Many great world religions have both inner and outer teachings. For example, Judaism, as the outer teaching, has Kaballa as its inner teaching. Islam as an outer teaching, has Sufism as its inner teaching. Esoteric Christianity, sometimes called Mystical Christianity, is the inner teaching of Christianity. A Mystic / Esoteric Christian is one who seeks awareness with Christ through personal experience rather than through dogma and commandments, and also acknowledges ageless wisdom teachings. This chart is a "middle of the road" simplification of many complex ideas found among both groups. Variations to this chart are to be expected.
Attribute
Esoteric Christianity (Inner Teaching)
Exoteric Christianity (Outer Teaching)
View of God
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.
Both God within and outside of ourselves (immanent and transcendent) are acknowledged, but there is usually less emphasis on the God-within.
View of Jesus and Christ
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.
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.
View of early years of Jesus (pre-ministry)
Jesus is believed to have traveled to Egypt, India, Persia, Greece, and various mystery schools, perfecting the inner teachings and initiations of those traditions.
Little is said or acknowledged of Jesus life between his approximate ages of 12 - 30.
Emphasis on crucifixion and resurrection
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.
Belief in reincarnation
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.
Usually reincarnation is not discussed, and often not accepted. Each of us lives one life which earns its reward (heaven) or punishment (hell).
Meditation and Prayer
Meditation as a spiritual discipline (being in the silence) is practiced as a way to contact God-within, along with prayer (asking, telling, thanking).
Prayer is more commonly practiced than meditation among congregants. Meditation is accepted and practiced, more among those living in religious community.
Authoritative Texts and Holy Books
Any and all texts that contain wisdom are accepted and studied, including The Holy Bible and ageless wisdom teachings.
The Holy Bible, both Old and New Testament, is seen as the primary holy book and authoritative text.
Dogma and Conscience
Conscience, the truth found in one's heart and mind ("thinketh in the heart") is favored above dogma as the final authority.
Wide variation. Church dogma is more often the primary authority, although conscience is considered important as well.
Convergence of Spiritual Paths
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)
Wide variation from "Christianity is the one true religion," to acceptance of varied paths.
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