Esoteric Christianity or The Lesser Mysteries [Paperback]

Annie Besant (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 12, 2001

This Elibron Classics book is a facsimile reprint of a 1905 edition by the Theosophical Publishing Society, London and Benares.

Editorial Reviews

Review

FOREWORD

 

Annie Besant was active in Theosophical circles and a collaborator with Archbishop C. W. Leadbeater.

In proceeding to the contemplation of the mysteries of knowledge, we shall adhere to the celebrated and venerable rule of tradition, commencing from the origin of the universe, setting forth those points of physical contemplation which are necessary to be premised, and removing whatever can be an obstacle on the way; so that the ear may be prepared for the reception of the tradition of the Gnosis, the ground being cleared of weeds and fitted for the planting of the vineyard; for there is a conflict before the conflict, and mysteries before the mysteries.
--S.Clement of Alexandria.

Let the specimen suffice to those who have ears. For it is not required to unfold the mystery, but only to indicate what is sufficient.
--S. Clement of Alexandria.

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
--S. Matthew.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Publisher

Kessinger Publishing reprints over 1,500 similar titles all available through Amazon.com. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Adamant Media Corporation (October 12, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402100299
• ISBN-13: 978-1402100291
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,629,478 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Restoration of the Christian Mysteries, April 8, 2007

By 

OAKSHAMAN "oakshaman" (Algoma, WI United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Esoteric Christianity (Paperback)

_I have read this work three times over the years and I still find it hard to believe that it was first published in 1901.

_The author's goal is no less than the revitalization of true Christianity- by the restoration of its mysteries. She does an excellent job of examining the historical record to show both that 1) all other religions have their outer and inner teachings, and 2) it is only Christianity that seems to have had its inner teachings purposely amputated. She shows through examination of scripture and the writings of the Apostolic Fathers that such teachings undoubtedly existed. She shows Paul to have been a true Gnostic.

_In an attempt to reconstruct the inner, esoteric, teachings she shows that all one can ever really write or reveal are the lesser of the mysteries. These are the allegorical interpretations of the deeper spiritual truths and symbolism contained in the parables told to the masses. These are the truths that would just confuse minds that are not ready for them. It is reflection upon these lesser mysteries and their meaning that may open the door to the divine revelation of the greater mysteries, where the teachers are angelic and Christ is the hierophant.

_It is shown that even though an apparent war was waged to expunge the mysteries from Christianity by the Church bureaucracy (who apparently could not, or would not, comprehend them) the tradition never the less survived. The golden chain is shown to stretch across the ages in the teachings of the receptive whether there are attempts to suppress it or not: Pythagoras, Plato, Proclus, Iamblichus, Plotinus, Psuedo-Dionysis, Aquinas, Tauler, Eckhart, Thomas a Kempis, Giordano Bruno, Bohme, etc., etc., etc. In spite of persecution and isolation, the Divine Wisdom, the Gnosis, the Philosophia Perennis, the Theosophia breaks through again and again.

_Why is it so important then that the mysteries be restored to the Church? Without them, it is essentially an empty shell. Any good that is done is superficial- if not accidental. Worse, it becomes a barrier to those who seek the reunion with the Divine that all men and women inherently hunger for. When the ineptitude and corruption of a supposedly spiritual institution drives good people away from God then it must be reformed or bypassed.

How many priests have been ordained in anticipation of the revealing of the inner mysteries- only to find that no one else in the priesthood knew any more about them than they did....

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good esoteric study of christianism!, November 30, 2002

By 

Aranval "aranval" (France) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Esoteric Christianity or the Lesser Mysteries (Paperback)

Annie Besant was President of Theosophical Society at the beginning of 20th century. Theosophy, however concerned by all religions, is based at the origin on hindouism and buddhism teachings. It is in this context that this book takes all its interest. Annie Besant tells us about secret teachings that were given to early christians and that was hidden by the church. Jesus Christ is described as a great master of the great white brotherhood and as one the humanity great teachers such as Buddha Siddarta or Krishna. Whatever the truth is, what impressed me, is that the author gives some good esoteric interpretations of christian rituals such as water baptism or eucharisty. She develops further some initiatic subjects such as redemption, sacrifice, god trinity, sins forgiveness and much more. My conclusion is that it is a good esoteric study of christianism!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Restoration of the Christian Mysteries, May 11, 2005

By 

OAKSHAMAN "oakshaman" (Algoma, WI United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Esoteric Christianity: the Lesser Mysteries (Quest Books) (Paperback)

_This is the third time that I have read this book over the years- I still find it hard to believe that it was first published in 1901.

_The author's goal is no less than the revitalization of true Christianity- by the restoration of its mysteries. She does an excellent job of examining the historical record to show both that 1) all other religions have their outer and inner teachings, and 2) it is only Christianity that seems to have had its inner teachings purposely amputated. She shows through examination of scripture and the writings of the Apostolic Fathers that such teachings undoubtedly existed. She shows Paul to have been a true Gnostic.

_In an attempt to reconstruct the inner, esoteric, teachings she shows that all one can ever really write or reveal are the lesser of the mysteries. These are the allegorical interpretations of the deeper spiritual truths and symbolism contained in the parables told to the masses. These are the truths that would just confuse minds that are not ready for them. It is reflection upon these lesser mysteries and their meaning that may open the door to the divine revelation of the greater mysteries, where the teachers are angelic and Christ is the hierophant.

_It is shown that even though an apparent war was waged to expunge the mysteries from Christianity by the Church bureaucracy (who apparently could not, or would not, comprehend them) the tradition never the less survived. The golden chain is shown to stretch across the ages in the teachings of the receptive whether there are attempts to suppress it or not: Pythagoras, Plato, Proclus, Iamblichus, Plotinus, Psuedo-Dionysis, Aquinas, Tauler, Eckhart, Thomas a Kempis, Giordano Bruno, Bohme, etc., etc., etc. In spite of persecution and isolation, the Divine Wisdom, the Gnosis, the Philosophia Perennis, the Theosophia breaks through again and again.

_Why is it so important then that the mysteries be restored to the Church? Without them, it is essentially an empty shell. Any good that is done is superficial- if not accidental. Worse, it becomes a barrier to those who seek the reunion with the Divine that all men and women inherently hunger for. When the ineptitude and corruption of a supposedly spiritual institution drives good people away from God then it must be reformed or bypassed.

How many priests have been ordained in anticipation of the revealing of the inner mysteries- only to find that no one else in the priesthood knew any more about them than they did....