The Cross and the Grail: Esoteric Christianity for the 21st Century - Robert Ellwood

Many books on this subject tend to condemn the flesh as evil, or at least as an impediment to Spirituality. In this book, however, Ellwood makes the case that in order to live a wholesome Christian life, one must include the flesh. Beyond that, the entire world and further cosmos must be seen as at least potentially charged with life, rather than dead and inert.

Ellwood covers much ground in such a short amount of space, I am tempted to call this the best book on esoteric Christianity I have read, in terms of efficiency. One looks at the size of the book and thinks it would be an easy, short read. However, if one has ears to hear, there is so much Wisdom here, one must slow down and take it all in by pacing oneself.

What I like the most about this book is that it doesn't eschew exoteric religion for the inner symbolic life of esotericism. Ellwood skillfully makes the case the two complement each other like colors in a spectrum of common Light. Though he spends little to nil time discussing the esotericism of other religions, Ellwood certainly has treated the subjects with respect.

Unabashedly Christian, Ellwood makes a curious point of showing other religions are largely cultural in character, mainly relating to a certain group or nation of people. Christianity, Ellwood cogently proves, is universal. The symbols are easily adapted by any race or culture.

Try as I might, though my experience has changed, I cannot ditch my Christian roots. This book silently and respectfully echoes many of the Truths I have experienced. Give it a try. It may do the same for you.