Part I].—Tue New TEesTaMentT

Study: Esoteric Christianity, General Revision
Wuar has been stated in Part I. of this section regarding the accepted mystical methods of exegesis is equally applicable to the New Testament. In addition, however, we have now to consider certain elements which are particularly connected with the esoteric tradition of Christianity as distinguished from the older faiths, notably the presentation in the Gospels of the way of initiation, depicting the perfecting or Christ-ing of man. It is not the teaching which is new, but the manner in which it is imparted, the method employed being that princi- pally used by the Hebrews, viz., historical narrative adapted to the purpose of allegory.
For this study some knowledge of the mystery cults of antiquity is requisite, particularly the Egyptian rituals and those of the Greek schools derived from them, such as the Greater and Lesser ~ Mysteries of Dionysus and Eleusis. ‘They pre- served at least some semblance of the true Mysteries, enacting a certain drama of initiation during their
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secret ceremonies, retaining the forms long after the underlying spiritual reality had been lost. Christian- ity was the lineal successor of the mystery schools, and the path of initiation as taught by them is repeated in the Gospel story.
Intheosophical literature “The Christian Creed” * is invaluable as showing the close parallel between that recorded life of the Saviour and the Egyptian initiation rite, while for its psychological or mystical application Anna Kingsford’s “‘ The Perfect Way ” remains unequalled. For the deeper interpretation of Christian doctrine this work affords a most fruitful field of study, and it has been largely drawn upon by nearly all writers of the modern mystical schools.
The Gospels present the five great initiations as episodes in the life of a Divine Man, depicted as (1) birth, (2) baptism, (3) transfiguration, (4) death-resurrection, and (5) ascension. “They correspond to successive stages of soul development, which might be termed (1) awakening, (2) dedica- tion, (3) realisation of a Divine indwelling, (4) surrender, and (5) union or at-one-ment with the Divine. ‘These stages have been so frequently explained that in almost any theosophical books con- cerned with initiation this subject can be pursued.
* By C. W. Leadbeater.
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ESOTERIC CHRISTIANITY
On the side of historical research, a book which gives a good general idea of the Greek Mysteries as influential upon the later system is “’The Mystery Religions and Christianity.” * It must again be emphasised that much of St. Paul’s philosophy is based upon the teachings of the esoteric schools, and that his Epistles abound in technical terms in use among the initiated of his time. (For the peculiar symbolism employed by. him the student is recom- mended to read “‘ Letters of Paulos the Initiate.”) Before leaving the subject of St. Paul’s Epistles reference must be made to Miss Charlotte Woods’ book “The Gospel of Rightness,” which illumi- nating and scholarly work should be known to every student of the deeper aspects of Christianity.
‘The most mysterious book in the New Testament is that with which it closes: The Revelation of St. Fohn. An apocalyptic work of unknown author- ship, it combines the strange animal symbolism of Egypto-Assyrian origin with ingenious Greek word and number puzzles, its explanatory portions being veiled in the highly technical symbolic language of the occult schools. The whole, when rightly deciphered, again presents a drama of the perfecting of man, indicating the stages of initiation, the inner plane experiences undergone and the psycho-
* By S. Angus.
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physiological processes involved. It may be said indeed to constitute a manual of occult development, and as such it is of unusual significance to those instructed in the science of Yoga.*
Thus the Bible, beginning with the birth of the individual soul into the human kingdom through the gate of generation (the myth of the garden of Eden), ends with the ascent of the soul out of that “ cycle of necessity” and its entry into the superhuman, spiritual kingdom through the gate of initiation. From first to last it contains a profundity of occult wisdom, to be discerned by the awakened intuition. May it be revealed in ever richer measure as we fit ourselves for its comprehension.
ADDITIONAL BOOKS
A. GENERAL
Curtiss, H. and F. “The Key to the Universe; The Key of Destiny.” (On Symbolism of Numbers.)
Grove, D. E. “ The Mystery Teaching of the Bible.”
KincsrorpD, ANNA. ‘“ The Perfect Way.”
MAITLAND, Epwarb. ‘“‘ The Bible’s Own Account of Itself.”
TrowarD, T. “ Bible Mystery and Bible Meaning.”
B. O_tp TESTAMENT
BosMAN, LEONARD. ‘“‘ AMEN, the Key of the Universe ”’ ; “The Book of Genesis Interpreted.”
* See Introduction to “‘ The Apocalypse and Initiation.”
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CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA. ‘“‘ Stromata.” * ForRESTER-Brown, J. S. “‘ The Two Creation Stories.” Juxes, ANDREW. “ Types of Genesis ”’ (rare). D’OLIVET, FaBreE. “‘ The Hebraic Tongue Restored.” OrIGEN. “ De Principiis.” ¢