I see two sides(at least) to this. I think that most Christian practices that i come across are exoteric. That is, they are for the mass population who need looking after not to kill and rob eachother etc and need solace and guidance for their everyday life choices. Like most, or perhaps every religion, there is or has been an esoteric circle which deals with initiates into, let's say the mysteries of that religion/practice. Just as Sufism is the esoteric circle to Islam. Some people might move from the exoteric circle to the esoteric circle but most of us are blissfully unaware of it (I'm not aiming that at anyone). When the exoteric hears of the esoteric it is usually through folktales/fairytales/myth etc and is often thought of as dangerous or immoral. I have the feeling, though I could be wrong that most of the Christian churches have little or no connection to any idea of the esoteric. Furthermore, I think that the concept of Faith belongs to an esoteric school which no longer exists. The exoteric version of it goes on. As I say I could be wrong.Foofoogal said:this is where it gets interesting...... Divine intervention, miracles, people coming across our paths.
Sometimes like children some give in the hard way and others easily.
The occult cannot give me hope...
Creeping Past said:Golden Gordon
To keep things on topic, I thought I'd chuck in a mention of The Curse of the Claw episode, which is nearer the occult theme of this thread.
stephen1965 said:Like most, or perhaps every religion, there is or has been an esoteric circle which deals with initiates into, let's say the mysteries of that religion/practice....I have the feeling, though I could be wrong that most of the Christian churches have little or no connection to any idea of the esoteric.
Yes you are some-what correct. If you claimed that you have the one true and right religion and every-body else was on the losing team. You would be seen as an extremist fruit-cake over here. When we talk about religion if ever we really just state what religion we are, and not the religion everybody else should be.Foofoogal said:maybe that is the problem.lol
is that what tuppence means?
no wonder the lady in the pool in Europe looked at me wide eyed when I spoke of religion. I think it may not be so loosely discussed there. lol :eusa_clap
you people are a hoot...
stephen1965 said:Thank you "Skeet" McDee, you give me the impression of balance and understanding. I guess it's easy (for me) to forget myself and be carried away with being 'argumentative'.
scotrace said:It isn't something good.
Viola said:Don't make me call my cousin Vinnie! lol
tuppence said:British Comedy outshines everything.
stephen1965 said:I see two sides(at least) to this. I think that most Christian practices that i come across are exoteric. That is, they are for the mass population who need looking after not to kill and rob eachother etc and need solace and guidance for their everyday life choices. Like most, or perhaps every religion, there is or has been an esoteric circle which deals with initiates into, let's say the mysteries of that religion/practice. Just as Sufism is the esoteric circle to Islam. Some people might move from the exoteric circle to the esoteric circle but most of us are blissfully unaware of it (I'm not aiming that at anyone). When the exoteric hears of the esoteric it is usually through folktales/fairytales/myth etc and is often thought of as dangerous or immoral. I have the feeling, though I could be wrong that most of the Christian churches have little or no connection to any idea of the esoteric. Furthermore, I think that the concept of Faith belongs to an esoteric school which no longer exists. The exoteric version of it goes on. As I say I could be wrong.
stephen1965 said:Like most, or perhaps every religion, there is or has been an esoteric circle which deals with initiates into, let's say the mysteries of that religion/practice.
I know next to nothing about Lovecraft so I'll enjoy the link...Story said:An interesting word you use, as in the Esoteric Order of Dagon? www.esotericorderofdagon.com
/ Period appropriate reference to Lovecraft made, in a thread that sorely needed it.
stephen1965 said:I know next to nothing about Lovecraft so I'll enjoy the link...
Undertow said:Overall, I enjoy reading about the occult but I can't say it's an easy subject to research and understand with as much certainty as, say, Islam or Judaism.