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Tantric Jesus: The Erotic Heart of Early Christianity
A guide to the history and modern practice of transformative Christianity
• Reveals the original tantric wisdom of Jesus and the early Church and its resonance with the tantric yogas of India and Tibet
• Explains how tantric Christianity views the human body as the primary “temple” of the Holy and erotic energy as the signature of indwelling Divine Presence
• Provides step-by-step instructions for a series of Christian tantric practices, including a partnered sexual practice, mantra and energy work, eye gazing, and work with icons
Unbeknownst to many, the original Christian spirituality as practiced in the early church and by Jesus himself was a tantric spirituality. In the West, Tantra often evokes images of arcane rituals or acrobatic sexual positions, while in reality Tantra is a holistic transformative path of life, love, and being--grounded in practice.
Offering a new understanding of Jesus as guru and master of left-handed Tantra, James Reho, an Episcopal priest and tantric initiate, reframes the Christian story and restores to modern Christianity the tantric wisdom practices that were edited out of church tradition and forgotten over the centuries. He explains how tantric Christianity views the human body as the primary “temple” of the Holy, with erotic energy as the signature of Divine Presence within. Rev. Reho reveals the similarities of the earliest Christian practices to the tantric yogas of India and Tibet and explores the role of Kundalini and the chakras. He details how to work with mantras, icons, and pranayama breathing exercises, as well as with gazing as a spiritual practice. Informed by the insights of ancient texts and early masters of Christian spirituality, the author provides step-by-step instructions on how to practice Christian tantric sex with a life-partner of the opposite or same sex.
Rev. Reho reveals how these heart-opening practices are rooted in eros, the life of deep desire, expressive of God’s grace within us, and are still alive in monastic practices in the Christian East. Integrating his personal spiritual experiences, years of study of ancient Christian mysticism, and an expertise in yoga and tantra, the author shows how we can re-engage the original truths of the early church to affirm the body as a holy vehicle and to utilize the energy of the erotic to achieve ecstatic union with the Divine.
• Reveals the original tantric wisdom of Jesus and the early Church and its resonance with the tantric yogas of India and Tibet
• Explains how tantric Christianity views the human body as the primary “temple” of the Holy and erotic energy as the signature of indwelling Divine Presence
• Provides step-by-step instructions for a series of Christian tantric practices, including a partnered sexual practice, mantra and energy work, eye gazing, and work with icons
Unbeknownst to many, the original Christian spirituality as practiced in the early church and by Jesus himself was a tantric spirituality. In the West, Tantra often evokes images of arcane rituals or acrobatic sexual positions, while in reality Tantra is a holistic transformative path of life, love, and being--grounded in practice.
Offering a new understanding of Jesus as guru and master of left-handed Tantra, James Reho, an Episcopal priest and tantric initiate, reframes the Christian story and restores to modern Christianity the tantric wisdom practices that were edited out of church tradition and forgotten over the centuries. He explains how tantric Christianity views the human body as the primary “temple” of the Holy, with erotic energy as the signature of Divine Presence within. Rev. Reho reveals the similarities of the earliest Christian practices to the tantric yogas of India and Tibet and explores the role of Kundalini and the chakras. He details how to work with mantras, icons, and pranayama breathing exercises, as well as with gazing as a spiritual practice. Informed by the insights of ancient texts and early masters of Christian spirituality, the author provides step-by-step instructions on how to practice Christian tantric sex with a life-partner of the opposite or same sex.
Rev. Reho reveals how these heart-opening practices are rooted in eros, the life of deep desire, expressive of God’s grace within us, and are still alive in monastic practices in the Christian East. Integrating his personal spiritual experiences, years of study of ancient Christian mysticism, and an expertise in yoga and tantra, the author shows how we can re-engage the original truths of the early church to affirm the body as a holy vehicle and to utilize the energy of the erotic to achieve ecstatic union with the Divine.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2017
36 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 7, 2017
Fascinating, enriching, integrative book!
It has been wonderful to read this book, it has helped me to finish integrating knowledge, philosophy, personal perspectives, regarding my path of spiritual growth.In many ways this book resonated with my feeling and way of relating to the creative source. And while I consider myself a person with holistic vision, I still held certain conflicts or divergent beliefs. James Hughes Reho performs an investigation obtaining illuminating results about the practice of Christianity in its beginnings, and it is very revealing that he makes a comparison with Tantra. Thanks to this enlightening search, he provided me enlightening answers.
