 | This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
|
 | It has been suggested that this article be merged into Christian mysticism. (Discuss) Proposed since October 2024. |
| Part of a series on |
| Christian mysticism |
|---|
 |
Esoteric Christianity is a mystical approach to Christianity which features "secret traditions" that require an initiation to learn or understand.[1] The term esoteric was coined in the 17th century and derives from the Greek ἐσωτερικός (esôterikos, "inner").[2]
These spiritual currents share some common features, such as heterodox or heretical Christian theology; the canonical gospels, various apocalyptic literature, and some New Testament apocrypha as sacred texts;[citation needed] and disciplina arcani, a supposed oral tradition from the Twelve Apostles containing esoteric teachings of Jesus the Christ.[1]
Esoteric Christianity is closely related to Gnosticism, and survives in a few modern churches.[1]
There are also esoteric Christian Societies such as the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia.[3]
- ^ a b c Stroumsa, Guy G. (2005). Hidden Wisdom: Esoteric Traditions and the Roots of Christian Mysticism. Leiden: Brill. ISBN 90-04-13635-5.
- ^ "Esoteric". Oxford English Dictionary Compact Edition. Vol. 1. Oxford University Press. 1971. p. 894.
- ^ "Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia – An Introduction (SRIA)". freemasonrymatters.co.uk. 17 June 2016. Retrieved 12 November 2023.