Inner Christianity: A Guide to the Esoteric Tradition

Long before the Da Vinci Code and the furor that it generated, a number of serious scholars were examining some of the "lost" books of the Bible and an array of other sources that suggested that there was much to be learned about the early history of Christianity. Insights that would enrich our experience and understanding of the Christian message.Richard Smoley, the author of this insightful and challenging book, is the former editor of the magazine Gnosis and, with Jay Kinney, also co-wrote another extremely interesting book: Hidden Wisdom: A Guide to the Western Inner Traditions.He writes that, "In current Christian discourse, I see an enormous interest in the devotional side of the tradition, in prayer, contemplation, and mysticism. Indeed, Christianity has always laid great emphasis on the heart, the emotional life of the soul as it is lived in communion with God. No one could deny that this dimension is necessary on the spiritual path, but it is not sufficient. For the spirit to develop in a harmonious and integrated fashion, the pole of love must be counterbalanced by the pole of knowledge. It is this aspect that I see as most lacking in Christianity today. While there is no scarcity of theology and biblical scholarship - which has tremendous value in its place - almost all of it is at the outer rim of Dorotheus's circle, grappling with the details of the literal level and with truth in its most superficial form. Knowledge of the inner levels of experience has been for the most part forgotten. It is primarily this need that this book is meant to fill."In other words he is proposing that a way to gain greater insight and understanding within the Christian tradition is by a synthesis of heart and head. Richard Smoley has seen that it can be such a mistake to bury the heart and soul of Christianity in rules and dogmas. They have their place, but cannot be the tail that wags the dog. As he shows throughout this book, the Christian message is far more subtle, profound and multidimensional than many people realize.The book is extremely well written and includes Notes, a Bibliography and Index.Inevitably anything suggesting change will draw criticism. But for anyone interested in deepening his or her spiritual experience, whether or not your orientation is Christian, this book has much to offer.Highly recommended.

I own a lot of books from Amazon. By far, this is one of the most precious books I own. I mean that. I refer to it again and again. As far as I'm concerned, it is one of the greatest overviews of Esoteric Christianity out there. I've looked far and wide and there is nothing that is quite as good as this one in my opinion. It's scholarly but practical too. The only thing I'd like to see is a further in-depth guide to this tradition from Mr. Smoley. I want more!This book discusses Christianity in a way you do not hear in church. It discusses the Christ within (Luke 17.20-21) and what that really means. Topics discussed like salvation, repentance, soul, spirit, and dozens of others have a slant on them that rings true. Do not think the way these topics are discussed is the same standard fare that you hear in church; it's not! It has an eastern flavour of enlightenment akin to Advaita Vedanta and Buddhist teachings, but with a western esoteric slant. If you are from the west and you like aspects of Buddhism and Hinduism, then I think you will really like this.Rather that write a lengthy review, just get the book and really absorb it. You'll be glad you did.The only thing I think could have been better was chapter one. It provides background material on various leaders throughout the history of esoteric Christianity. However, I would have like to have seen more of a comparison and contrast amongst the different strands of this tradition. But that doesn't detract from the quality of the rest of the book. It is really excellent scholarship.I'm so glad I found this book years ago. It led me on a path that has enriched my life ever since. Thank you Richard Smoley. Well done!

Richard Smoley's "Inner Christianity" will give you hope for Christianity. In today's world, brash fundamentalists seem to jump to mind as the image of a typical Christian. Smoley invites us to be anything but typical Christians. He shows us there is a deep esoteric tradition within Christianity. What was first, and what lies beneath, might very well save Christianity by making it meaningful to a whole new generation that has identified itself as more spiritual than religious. This is the age of countless books that advertise themselves as spiritual, mystical, and all together the biggest thing that can come into your life. Most of what is on the market today in these genres is about making big promises of life changing information, so that the reader will buy the book and allow the author to "manifest abundance". They are, for the most part superficial and lacking in true spirituality. That is not this book. A real scholar was at work in Inner Christianity. The author explores the rich tradition and deep themes of spiritual growth through esoteric Christianity. Finally, all of this great theological and mystical information is somehow, made into a fascinating read by Richard Smoley.

The book covers areas of Christianity not emphasized in its more politically and historically solidified form relating to inner spiritual development along with some of the less highlighted cultural context of the ancient Christian symbols. All in all, it is a fairly sober introduction to Christianity from a "new age" perspective. The author seemed to have the best of intent and cultural empathy with his audience when researching and writing this book. It's funny that I come from a more Orthodox background and disagree with his Christology. Whether you agree or not, this book will potentially help sharpen and possibly alter and expand your current spiritual and religious beliefs.

I've bought a lot of books looking for the very information I found in this one. It won't appeal to mainstream believers, but readers of a more esoteric bent will eat this up.

Informed and inspiring account of living the inner life. Recommended.

Good book