As I read this book I am more clear, I have been able to reconcile the expression of my transcendental immutable being and integrate it into my personality and material reality. I now acknowledge that my soul can express itself through my flesh, without denying it or repressing it, being complete with my feet in this world, expressing the loving beauty and luminous wisdom of my transcendental being in all my fields of consciousness, bringing the sublime bliss to the material dimension; and even my intuition points to a state of collective consciousness where we can experience and share paradise on Earth.
James Hughes Reho brings us this interesting introspection in times when mankind is evolving towards more expanded, holistic perspectives of perceiving and interpreting the universal reality of which we are part. He makes a very valuable contribution, since considering that we generally understand the world in a relative way and that based on our perception we usually experience it as an objective truth; It is difficult to identify a reality beyond our interpretation, but by expanding our framework of reality we are able to have a broader perspective which in turn leads to unique and relevant insights we otherwise wouldn't have had because we were seeing only a particular Slice of the world, and not all that there was to see.
Transcendence is an inherent and fundamental aspect of humanity, and many people are dissatisfied and are moving away from repressive spiritual beliefs, which separate rather than unify, which favor prejudice and denial of the things of the world as a transcendental path ; Which does not allow them to express their full potential, wisdom, beauty, gratitude, service, creative and sensual energy, multiplier of goodness and life. Many people no longer want to communion with beliefs that postpone happiness and fulfillment beyond material life, people seek to be happy and fulfilled now, we want to have a connection and communion with reality and sentient beings with whom we share it, and We also recognize that the only option is to share the beatitude with the whole world! ... we yearn to contribute, to be loved and to love with body and soul!
My gratitude to the Publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review the book
It has been wonderful to read this book, it has helped me to finish integrating knowledge, philosophy, personal perspectives, regarding my path of spiritual growth.In many ways this book resonated with my feeling and way of relating to the creative source. And while I consider myself a person with holistic vision, I still held certain conflicts or divergent beliefs. James Hughes Reho performs an investigation obtaining illuminating results about the practice of Christianity in its beginnings, and it is very revealing that he makes a comparison with Tantra. Thanks to this enlightening search, he provided me enlightening answers.
As I read this book I am more clear, I have been able to reconcile the expression of my transcendental immutable being and integrate it into my personality and material reality. I now acknowledge that my soul can express itself through my flesh, without denying it or repressing it, being complete with my feet in this world, expressing the loving beauty and luminous wisdom of my transcendental being in all my fields of consciousness, bringing the sublime bliss to the material dimension; and even my intuition points to a state of collective consciousness where we can experience and share paradise on Earth.
James Hughes Reho brings us this interesting introspection in times when mankind is evolving towards more expanded, holistic perspectives of perceiving and interpreting the universal reality of which we are part. He makes a very valuable contribution, since considering that we generally understand the world in a relative way and that based on our perception we usually experience it as an objective truth; It is difficult to identify a reality beyond our interpretation, but by expanding our framework of reality we are able to have a broader perspective which in turn leads to unique and relevant insights we otherwise wouldn't have had because we were seeing only a particular Slice of the world, and not all that there was to see.
Transcendence is an inherent and fundamental aspect of humanity, and many people are dissatisfied and are moving away from repressive spiritual beliefs, which separate rather than unify, which favor prejudice and denial of the things of the world as a transcendental path ; Which does not allow them to express their full potential, wisdom, beauty, gratitude, service, creative and sensual energy, multiplier of goodness and life. Many people no longer want to communion with beliefs that postpone happiness and fulfillment beyond material life, people seek to be happy and fulfilled now, we want to have a connection and communion with reality and sentient beings with whom we share it, and We also recognize that the only option is to share the beatitude with the whole world! ... we yearn to contribute, to be loved and to love with body and soul!
My gratitude to the Publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review the book
September 19, 2017
I had read the book 3 times and the 1st was quiet slow (3 weekes) , I learned and loved it each time.
It is an scholastic work and explain meta concepts and mix 2 traditions, It will be a challenge for some with out previous knowledge of art history.
He share his experience and knowledge in a generous way . I learn and understand about eastern church art and tradition, India thinkers and very profound impact with the veneration of Icons
He is a real seeker and this is a book for a committed seeker looking for a transformation or transfiguration in a personal lever.
at the end of the book has some clear examples. i did all of them and was quiet powerful and easy to do .
