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1 Beaverton Metaphysics- Esoteric Christianity
2 Burnside Christianity- Mysticism

Inner Christianity: A Guide to the Esoteric Tradition

by Richard Smoley

Inner Christianity: A Guide to the Esoteric Tradition Cover

ISBN13: 9781570628108
ISBN10: 1570628106
Condition: Standard
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Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

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.

Synopsis:

An introduction to mystical and esoteric Christianity for the general reader, this book takes an in-depth look at the deeper, symbolic meanings behind the central concepts and practices of the Christian tradition including prayer, love, evil, forgiveness and salvation.
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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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What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 2 comments:
Rafi, March 31, 2012 (view all comments by Rafi)
I have re-read this book every few months for the last decade. With each review, I find something more. It's a great intro to the historical background, ancient ways of knowledge, and multivalent interpretations that make up the tapestry of Christianity. Both mainstream traditions and the hidden dimensions. The scholarship is solid. But its greatest value is that it's also about how to DO inner transformation. From someone who clearly knows first hand.
IMO, Smoley is correct that esoteric Christianity is a process that takes time. On this path there is no instant enlightenment, no guarantee of worldy success or of personal popularity. However, persistance has its rewards. Because understanding is a function of experience and information, which are cumulative. By way of a radically open heart, discerning use of the individual intellect, and attention to the subtle revelation of intuition in tune with what is above. That we may live in fullness below. And what we are attempting to understand, we finite barely upright anthropoids, is the divine infinite. The book isn't perfect. But it's still the best guide to contemporary inner Christianity yet written.
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Claire Johnston, June 11, 2011 (view all comments by Claire Johnston)
This is an excellent overview of of inner (esoteric) Christianity. Richard Smoley is a superb scholar and writes very well. He explores the history of hidden types of Christianity over the centuries and gives descriptions of esoteric Christian practices anyone can use. Smoley also includes a bibliography of Christian writers and adepts that is helpful for the seeker. I've read it many times and recommend it highly.
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Product Details

ISBN:
9781570628108
Author:
Smoley, Richard
Publisher:
Shambhala Publications
Author:
Smoley, Richard
Location:
Boston, Mass.
Subject:
Mysticism
Subject:
New Thought
Subject:
Theosophy
Subject:
Christianity - Christian Life
Subject:
Christianity - General
Subject:
Christianity - Christian Life - General
Subject:
Christian Life - General
Subject:
Christianity
Subject:
Religion Western-Mysticism
Copyright:
2002
Edition Description:
Trade paper
Series Volume:
14
Publication Date:
20021031
Binding:
TRADE PAPER
Grade Level:
General/trade
Language:
English
Illustrations:
3 DIAGRAMS
Pages:
352
Dimensions:
9.16x6.00x.81 in. .92 lbs.
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Related Subjects

Metaphysics » Esoteric Christianity
Metaphysics » General
Religion » Christianity » General
Religion » Christianity » Mysticism
Religion » Western Religions » Mysticism

Inner Christianity: A Guide to the Esoteric Tradition Used Trade Paper
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Product details 352 pages Shambhala Publications - English 9781570628108 Reviews:
"Synopsis" by , An introduction to mystical and esoteric Christianity for the general reader, this book takes an in-depth look at the deeper, symbolic meanings behind the central concepts and practices of the Christian tradition including prayer, love, evil, forgiveness and salvation.
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