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Theosophia: Hidden Dimensions of Christianity

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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.

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.

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.