Theosophia: Hidden Dimensions of Christianity [Paperback]

Arthur Versluis (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0940262649 | ISBN-13: 978-0940262645 | Publication Date: June 1, 1994

At a time when the religions of the world are meeting on a spiritual level and in a global context, it is crucial that the Christian West rediscovers its often forgotten inner or spiritual wisdom. In this book the author traces a long-hidden esoteric stream in Christianity. Examining the Catholic mysticism of Tauler and Eckhart, the Eastern Orthodox tradition of the "Philokalia" and the Sophianic lineage of Jacob Bohme he shows that all three major branches of Christianity have within them inter-related esoteric traditions. Theosophia discovers a religion of the Holy Spirit at the heart of Christianity, a powerful gnostic spirituality based upon love and the possibility of imaginal encounters with angels and other divine beings. Based upon many authors never before translated into English and on numerous long-unpublished manuscripts Theosophia reveals aspects of our spiritual heritage that speak directly to the present social, ecological and religious crises of the modern world.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A collection of very precious clues ... pointing to the hidden currents both in history and in our own selves." -- Jacob Needleman, author of Money and the Meaning of Life

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Lindisfarne Pr (June 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0940262649
• ISBN-13: 978-0940262645
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #965,730 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Open doors to gnosis, June 25, 2000

By 

Paul Wesley Hofreiter - See all my reviews

This review is from: Theosophia: Hidden Dimensions of Christianity (Paperback)

Arthur Versluis has penned a book which will open doors for anyone seeking a more meaningful experience of the essence of Christianity. The writing is masterful, compelling, convincing, and inspiring. Not to be confused with the theosophical movement of Blavansky, Besant, etc., Dr. Versluis' "Theosophia" takes the reader through a journey of esoteric Christian thought. The work of Jacob Boehme is perhaps the most significant "eye-opener" here, for it is in this study that one may begin to appreciate the "inner dimensions" inherent in the Christian faith, allowing the seeker to remain faithful to doctrinal elements of Christianity while not succumbing to "new age" so-called theologies. For this reader, a totally new world was unveiled thanks to the author's perceptions of gnosis.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Treasure of a Book, November 26, 2006

By 

James A. Manganiello "Depth Psychologist" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Theosophia: Hidden Dimensions of Christianity (Paperback)

Arthur Versluis does a remarkable job here. He informs the mind while moving the heart in the direction of what it longs for. This book goes beyond Christian concerns while doing them deep justice. It's a special book in my library and I highly recommend it. In many ways it's alive with the breath of Sophia.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read For Any Christian Seeking A Deeper Understanding Of Their Faith, December 6, 2011

By 

Grant Hemingway - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Theosophia: Hidden Dimensions of Christianity (Paperback)

The title of this book will instantly be associated with Mme. Blavatsky's Theosophical Society which is an unfortunate mistake. The theosophy which Versluis speaks of is more related to Gnostic and mystical Christianity than Blavatsky's syncretic blend of the world's religions. Versluis recognizes the negative connotations that Gnostic carries with it and tries to offer insight into the true nature of Gnostic thought. However he does not focus on famous Gnostics such as Marcion and Valentinus but examines the thought of Tauler, Eckhart and Boehme. Jacob Boehme is a fascinating and complex figure and Versluis offers some hope of understanding the complex works of the perhaps the most famous Christian theosopher. He also examines the troubled relationship of Platonism and Hermeticism with Christianity which has an important bearing on later Christian theosophy. Be warned this book is relatively easy to read considering the topics being discussed but one might want to read around some of the key themes and characters first.