Esoteric Christianity (Inner Teaching)
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Exoteric Christianity (Outer Teaching)
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A personal,
experiential awareness of the indwelling spirit of God, (the Christ within -
God immanent) is sought. God transcendent (outside of ourselves) is
considered, but not as emphasized.
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Both God within and
outside of ourselves (immanent and transcendent) are acknowledged, but there
is usually less emphasis on the God-within.
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Jesus and the Christ
are seen as two separate entities. The Christ refers to the living flame of love
that guides all life and evolution on our planet. Jesus was a man who was
able to perfect himself enough to hold the high energy of the Christ, and
thus become Jesus, the Christ.
Further, Jesus is
seen as an initiate; one able to hold high consciousness and
"master" (become Master of) the inner teachings. He modeled a
pattern for humanity, showing that what he did, humanity is to do also. All
can become sons / daughters of God through the process of initiation. All
can, through initiation, become "Christed" by being vessels for the
love of the Christ.
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Jesus Christ is seen
as one person, the only son of God, born as a God-human. Jesus is seen more
as a "personal savior" for the race than a pattern for the race.
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Jesus is believed to
have traveled to Egypt, India, Persia, Greece, and various mystery schools,
perfecting the inner teachings and initiations of those traditions.
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Little is said or
acknowledged of Jesus life between his approximate ages of 12 - 30.
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There is greater
emphasis on resurrection rather than crucifixion, not just of the physical
body, but of self to Self. Jesus didn't save us from our sins (die for our
sins) because our sins are for us to deal with ourselves. He showed us how we
can become our own saviors - by raising our consciousness through love and
the path of initiation. All people have the capability to become fully human
/ fully divine.
|
Greater emphasis is
on crucifixion. God "gave his only son to die for us" - death being
the measure of God's love for us.
Jesus "died for our sins," and is thus our savior.
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Belief in
reincarnation is accepted (not required) since the arduous path of initiation
from human to God-hood would take more than one life-time. It is thought that
Jesus likely reincarnated many times to be able to hold the Christ energy,
and thus become Jesus, the Christ.
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Usually reincarnation
is not discussed, and often not accepted. Each of us lives one life which
earns its reward (heaven) or punishment (hell).
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Meditation as a
spiritual discipline (being in the silence) is practiced as a way to contact
God-within, along with prayer (asking, telling, thanking).
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Prayer is more
commonly practiced than meditation among congregants. Meditation is accepted and practiced, more
among those living in religious community.
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Any and all texts
that contain wisdom are accepted and studied, including The Holy Bible and
ageless wisdom teachings.
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The Holy Bible, both
Old and New Testament, is seen as the
primary holy book and authoritative text.
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Conscience, the truth
found in one's heart and mind ("thinketh in the heart") is favored
above dogma as the final authority.
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Wide variation.
Church dogma is more often the primary authority, although conscience is
considered important as well.
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The fundamental unity
of all spiritual paths that express love is seen and honored. "No matter
where they walk, it leads to Me." (Baghavad
Gita)
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Wide variation from
"Christianity is the one true religion," to acceptance of varied
paths.
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Friday, March 8, 2013
Exoteric versus Esoteric Christianity
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