus, Richard's guide to this fascinating but elusive prophet. The Essential Nostradamus contains fresh and accurate new translations of Nostradamus's key prophecies, as well as an evaluation of his work -- and of prophecy in general.

In April 2007, Harper San Francisco (now Harper One) released the paperback edition of Richard's Forbidden Faith: The Secret History of Gnosticism (originally published in hardcover in 2006). This is an accessible and engaging history of the secret currents of Western civilization -- including Gnosticism, Manichaeism, Catharism, the Rosicrucian legacy, Freemasonry, Theosophy, and much more. It also explores how these currents have shaped modern trends and thinkers ranging from William Blake to C.G. Jung, and, in more recent times, Philip K. Dick, Harold Bloom, and A Course in Miracles.

Richard's book,Conscious Love: Insights from Mystical Christianity was published in April 2008 by Jossey-Bass.

He has also written a novel entitled The Gospel of Matthias, which tells the story of Christ in the context of esoteric Christianity. It's currently unpublished; if you'd like to get a copy, please contact Richard by e-mail.

Currently he works as editor of Quest Books and executive editor of Quest magazine, both published by the Theosophical Society in America.

Richard has appeared on several History Channel documentaries on prophecy and religious history. He lectures and gives workshops throughout the United States. Organizations that have sponsored his talks and workshops include:

* The New York Open Center

* The Friends of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, New York

* The California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco

* The Kabbalah Society, London

* The Theosophical Society in America, Wheaton, Illinois

* Krotona School of Theosophy, Ojai, California,

* Nine Gates Mystery School

* Zen Mountain Monastery, Mount Tremper, New York

* The Lumen Foundation, San Francisco

* The Krotona School of Theosophy, Ojai, California

*The Bodhi Tree Bookstore, West Hollywood

* The Swedenborg Foundation

* East-West Books, New York

* Pioneer Valley Anthroposophical Society, Hadley, Massachusetts

* The Kabbalah Society of East Tennessee

* The Seven Rays Institute Conference, Mesa, Arizona

* The Mythic Journeys conference in Atlanta, sponsored by the Joseph Campbell Foundation

* Friends of Jung, Kansas City

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marion wilson
5.0 out of 5 stars WonderfulReviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 31 December 2015
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Informed and inspiring account of living the inner life. Recommended.

2 people found this helpfulReport

fiona pycock
4.0 out of 5 stars Good readReviewed in Spain 🇪🇸 on 29 July 2019
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Good book
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Mirabai
2.0 out of 5 stars Not what I had expectedReviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 19 May 2019
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The author calls himself Christian but doesn't believe the basic tenants of the faith.
I don't recommend this book, particularly of you are a practicing Catholic like me.
Better to read The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr
I would never have bought this book if I had known the author's true opinions. It was a real disappointment.

19 people found this helpfulReport

Gaianyogi
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I own!Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 19 June 2017
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I own a lot of books from Amazon. By far, this is one of the most precious books I own. I mean that. I refer to it again and again. As far as I'm concerned, it is one of the greatest overviews of Esoteric Christianity out there. I've looked far and wide and there is nothing that is quite as good as this one in my opinion. It's scholarly but practical too. The only thing I'd like to see is a further in-depth guide to this tradition from Mr. Smoley. I want more!

This book discusses Christianity in a way you do not hear in church. It discusses the Christ within (Luke 17.20-21) and what that really means. Topics discussed like salvation, repentance, soul, spirit, and dozens of others have a slant on them that rings true. Do not think the way these topics are discussed is the same standard fare that you hear in church; it's not! It has an eastern flavour of enlightenment akin to Advaita Vedanta and Buddhist teachings, but with a western esoteric slant. If you are from the west and you like aspects of Buddhism and Hinduism, then I think you will really like this.

Rather that write a lengthy review, just get the book and really absorb it. You'll be glad you did.

The only thing I think could have been better was chapter one. It provides background material on various leaders throughout the history of esoteric Christianity. However, I would have like to have seen more of a comparison and contrast amongst the different strands of this tradition. But that doesn't detract from the quality of the rest of the book. It is really excellent scholarship.