Totally recommend it ,
It is an scholastic work and explain meta concepts and mix 2 traditions, It will be a challenge for some with out previous knowledge of art history.
He share his experience and knowledge in a generous way . I learn and understand about eastern church art and tradition, India thinkers and very profound impact with the veneration of Icons
He is a real seeker and this is a book for a committed seeker looking for a transformation or transfiguration in a personal lever.
at the end of the book has some clear examples. i did all of them and was quiet powerful and easy to do .
Totally recommend it ,
December 13, 2017
This is an odd book for me to review. Generally speaking, when it comes to world-faith traditions, I draw water from my own well (Proverbs 5:15). I am a big believer in Christian particularity. Jesus was the unique Son of God, sent to save the world, because of God's great love for us. That isn't to say I think other faith traditions are wholly false. I have benefited from mindfulness practice, and some authors I respect (e.g. Thomas Merton, Richard Rohr, Cynthia Bourgeault, Dorothee Sölle) have drawn on the 'perennial mystical tradition' (Rohr's term) and there is a such thing as fruitful interfaith-dialogues.
So in a spirit of equanimity, I decided to give Tantric Jesus a hearing (even if I regarded the premise as somewhat suspect). James Hughes Reho is an Episcopal Priest, with a Ph.D. in Chemistry, a yoga teacher, and a Tantra initiate. He contends that Jesus himself, and the early Christian community with him, taught a tantric spirituality. Reho notes that in the West, "Tantra often conjures up pictures of arcane mystical practices or acrobatic sexual escapades. In reality, Tantra is a philosophy of life, love, and being—grounded in practice—that can help us re-engage the deep and life-transforming truths of Christianity in a fresh way" (10). So Reho explores Tantra—its gods, sacred myths and practices—in order to discover resonances with the Christian tradition.
Reho's exploration unfolds in two sections. In part 1, he explores he explores what he sees as the shared Christian, Tantric religious vision. He recapitulates 'The Five Roots of Tantra' into the 'Five Roots of Christian Tantra.' They are:
Let me say, in general, these five 'roots' seem like good things to me, but I felt a little lost in Reho's descriptions of Tantra/Hindu theology.
In part 2, Rehu explores what Tantra has to teach Christians about spiritual practice. Specifically, he examines the prayer of the heart, the Jesus prayer, praying with icons, gazing at another person, sacred foot washing, and sacred sexual union.
Reho sees resonances between Christian Tantric practice and the Christian mystical tradition; however, the examples he cites, at least on the Christian theology side, would be at best a minority tradition. He cites the gospels alongside gnostic gospels (e.g. Thomas and Philip), Celtic spirituality, heretics like Pelagius, and cherry-picked quotes from Eastern Orthodox saints. So while he cites the Cappadocians to describe the concept of theosis and divinization in the Christian mystical tradition, I am fairly certain Tantra was not what Gregory of Nyssa had in mind.
Nevertheless, I appreciated some of the things Reho said. He challenges the gnostic hatred of embodiment that has cast a shadow over Western spirituality (even as he cites gnostics and Christian Neo-Platonists constantly). He takes Ander Nygren to task for his denigration of Eros as incompatible with Divine love (Christian love can be true without being devoid of self-interest). I also appreciated hearing some of Reho's own mystical and spiritual journey and what practices he found personally nourishing. Part of this text is biographical. It describes practices and theology that Reho himself has found helpful.
But his highlighting of marginal, decontextualized voices, makes this a difficult book for me to recommend. I do not know enough about Tantra and Hinduism to know how faithful Reho is to that tradition (though I understand Tantra as a marginal theology within Hinduism). I do know Reho's claims about Christianity aren't really all that orthodox. In the end, I'll give this two stars. I struggled with it, but I finished it. - ★★
. Notice of material connection: I received a copy of this book from SpeakEasy in exchange for my honest review.
So in a spirit of equanimity, I decided to give Tantric Jesus a hearing (even if I regarded the premise as somewhat suspect). James Hughes Reho is an Episcopal Priest, with a Ph.D. in Chemistry, a yoga teacher, and a Tantra initiate. He contends that Jesus himself, and the early Christian community with him, taught a tantric spirituality. Reho notes that in the West, "Tantra often conjures up pictures of arcane mystical practices or acrobatic sexual escapades. In reality, Tantra is a philosophy of life, love, and being—grounded in practice—that can help us re-engage the deep and life-transforming truths of Christianity in a fresh way" (10). So Reho explores Tantra—its gods, sacred myths and practices—in order to discover resonances with the Christian tradition.
