Esoteric Christianity

E78781

Esoteric Christianity is a spiritual and philosophical interpretation of Christian teachings that emphasizes hidden, mystical, and symbolic meanings beyond traditional dogma.

Observed surface forms (2)


Statements (49)

Predicate Object
instanceOf Christian movement
mystical tradition
religious philosophy
spiritual tradition
associatedWith Gnosticism
surface form: Christian Gnosticism

Christian mysticism
Hermeticism
Rosicrucianism
Theosophy
occult Christianity
category Christian esotericism
contrastsWith exoteric Christianity
emphasizes hidden meanings in Christian teachings
inner spiritual experience
mystical interpretation of scripture
symbolic interpretation of Christian doctrines
focusesOn direct experience of the divine
inner meaning of the Gospel
personal spiritual transformation
goal inner realization of Christ
spiritual illumination
union with God
historicalRoots Renaissance esotericism
early Christian mystical currents
medieval Christian mysticism
includesPractice contemplative prayer
initiation rituals in some groups
meditation on scripture
use of symbols and sacred imagery
influencedBy Gnostic traditions
Hermetic philosophy
Neoplatonism
mystical interpretations of the Bible
interprets Christ as an inner spiritual principle
kingdom of God as inner spiritual state
resurrection in symbolic or mystical terms
language Esoteric Christianity self-linksurface differs
surface form: English term "Esoteric Christianity"
modernExpressionsInclude Anthroposophy
some New Age Christian currents
oftenDistinguishedFrom dogmatic theology
literalist biblical interpretation
religiousContext Christianity
teaches existence of inner or higher self
hidden wisdom in Christian revelation
spiritual evolution of the soul
views Christian sacraments as esoteric rites
biblical narratives as symbolic
viewsScriptureAs containing esoteric or initiatory teachings
multi-layered in meaning

Referenced by (3)

Full triples — surface form annotated when it differs from this entity's canonical label.

Western esotericism hasField Esoteric Christianity
this entity surface form: esoteric Christianity
Esoteric Christianity language Esoteric Christianity self-linksurface differs
this entity surface form: English term "Esoteric Christianity"
Annie Besant notableWork Esoteric Christianity