VII. being placed in slightly altered sequence.

The course is divided into five sections, each consisting of two parts, thus providing a ten weeks’ syllabus.
Each of the sections may be studied in conjunction with the additional books recommended. ‘These are optional, and the selection may be left to in- dividual choice, but the student is advised to try to include at least one in each section, while others may be noted for subsequent reading.
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if ; ~f , : : ‘ : : j i? ; rv) : MMi ‘oid ‘ am , rfl pro are res: hl Pecnds oe 4 J Mi tire. bt
aa Ge THA ort Yai ey ode
, io i “eo | jordhag fh? hae .: ri uy ur vir.
ota a
INTRODUCTORY
No greater contribution has been made by Theosophy to Western thought than its reinterpre- tation of Christianity. In combating outworn creeds and the materialistic formule of orthodoxy, the pioneers of the theosophical movement were doing preparatory work, unwelcome in many quarters because necessarily critical and iconoclastic, an essential clearing of the way through imposed dogma and superstitious belief, before the further path of progress might be revealed. Such tendency is particularly apparent in “ The Secret Doctrine” and “Tsis Unveiled,” yet, as H. P. B. repeatedly declared, it was ever against Churchianity, in distinction to true Christianity, that her weapons were directed. For the student of to-day, however, the perusal of those early controversies is no longer profitable, save as witness to the distance already traversed. “The need of our time is the restoration of the depth and inwardness of Christian teaching. Such recovery is made in the linking up and harmonisation of the traditional religion of the West with the Ancient
INTRODUCTORY
Wisdom, whereby are restored to the former alike its intellectual vigour, its mystical appeal and the deeply occult significance of its creed and cere- monial.
The exponent of Esoteric Christianity, whether in public lecture or in class, should therefore per- sistently emphasise the constructive and synthetic aspect of this teaching, being ever concerned to point out, not the error or inadequacy of the exoteric doctrine, but rather its vastly deeper and more spiritual significance when viewed in the light of the Ancient Wisdom. He may further remind his hearers that the very fact that they have in- carnated in Western bodies and undergone Christian upbringing is proof (so far as the average individual is concerned, and few of us measure yet above that category) that within those same racial and tradi- tional bounds will be their most readily available way of service at the present time.
To serve effectively, however, demands training ; it needs the equipment of an ordered and accurately informed mind. Hence study on specialised lines becomes essential. ‘The present booklet is meant for students who are seeking such equipment, as offering a systematic plan of study on one very important subject. No aspect of theosophical teaching will better repay attention, and those
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INTRODUCTORY
members of our Society who are desirous of serving their brethren of the West through Theosophy cannot do better than fit themselves for the present- ment, wherever the opportunity may be provided, of Esoteric Christianity.
G ex LIBRIS = By KLESSENS 3
SYLLABUS ON ESOTERIC CHRISTIANITY