Reho's exploration unfolds in two sections. In part 1, he explores he explores what he sees as the shared Christian, Tantric religious vision. He recapitulates 'The Five Roots of Tantra' into the 'Five Roots of Christian Tantra.' They are:
The world is real and good.
The Divine Feminine.
The human person, embodied, is the divine temple.
Spiritual practices are rooted in Eros and antinomian behaviors which point toward love and compassion rather than law and obligation.
Both traditions advocate living relationships with a guru/teacher.
Let me say, in general, these five 'roots' seem like good things to me, but I felt a little lost in Reho's descriptions of Tantra/Hindu theology.
In part 2, Rehu explores what Tantra has to teach Christians about spiritual practice. Specifically, he examines the prayer of the heart, the Jesus prayer, praying with icons, gazing at another person, sacred foot washing, and sacred sexual union.
Reho sees resonances between Christian Tantric practice and the Christian mystical tradition; however, the examples he cites, at least on the Christian theology side, would be at best a minority tradition. He cites the gospels alongside gnostic gospels (e.g. Thomas and Philip), Celtic spirituality, heretics like Pelagius, and cherry-picked quotes from Eastern Orthodox saints. So while he cites the Cappadocians to describe the concept of theosis and divinization in the Christian mystical tradition, I am fairly certain Tantra was not what Gregory of Nyssa had in mind.
Nevertheless, I appreciated some of the things Reho said. He challenges the gnostic hatred of embodiment that has cast a shadow over Western spirituality (even as he cites gnostics and Christian Neo-Platonists constantly). He takes Ander Nygren to task for his denigration of Eros as incompatible with Divine love (Christian love can be true without being devoid of self-interest). I also appreciated hearing some of Reho's own mystical and spiritual journey and what practices he found personally nourishing. Part of this text is biographical. It describes practices and theology that Reho himself has found helpful.
But his highlighting of marginal, decontextualized voices, makes this a difficult book for me to recommend. I do not know enough about Tantra and Hinduism to know how faithful Reho is to that tradition (though I understand Tantra as a marginal theology within Hinduism). I do know Reho's claims about Christianity aren't really all that orthodox. In the end, I'll give this two stars. I struggled with it, but I finished it. - ★★
. Notice of material connection: I received a copy of this book from SpeakEasy in exchange for my honest review.
November 16, 2017
As a bisexual Christian contemplative married to a dancer, I'm always eager to reconcile my faith tradition and spiritual practices with ordinary life in a body. So of course I jumped at the chance to read this new book. Reho uses Tantra to shed light on the mystical lineage of Christianity. It's a worthy effort--here's a beautiful, healing tradition that's been repressed and even obliterated, and desperately needs to come to light! But I found the effort of learning about tantric yoga in order to see Christianity from a new angle a bit too complicated. At times Reho seems a trustworthy teacher, but at others I was put off by his quest for the felt experience of unity, which seems to me a misguided goal for the spiritual life. Spiritual practices, in my book, are for the purpose of birthing love.
January 4, 2025
Wow. Here it was, the confirmation that my two main spiritual paths not only are compatible, but very much expressions in different languages of a shared ontology.
Reho takes the reader on a journey through (parts of) Christian mysticism and (parts of) Tantra that allows me to find new, joined dimensions in the practices of each tradition.
Sometimes I experience the interpretations of the early Christianity a bit too constructed and far-fetched, and some of the research referred to a bit too much on the fringes for me; that’s the reason for the lacking star. But maybe it’s my traditional mainstream Christian background that’s makes itself heard…
Reho takes the reader on a journey through (parts of) Christian mysticism and (parts of) Tantra that allows me to find new, joined dimensions in the practices of each tradition.
Sometimes I experience the interpretations of the early Christianity a bit too constructed and far-fetched, and some of the research referred to a bit too much on the fringes for me; that’s the reason for the lacking star. But maybe it’s my traditional mainstream Christian background that’s makes itself heard…
September 21, 2025
A hands-on account of how the true role of a Christian is not simply to follow, but to embody the Christ in one’s own life. Reho weaves the Jesus story together with comparative insights from across the religious and spiritual spectrum, pointing to the true heart of the Christian message.
