Ancient and Modern Initiation

by Max Heindel

Within the pages of this little volume are to be found some of the most priceless gems belonging to the deepest phases of the Christian religion.

81 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1986

About the author

1865-1919

Reviews

[Moneva Van-Vooren · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title is somewhat misleading, if one puts the accent on the modern and ancient terms. What it really tries to do, is compare what the author calls Christian mythology and Freemason mysticism. The claim laid down by the author is that he will explain the symbolism of a few initiatic practices, or processes. In my personal opinion, he barely scratches the surface of the true meaning. Taking off one layer off of an onion of secrets, to me is not explaining much. It still leaves you with a lot of skin to peel off. In keeping with the example I chose, we have to say that ultimately, once we peeled off all the skins, all the layers, what we will be left with is? The answer is, nothing. While that is hard to comprehend with the intellect of a human, it is nonetheless the “stuff”that everything is made of.
I can see that it would take several volumes instead of just one little volume of a book, to adequately guide the reader into this conclusion. However, I think one should not promise more than what one is ready to deliver.
From an editorial point of view, this book was somewhat painful to read. Does anyone ever do any editing anymore? Apparently not! So many typos, so many mistakes.
I find that quite irritating.

[Ary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Muito erudito na tradição mística, mas achei tudo muito visto por viés de confirmação. Fiquei com a impressão de que tudo é um pouco distorcido (nem digo que seja de má fé) pra caber na "narrativa" Rosacruz que o Heindel constrói. Outra coisa, essa mistura de catolicismo místico com teosofia, de Jesus a Atlântis, as extrapolações simbólicas sobre o "templo", pra mim é uma coisa meio esquizofrênica e que não tem nenhum compromisso histórico.

[Joshua Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. I read it twice so far! Heindel is a fantastic author and goes into immense detail on how the stigmata effects the process of the Christian mystic initiation! A fantastic read/study!

[Anthony Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great work! Gives a good amount of insight into the process and understanding why initation is vital for human social environments.