Posted in E is for . . . on May 17, 2011| Leave a Comment »
EXOTERIC (root meaning, outer)
Suitable to be imparted to the public, for everyone; with regard to religion, a belief system of equality and respect not dependent on the social or intellectual status of the believer. Christianity, as described in the Bible, is an exoteric religion.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Posted in E is for . . . on May 17, 2011| Leave a Comment »
ESOTERIC (root meaning, inner)
Intended for, or understood by, an elite group of initiates; mysterious. As religions go, esoteric religions necessarily have an upper echelon of spiritually elite—priests, monks, lamas, etc.—who alone are privy to secret doctrines, mystical teachings, and enlightenment. Esoteric religion is for the elite, not the majority of humankind. Mystical religions are esoteric.
Enlightenment comes from the Word of God. “Your commands make me wiser than my enemies. . . . The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:98, 130).
