The Cross and the Grail: Esoteric Christianity for the 21st Century [Paperback]

Robert Ellwood (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1997

The two symbols at the heart of Christian belief -- the Cross and the Grail -- represent the two faces of contemporary Christianity. The Cross is its outward face -- masculine, public, exalted. The Grail is its hidden or esoteric face -- magical, feminine, sought by many, but found only by those who are able to ask the right questions. In this inspiring and practical book, Robert Ellwood examines ways of making Christian belief vital and responsive to contemporary life, now and for the future. Drawing on the teachings of Theosophy and of the Liberal Catholic Church, as well as the themes and motifs of medieval romance, Ellwood shows Christian practice at its most profound to be a philosophical, meditative, and mystical path well in keeping with the Ancient Wisdom Tradition.

Editorial Reviews

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

From the Preface: This book is dedicated to those for whom the present turnings of their path have intersected with the Christian faith, as they have for the writer. The Cross and the Grail and what these two symbols represent is intended for persons who feel drawn to a spiritual life in which symbols and language associated with esoteric, theosophical, and allegorical interpretations of the Old and New Testaments, and of the Mysteries of the Christian faith, are emphasized.

Product Details

• Paperback: 150 pages
• Publisher: Quest Books (October 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0835607607
• ISBN-13: 978-0835607605
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 4.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,679,458 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars esotericism in the flesh, November 5, 2010

By 

Kevin Fuller "Kev" (Evansville, IN USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Cross and the Grail: Esoteric Christianity for the 21st Century (Paperback)

Many books on this subject tend to condemn the flesh as evil, or at least as an impediment to Spirituality. In this book, however, Ellwood makes the case that in order to live a wholesome Christian life, one must include the flesh. Beyond that, the entire world and further cosmos must be seen as at least potentially charged with life, rather than dead and inert.

Ellwood covers much ground in such a short amount of space, I am tempted to call this the best book on esoteric Christianity I have read, in terms of efficiency. One looks at the size of the book and thinks it would be an easy, short read. However, if one has ears to hear, there is so much Wisdom here, one must slow down and take it all in by pacing oneself.

What I like the most about this book is that it doesn't eschew exoteric religion for the inner symbolic life of esotericism. Ellwood skillfully makes the case the two complement each other like colors in a spectrum of common Light. Though he spends little to nil time discussing the esotericism of other religions, Ellwood certainly has treated the subjects with respect.

Unabashedly Christian, Ellwood makes a curious point of showing other religions are largely cultural in character, mainly relating to a certain group or nation of people. Christianity, Ellwood cogently proves, is universal. The symbols are easily adapted by any race or culture.

Try as I might, though my experience has changed, I cannot ditch my Christian roots. This book silently and respectfully echoes many of the Truths I have experienced. Give it a try. It may do the same for you.