I'm so glad I found this book years ago. It led me on a path that has enriched my life ever since. Thank you Richard Smoley. Well done!
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26 people found this helpfulReport

Mr Cliff in the Fog
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun Spiritual Research BookReviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 19 April 2017
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The book covers areas of Christianity not emphasized in its more politically and historically solidified form relating to inner spiritual development along with some of the less highlighted cultural context of the ancient Christian symbols. All in all, it is a fairly sober introduction to Christianity from a "new age" perspective. The author seemed to have the best of intent and cultural empathy with his audience when researching and writing this book. It's funny that I come from a more Orthodox background and disagree with his Christology. Whether you agree or not, this book will potentially help sharpen and possibly alter and expand your current spiritual and religious beliefs.

10 people found this helpfulReport
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Rafi

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September 30, 2011

I first read this book in 2004. And have been re-reading it sporadically ever since; each fresh review brings greater understanding. As a free lance esotericist, I have been exploring related subjects for more than 50 years.

But I am a 5th generation native of the Pacific NW, raised with the traditional views of the area. Meaning without religion at all. In addition, I am a left-wing labor populist. My view of Christianity was mostly that of the usual dismissive attitude of many activists. We just "knew" that this religion (or at least its institutions) was to blame for all of western society's ills.

Few realize that, logically, this is akin to condemning the entire idea of democracy because people are uninformed, the media trivializes or ignores important issues, and officials are more concerned with campaign money than the common good. Particularly in this era of economic determinism.

In my own case, the powerful environment of the NW always affected me in a way I would now call a form of nature mysticism. Late in life, I earned a degree in botany with a forestry minor. I soon concluded that ecosystem preservation could not be done without addressing the need for economic equity. Which is a matter of ethics and morals, the province of the world's religious traditions.

As an American, I had to learn how to present the case within the framework of western religion... Christianity. I already had an extensive background, both by experience and by research, in what Smoley calls the western esoteric tradition. A legacy that extends back to ancient Egypt. A legacy that I found to be, much to my surprise, also deeply at home within a Christianity rarely acknowledged by church hierarchs and virtually invisible to the general public. Although now an overworked cliche, it is, however, true that change in the greater culture begins with spiritual change in the individual self.

What Smoley has done is no less than situate what he calls inner Christianity within the whole arc of western civilization. By itself, that is a cure for the American tendency to live only in a limited present, as if context didn't matter. Yet he does much more. This book is also an appeal to the practical mind. He shows what works and why. And he does so by means of a terminology that separates difficult concepts into understandable levels in order that we are able to grasp some idea of the immensity of whole: the infinite divine.

Nor is the author content with leaving us at the psychological point of the beginner's feel-good encounters with light. He gives us the full truth. That this Way is hard work, takes time, and is sometimes dangerous. There's the dark night of the soul. It's not merely personal depression-- it's terrifying. It's to be lost and alone in a neverending now; no hope, no help, no end. Crossing that abyss is birth of the process towards spiritualized being. The legacy of a Christianity which recognizes the potential divinity within every human.

This book, Inner Christianity, is quite simply the best manual out there.

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Allenia

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August 10, 2012

I discovered this book about 5 to 7 years ago. It's sort of a grounding tool for me. I am always able to understand the "deep" of Christianity, a bit better each time I pick it up. And my awe and reverence for the true nature of God awakens from it's complacency in me. I LOVE THIS BOOK!

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Tera

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July 19, 2008

Can you review a book you've not yet finished? I'm going to at any rate, and add my other cent once it's all done.

I originally found this book on Amazon, then picked up a copy at my local bookstore. It's a bit of a dry read, but so far is well worth the slogging. I had been searching for a book or books dealing with the other nuances of Christian worship. Most books seem to be of the "go to church every weekend and that's enough" mentality, which is fine and all, but it still seemed like something was missing. After growing up reading about saints, mystics, hermetics and their take on faith I couldn't help wondering what had happened to our own mystic tradition. A tradition that valued direct connection to God and experiencing (Both actively and passively) the Divine. A quieter tradition that focused on the daily, individual relationship between God and man, and not so much the social "Ain't our God nifty?" aspect.

What I have (So far, at least) is this book which I am very much enjoying. Right now it's still laying out the groundwork of defining mysticism, the various groups along the way, common symbology, history and a healthy bit of psychology. Like I said, this isn't an Oprah book club read-in-a-weekend thing, but something to be taken in doses and reflected upon. It has given me new insight to the Bible, reading it not simply as an account of what some folks did in the desert a couple thousand years back, but of the soul's own journey in metaphore. That alone was worth the price of the book!

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Faithe

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April 29, 2019

Fantastic overview and touchstone for further inquiry

I found Inner Christianity to be a fantastic overview of the deeper understandings of Christianity and a touchstone for further inquiry. I’m looking forward to following up on several books that were mentioned, and I also feel that I gained a good foundation to help me digest other materials. I highly recommend the book for those who are drawn to this topic.

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Leanne Hunt

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November 11, 2016

I came to this book looking for a perspective on spirituality that didn’t involve institutional religion and dogma. The author gives a very balanced view of esoteric teachings, touching on everything from ancient insights into the nature of the cosmos and the doctrine of the Trinity to holy magic and secret societies of esoteric Christians through the ages. I found the distinction between mysticism— the focus on devotional practices that bring one into the presence of God — and esotericism — the pursuit of knowledge about the unseen realm— to be very helpful in informing my own spiritual journey. Also, the conclusions of the author in regard to the cost of following the esoteric tradition and its benefits. A good starting-point for anyone wishing to gain a better understanding of inner as opposed to outer Christianity.

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James R

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March 1, 2022

Yet another author attempting to salvage some part of Christianity rather than abandoning the system wholesale. People have been attempting to do this for a long time once inconvenient facts started to come out about their origins & history being often violent or based on lies.

Despite the disclaimer in this book that it's not a book of Christian apologetics, the author seems to have a preference for an orthodox Christian perspective. I do believe the word "Christian" has a meaning: that you accept in total the version of Christianity that was created by Roman Emperors & bishops with their creeds, dogmas, and all the rest around the year 400. Otherwise, "Christian" becomes a meaningless word since it can be watered down to mean whatever you want it to be (e.g. "I believe in Jesus" or "I believe in The Bible" or "I obey the Pope"). In reality, there has never been unity in "Christianity" and it's more of a catchall term that applies to anyone who thinks Jesus Christ is the key connection to the divine. That's a very vague notion.

The author states definitions & history from the perspective of the orthodox churches, although much of that history has been criticized & rejected by scholarship since the 19th century, but especially since 1990. In my view, the "orthodox Christian" way of life has been shown to be fundamentally flawed, and the answer has been for the "traditional" or "orthodox" groups to double down, or for people to create a "liberal" version. Both of these options are dead ends, and it's obvious with declines across the board in the churches.

The concept of "inner Christianity" is pointless, when the word "Christian" implies a system of obedience to a hierarchy & canonical books. I can only take seriously a person who first rejects totally all the official churches & their limitations. He implies that inner Christianity is ecumenical & doesn't really care about divisions in systems, but this is dishonest. Orthodox Christianity absolutely teaches that Christ is the only path & that you must accept a list of dogmas. Anyone trying to downplay this isn't being honest about what Christians believed in the middle ages.

I think people hold on to the word "Christian" today because of historical baggage & fear. They believe their salvation hinges simply on checklists & obedience. I would just drop the word & follow your spiritual inspirations where they lead you. I don't care about a hierarchy, canonical books, checklists, or dogmas, so I'm not a Christian, despite my deep interest in things that have been historically labeled "Christian." The churches became a dead end some centuries ago, despite the numbers & money they still have.

I can't take seriously any "Christian" that has been cozy with The Vatican or Christian kings of the past. There has been endless reference to "the church fathers" such as "St. Augustine" or "Origen", but I really question why we need to be dragging out these names and discussing ideas from questionable historical figures from long ago, both of whom had a lot of bad ideas. I'm not really sure of the purpose of dragging out history, much of which is forgery or lies. Who knows what Origen and St. Augustine really wrote or said (or if they even existed), I just question the truth & validity in any of it.

Bias: I'm a former sedevacantist Catholic who left the churches because I felt they had become dead & lifeless. I'd first thought the problem was Vatican II, but I later learned these issues go back to the council & emperors, and the focus on obedience & checklists. I also looked into various orthodox & breakaway movements, but they also felt dead to me. This led me to looking into other ways of thinking and systems, and this book is part of that search.

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There are 0 reviews and 1 rating from Australia

Mirabai

2.0 out of 5 stars Not what I had expected

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 19 May 2019

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The author calls himself Christian but doesn't believe the basic tenants of the faith.

I don't recommend this book, particularly of you are a practicing Catholic like me.

Better to read The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr

I would never have bought this book if I had known the author's true opinions. It was a real disappointment.

19 people found this helpful

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Gaianyogi

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I own!

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 19 June 2017

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I own a lot of books from Amazon. By far, this is one of the most precious books I own. I mean that. I refer to it again and again. 

As far as I'm concerned, it is one of the greatest overviews of Esoteric Christianity out there. 

I've looked far and wide and there is nothing that is quite as good as this one in my opinion. It's scholarly but practical too. 

The only thing I'd like to see is a further in-depth guide to this tradition from Mr. Smoley. I want more!

This book discusses Christianity in a way you do not hear in church. It discusses the Christ within (Luke 17.20-21) and what that really means. 

Topics discussed like salvation, repentance, soul, spirit, and dozens of others have a slant on them that rings true. Do not think the way these topics are discussed is the same standard fare that you hear in church; it's not! 

It has an eastern flavour of enlightenment akin to Advaita Vedanta and Buddhist teachings, but with a western esoteric slant. If you are from the west and you like aspects of Buddhism and Hinduism, then I think you will really like this.

Rather that write a lengthy review, just get the book and really absorb it. You'll be glad you did.

The only thing I think could have been better was chapter one. It provides background material on various leaders throughout the history of esoteric Christianity. However, I would have like to have seen more of a comparison and contrast amongst the different strands of this tradition. But that doesn't detract from the quality of the rest of the book. It is really excellent scholarship.

I'm so glad I found this book years ago. It led me on a path that has enriched my life ever since. Thank you Richard Smoley. Well done!

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26 people found this helpful

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Mr Cliff in the Fog

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun Spiritual Research Book

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 19 April 2017

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The book covers areas of Christianity not emphasized in its more politically and historically solidified form relating to inner spiritual development along with some of the less highlighted cultural context of the ancient Christian symbols. All in all, it is a fairly sober introduction to Christianity from a "new age" perspective. The author seemed to have the best of intent and cultural empathy with his audience when researching and writing this book. It's funny that I come from a more Orthodox background and disagree with his Christology. Whether you agree or not, this book will potentially help sharpen and possibly alter and expand your current spiritual and religious beliefs.

10 people found this helpful

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Christian Zen: The Essential Teachings of Jesus Christ Powell, Robert

Amazon.com: Christian Zen: The Essential Teachings of Jesus Christ: 9781556434587: Powell, Robert: Books




 

Christian Zen: The Essential Teachings of Jesus Christ 

Paperback – November 4, 2003
by Robert Powell (Compiler)
3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 10 ratings
 
Paperback US$32.99

Paperback A$60.42 

Jesus’ remarkable and rather puzzling statements from the Gospel of Thomas, considered “secret sayings,” have suffered centuries of misinterpretation, reinforcing a skewed view of both Christianity and Jesus himself.

In Christian Zen, noted scholar Robert Powell deciphers their true meaning and shows how they mirror Zen philosophy. 

His commentaries explain that the sayings embody the timeless teaching of advaita, the esoteric expression of the inner meaning of all the great religions. 

128 pages 
November 4, 2003 



Zen Spirit, Christian Spirit: Revised and Updated Second Edition
Robert Kennedy 4.5 out of 5 stars 28
 

Robert Powell's the Great Awakening: Reflections on Zen and Reality
Robert Powell 4.0 out of 5 stars 3


Life: The Exquisite Art of Meaningfulness
Robert Powell

 

Editorial Reviews

About the Author
"Some years ago, when the Gospel of Thomas was a brand new discovery, an undergraduate student enthusiastically told me it made Jesus sound like a Zen Master. Now, finally, from the eminent spiritual writer Robert Powell we have a definitive treatment of this theme."
—Robert Ellwood, Emeritus Professor of Religion, University of Southern California


Product details
Publisher ‏ : ‎ North Atlantic Books; First Edition (November 4, 2003)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 128 pages 
#1,972 in Zen SpiritualityCustomer Reviews:
3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 10 ratings
 
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Erik Weaver
4.0 out of 5 stars Christian Zen Informs the Gnostic Gospel of ThomasReviewed in the United States on September 11, 2011
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This is a just little booklet but its value is deeper than its length. 

It contains most of the text of the gnostic Gospel of Thomas, which is perhaps the earliest surviving Christian text. 

It is thought to have been written on the order of 20-years after the death of Jesus, about the same time as the lost "Q" source material; predating the New Testament Gospels. 

However, other scholars date it as late as 140 years after the death of Jesus. 

In any event, it is contemporary with the four gospels found in the New Testament, which are generally accepted as being written between 50 and 130 after the death of Jesus. 

There is a distinctly "Zen-ish" or "Buddhist" flavor to these sayings, all of which are attributed to Jesus. 

I found the author's commentary on these to be concise and thoughtful, as well as thought-provoking. And isn't this the point?

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Zeno
3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, yet problematicReviewed in the United States on January 17, 2012
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The translation provided in the text was clear for the most part, but the author does not say whose translation he employs, or whether he translated the text himself. His commentary for each of the logia (sayings) is sometimes superficial and repetitive, while at other times being on-the-mark. 

He interprets the text according to his personal spiritual views of Advaita (non-dualism) rather than approaching the text on its own terms or in the context of ancient Jewish wisdom literature. 

Powell also excludes about a dozen of the sayings from the Gospel of Thomas on the grounds that some of the sayings are either too obscure or out of place.

 However, having read the Gospel in its entirety, I felt that he should have included some of the sayings that he left out, such as the parable of the leaven to describe the Kingdom of God.

The Gospel itself sometimes feels too obscure compared to mystical texts of other traditions such as the Upanishads, Tao Te Ching, or the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. It should be read in conjunction with other such texts in order to be better understood.

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Steve Burns
4.0 out of 5 stars Jesus teaches ZenReviewed in the United States on September 16, 2006
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This very small book lists verses of the gospel of Thomas on each page and then gives the authors comments about what he believes they mean. The authors opinion is that in the gospel of Thomas 

• Jesus is teaching nonduality and 
• how to discover the true Self and 
• over come the illusion of separation and individual ego 
• by living truly in the eternal Now.

I agree with the authors opinion completely and believe this book is closer to the true esoteric teachings of Jesus than the Bible.

 This is a perfect book for beginners that are searching for truth or studing Zen.

13 people found this helpful



Michael Draper
4.0 out of 5 stars A non-dual interpretation of The Gospel of ThomasReviewed in the United States on February 19, 2009
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In this book, Robert Powell interprets the Gospel of Thomas from a non-dual perspective. What I mean is, he interprets Jesus as an enlightened teacher who is simply pointing to the kingdom of heaven all around you, the oneness of everything. Jesus is saying you are not separate from God, and never were. You need only to drop all religious concepts and see. 

This is what esoteric Christianity is all about. 

There are other books about this. 'Inner Christianity' by Richard Smoley is also very good.

12 people found this helpful


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Carol A. Charbonneau
5.0 out of 5 stars Increase your understanding of the Bible.Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2014
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Clearly puts the teachings of Jesus into a perspective that can be absorbed , understood and personalized. Great for those of us who have wondered how Zen philosophy fits with the word of Jesus.

3 people found this helpful


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David M. Pittle
1.0 out of 5 stars Don't waste your time, I've already done that for you.Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2017

I am a student of the Gospel of Thomas, also a Zen Christian for more than 50 years. I was part of the Zen Christian Sangha in Tokyo and spent time in monastery in Japan. This book takes the obvious step of simply rephrasing sayings from the Gospel of Thomas and making them sound more Zen-light. I have no doubt that Jesus espoused many of the same teachings we find in the sutras and the teachings of the masters. But this book waters them down, as though reading a few words, would actually bring kensho or light on the path.

It has become common to attribute many of Jesus insights to his supposed stay in Egypt in early years, or other encounters with Buddhist teachers. This is based on the erroneous gospel stories of the flight into Egypt. But there is no evidence of this flight. And it really dismisses the amazing level of enlightenment which Jesus seemed to posess.

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Denton

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December 1, 2016

A great alternative to the typical books on Christianity, which are usually full of the usual chapter and verse notations in bold face (3:12. ..6:11). This book actually discusses the quotations and the teachings, sometimes briefly, never saying more than needs to be said, cutting right to the heart of the matter. In the glossary at the end of the book, there were parallels in one particular concept to Baudrillard's writing on the precession of simulacra. I would recommend this to anybody interested in the meaning of it all and any self-reflection that might accompany that search.

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Magic and Mysticism: An Introduction to Western Esoteric Traditions eBook : Versluis, Arthur: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store

Magic and Mysticism: An Introduction to Western Esoteric Traditions eBook : Versluis, Arthur: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store





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Magic and Mysticism: An Introduction to Western Esoteric Traditions is a concise overview, from antiquity to the present, of all the major Western religious esoteric movements. Topics covered include alchemy, Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Rosicrucianism, Theosophy and many more. Magic and Mysticism is ideal for students of Mysticism and New Religious Movements, as well as for general readers of Metaphysics and Esoterica.

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Publication date

22 May 2007

Review
Arthur Versluis has written a wonderfully concise overview and analysis of Western esotericism. The scholarship is wide-ranging and up to date, yet the tone is quite readable and not overly academic.--Jay Kinney, former editor and publisher of Gnosis

Arthur Versluis' prolific writings on Western esoteric thought continue to shape and define the field. His current work, Magic and Mysticism, provides lucid insight into a scarcely known tradition that continues to exert a tremendous influence on the way we see our lives, and beyond. The breadth of his coverage alone is a reason to read the book.--David Appelbaum, SUNY New Paltz

A remarkably clear, erudite, and concise guide to a field that has been far too long neglected. Versluis manages to compress an enormous amount of research and insight into a short space. This will be an extremely useful tool for scholars and seekers alike.--Richard Smoley, coauthor of Hidden Wisdom: A Guide to the Western Inner Traditions

Magic and Mysticism: An Introduction to Western Esoteric Traditions is an ambitious recasting of the gnostic insight that has inspired and influenced countless writers through the ages. Arthur Versluis, one of the generation's more prolific scholars of esotericism, has produced a volume that is both comprehensive in scope and exacting in detail. Moving beyond previous studies that separate mysticism and magic, Versluis argues that these two products of human imagination, which are not entirely reducible to rational analysis, need to be juxtaposed, as they help us define the larger spectrum of the esoteric. I have little doubt that this work will be of great interest to specialist and non-specialist alike, to historians of mysticism and esotericism in particular, and to students of comparative religion more generally.--Elliot R. Wolfson, New York University

Persecuted throughout the ages by orthodox Christians and marginalized by scholars until recently, esotericism and esotericists have finally come into their own. In this succinct, deftly organized, and lucidly written account, Arthur Versluis presents a history of western esotericism from antiquity to the present. His book will appeal to anyone interested in the 'third' or 'gnostic' component of western thought, which provided and still provides a middle path between faith and reason for those striving for spiritual enlightenment.--Alison Coudert, University of California, Davis

This newest work by an outstanding American scholar of Western Esotericism offers an integrative interpretation of three critical themes: gnosis, magic, and mysticism. Surveying the intertwined histories of these themes, the author provides a multitude of insights on the creative interactions between various historical schools, individuals, and historic periods, all set against the social dynamics of anti-esoteric and heresiophobic rhetoric. This is a crucial, transdiciplinary review that brings new definition and nuance to the study of Western Esotericism. In addition, the section on Theosophy give new scope and depths to that topic and shows its formative influence on contemporary esoteric thought and practice. Highly recommended.--Lee Irwin, College of Charleston

Versluis brings a delightful balance between scholarly attention to detail and a warm understanding of the subject and the characters involved. Magic and Mysticism is joy to read and ideal for anyone who wants to understand the importance of esotericism on Western culture and why it is still important to us today.--Mark Stavish, Institute for Hermetic Studies, author of The Path of Alchemy --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
Arthur Versluis is the founder and president of the Association for the Study of Esotericism and editor of the journal Esoterica. He is the author of many books and is a professor of writing, rhetoric, and American cultures at Michigan State University. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.


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Print length ‏ : ‎ 188 pages

Customer Reviews:
4.6 out of 5 stars 7 ratings

Arthur Versluis


Arthur Versluis, Chair of the Department of Religious Studies and Professor in the College of Arts & Letters at Michigan State University, holds a doctorate from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and has published numerous books and articles. Among his books are _Magic and Mysticism: An Introduction to Western Esotericism_ (Rowman Littlefield, 2007), _The New Inquisitions: Heretic-hunting and the Intellectual Origins of Modern Totalitarianism_ (Oxford UP, 2006), _Restoring Paradise: Esoteric Transmission through Literature and Art_ (SUNY: 2004); _The Esoteric Origins of the American Renaissance_ (Oxford UP: 2001); _Wisdom’s Book: The Sophia Anthology_, (Paragon House, 2000); _Wisdom’s Children: A Christian Esoteric Tradition_ (SUNY: 1999); and _American Transcendentalism and Asian Religions_ (Oxford UP, 1993). His family has owned a commercial farm in West Michigan for several generations, and so he also published _Island Farm_, a book about the family farm and about family farming in the modern era.




Top reviews from other countries

gavin mercer
3.0 out of 5 stars Dated digestReviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 November 2018
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Excellently scholarly but impossible task to cover this vast subject in under 200 pps. More of a digest than anything. Also, already seems dated after 10 years.
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Mr. Stephen A. Orzel
5.0 out of 5 stars A concise introduction to an emerging field of studyReviewed in the United States on 9 December 2008
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A new field of acamdemic study has emerged in the past decade: The Western Esoteric Tradition. "Magic and Mysticism" is a true introduction to this field. By following a chronological path, it also tells the story of Western civilization from the perspective of magic and mysticism. The chapters clearly demarcate major movements and periods, beginning with the Egyptians and Greeks, on to the Gnostics, Kabbalists, and Hermeticists, then to medieval folk magic and renaissance Alchemy, followed by early-modern movements like Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry, and Theosophy. Finally we learn how more recent movements such as the Golden Dawn, OTO, Anthroposophy, and Chaos Magick fit into this wisdom tradition.

Anyone interested in introducing themselves to this vast body of knowledge and wisdom would find no better place to begin than "Magic and Mysticism". To me an introduction means clear organization, lots of names, dates, and places, and most importantly motivates you to continue pursuing the subject. Since reading the book I have gone further in depth into Hermeticism, Qabalah, Alchemy, and the Golden Dawn. The book has has become a strong foundation and is my top recommendation as an introduction to this field of study.

Several important features make this book unique. In the introduction the author defines the word 'esoteric' and distinguishes it from 'exoteric'. Esoteric knowledge is that which is reserved for the few, while exoteric knowledge is available to all. He also defines the words 'magic' and 'mysticism', showing how the two differ and sometimes intersect. Mysticism has more to do with union with the divine, while magic has more to do with causing change in the world, although there is no clear dividing line, especially in Alchemy and Kabbalah.

A recurring theme in the book is how these schools of thought fit along this continuum-- were they more magical or more mystical? Another recurring theme is that of 'gnosis' or direct spiritual insight into the nature of the cosmos and oneself. One is left with the impression that the reason esoteric teachings were veiled in secrecy was because they implied gnosis, something that exoteric religions would rather keep locked-up within the preisthood.
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