Esoteric Christianity 01 Introduction to Esoteric Christianity

“The mysteries of the faith are not to be divulged to all. But since this tradition is not published alone for him who perceives the magnificence of the word; it is requisite, therefore, to hide in a mystery the wisdom spoken, which the Son of God taught.” — St. Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata, ch. 12 (circa 200 AD) We begin this course giving scriptural evidence for the hidden or esoteric doctrine of Christianity. In the past there were hidden meanings of the Old and New Testament concealed only for those initiated in to the esoteric doctrine of Christianity. Howbeit we speak wisdom [σοφία, sophia] among them that are perfect [τελείοις, teleios]: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery [μυστήριον, mustérion], even the hidden [ἀποκρύπτω, apokruptó] wisdom [σοφία, sophia], which God ordained before the world unto our glory… — 1 Corinthians 2:6-7 Mystery, μυστήριον (mustérion) is a secret, of which initiation is necessary; a mystery or secret doctrine; from mustés (one initiated). Today, the teachings are now open for all, and we will begin to unveil the mysteries of Christianity in this course.