Western esotericism has now emerged as an academic study in its own right; combining spirituality with an empirical observation of the natural world while also relating the humanity to the universe through a harmonious celestial order. This introduction to the Western esoteric traditions offers a concise overview of their historical development. Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke explores these traditions; from their roots in Hermeticism; Neo-Platonism; and Gnosticism in the early Christian era up to their reverberations in today's scientific paradigms. While the study of Western esotericism is usually confined to the history of ideas; Goodrick-Clarke examines the phenomenon much more broadly. He demonstrates that; far from being a strictly intellectual movement; the spread of esotericism owes a great deal to geopolitics and globalization. In Hellenistic culture; for example; the empire of Alexander the Great; which stretched across Egypt and Western Asia to provinces in India; facilitated a mixing of Eastern and Western cultures. As the Greeks absorbed ideas from Egypt; Babylon; Assyria; and Persia; they gave rise to the first esoteric movements. From the late sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries; post-Reformation spirituality found expression in theosophy; Rosicrucianism and Freemasonry. Similarly; in the modern era; dissatisfaction with the hegemony of science in Western culture and a lack of faith in traditional Christianity led thinkers like Madame Blavatsky to look East for spiritual inspiration. Goodrick-Clarke further examines Modern esoteric thought in the light of new scientific and medical paradigms along with the analytical psychology of Carl Gustav Jung. This book traces the complete history of these movements and is the definitive account of Western esotericism.
#126732 in Books 2006-05-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.80 x 1.10 x 8.30l; .83 #File Name: 0195300920240 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A MIXED BAG OF BELIEFSBy richard e whitelockThis book might appeal to many readers. As far for me; I enjoyed reading about the beliefs of many of the founding characters in the birth of our nation. The Founders portrayed in this book were very much influenced by their beliefs. Sam Adams; Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry held Christian Orthodox views. Franklin; Washington; John Adams; Madison and Monroe tended not to be "believers" in Christ and some were devoutly agnostic. The last part of the book deals with the beliefs of our modern day presidents from 1940 through George Bush. We read and hear a lot about the Christian majority in our United States and the influence of such believers went a very long way in the popularity and re-election of Bush.I appreciate that religion was the main instigator in the Puritan Movement; but its leaders sure moved through a great deal of history with blinders on. The manner in which our Native American; women; slaves and the Catholics in Canada were treated; there wasn't much tolerance amongst the denominations. Territories and entire colonies were established upon a specific religious belief and the owners of these beliefs were not very tolerant of others. Believing is one thing; practicing what a loving;giving and God fearing people should believe in and practice is another thing. And as a leader of early Americans; many of our forefathers were less than tolerant of others and rarely practiced what they preached in my opinion. I don't see much proof of tolerance for those who believed differently than our Founding Fathers. Many of them did not rely on the deity for their momentum in establishing a free America based on the principles of freedom of religion. The age of Enlightenment went a long way in arousing America towards a greater religious belief. The fact that we remain so tolerant of others is in my opinion the true bedrock of our greatness as a nation. The fact that we kept religion and the state separate formed a cornerstone of this nation's religious tolerance. This was the greatest religious contribution of our Founding Fathers. Separate and tolerant were most important in our religious survival.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Worth the read / money.By Wes SteckerDavid is a great historian. He does his research and lets the primary sources speak for themselves.While the book starts by setting the spiritual stage of colonial America at a slower pace; it's helpful to have the background before diving into the founding fathers. Once the fathers are discussed; David's careful homework shines through. He does a great job not only painting an accurate picture of the founding fathers; but also communicating clearly about religious and spiritual doctrine and difference.After a compelling look into the lives of the founding fathers and their family; the book attempts to tackle some of the standouts among modern presidents. While interesting; this portion of the book seemed disjointed to me and ended rather abruptly.All in all; this book is well worth the read and money. Thoughtful historians and curious ministers will find the book even-handed and helpful during a time when so many are interested in the intersection of politics and religion.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Honestly thought it was kind of boring; especially the first chapterBy CustomerHonestly thought it was kind of boring; especially the first chapter. Does have some useful info if you're trying to dispel the whole "America was founded as a Christian nation" bit.