What makes the book stand out is its practical dimension: Reho offers transformative practices for discovering our deepest soul in communion with the Divine, through the pathway of finding the Christ in the heart.
What makes the book stand out is its practical dimension: Reho offers transformative practices for discovering our deepest soul in communion with the Divine, through the pathway of finding the Christ in the heart.
April 26, 2024
An Enlightening Read
“Tantric” and “Erotic” are opened up in greater detail in this book. Although the sexual association with these Tantric and Erotic are discussed, this book that these words are also descriptive of the Christ and the life-giving energy that today’s Christianity needs.
Yes, there are parts that will require a reread, however this is a good work to know and use.
“Tantric” and “Erotic” are opened up in greater detail in this book. Although the sexual association with these Tantric and Erotic are discussed, this book that these words are also descriptive of the Christ and the life-giving energy that today’s Christianity needs.
Yes, there are parts that will require a reread, however this is a good work to know and use.
August 6, 2019
A profound and amazing discovery, on the roots and practices of Christian Tantra, sprung from the teachings of the very first Christians, free from the patriarchal-hierarchy of the Church. An incredible breakthrough to a discovery of the truth of earth-based and body-based teachings of Jesus. This is exactly what we need at this critical time.
November 26, 2023
Discusses interfaith concepts and practices between christianity and hinduism. On the other hand it is a dangerous book, allowing modern political ideologies to mix with the spiritual practices, which does not have positive effects on energy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2017
A deep and compelling account of the similarities between the Judeo-Christian and Tantric traditions, this book should be high among the possible choices for anyone looking for a deeply engaged Christian spirituality. Reho draws from historical scholarship and a wide range of Christian traditions, including those of India, Syria, and the myriad Orthodox denominations.
It will undoubtedly be a denigrated by the more fundamental-leaning sorts who lack ecumenical vision or appreciation of mysticism - a holistic, embodied mysticism - or who take what some might call "traditional" views of women, non-heterosexual individuals, and non-human persons (that is, other members of the animal kingdom). Reho backs this book up with consistent Biblical and theological references.
As someone who has studied theology with an amateur passion, coming out of a Baptist and Roman Catholic education, this book is not light reading, but a deep and sincere gift of some of Christianity's ground truths in the form of practices and teachings one can use every day.
It will undoubtedly be a denigrated by the more fundamental-leaning sorts who lack ecumenical vision or appreciation of mysticism - a holistic, embodied mysticism - or who take what some might call "traditional" views of women, non-heterosexual individuals, and non-human persons (that is, other members of the animal kingdom). Reho backs this book up with consistent Biblical and theological references.
As someone who has studied theology with an amateur passion, coming out of a Baptist and Roman Catholic education, this book is not light reading, but a deep and sincere gift of some of Christianity's ground truths in the form of practices and teachings one can use every day.
November 24, 2017
As is my habit, I jumped to the back of the book. Rev. Reho's book "Tantric Jesus" has an excellent Notes, Glossary, Bibliography, and Index section. There is a lot to enjoy about this book, but I'd have to say that the beautiful Plates ( many in color ) were among my favorites and they were simply eye-popping gorgeous.
The book is easy to read, though beefy, and I was moved by Reho's personal anecdotes. While Tantra ( a belief system found in Hinduism and Buddhism ) may not sound like a match with Christianity, Reho makes a good case for Tantric Christianity. I think that "Tantric Jesus" should have a place in your esoteric home library. I highly recommend it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Destiny Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The book is easy to read, though beefy, and I was moved by Reho's personal anecdotes. While Tantra ( a belief system found in Hinduism and Buddhism ) may not sound like a match with Christianity, Reho makes a good case for Tantric Christianity. I think that "Tantric Jesus" should have a place in your esoteric home library. I highly recommend it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Destiny Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 24, 2024
Tantric Jesus by James Hughes Reho is a disappointing attempt to merge Christian spirituality with tantric practices. In my opinion, Reho’s work is riddled with inaccuracies and misleading interpretations. The lack of scholarly rigor undermines his thesis and leaves the reader questioning the credibility of his arguments. When I picked up this book, I was expecting a deeper exploration that meticulously excavates and contextualizes the tradition, but Reho’s book appeals more to a sensationalized take on Christian mysticism and falls short of delivering the depth and accuracy I expected on such an important topic.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews