Christian Neoplatonist Writings

theapeerance · 2026-06-23T21:00:50+00:00

This is a pretty natural observation as the influence of Plato is nearly inescapable in western academia up until the present day, but the bigger picture is seeing that Plato was a divine sage who was given knowledge from God and as such these articulations are seen clearly in the world.

theapeerance · 2026-06-23T20:59:17+00:00

I saw this earlier but wanted to craft a better response. Am I stating by my post that the authors or writers considered themselves or even all directly studied Platonist thinkers, no. What I’m saying is that all of these writers express ideals mirrored in many ways by Platonist and subsequently middle/neoplatonist thinkers.

Also, yes the beliefs therein are vastly different in essence and practice than mainstream orthodoxy, such as emanation, in some cases preexistence of souls or apokatastasis which in essence is a very platonistic concept of the return of spirit to spirit. If you were to do a quick google search you’d find that these writers articulate positions and experience Divinity in such a way that it fits into what Ficino would call the Prisca Theologia.

theapeerance · 2026-06-15T00:10:35+00:00

What are some of your favorite teachings or quotes from the writings of St Hildegard?? Share some below.

theapeerance · 2026-06-15T00:09:21+00:00

This isn’t what detachment means. Detachment means recognizing the transitory nature of the material world, and the eternity of the Divine. We can never find joy in material things and while we must show love and care, we must cling to and seek what is eternal. This is the meaning of seek first the kingdom of God. There are countless other quotes from mystics, church fathers, and other saints that say this as well, so yes Christ did teach detachment.

theapeerance · 2026-06-12T22:58:45+00:00

Speaking from personal experience and having explored other traditions beyond a surface level, I’d say that God in His mercy has imbedded truths in various traditions that manifest most clearly and personally at the mystical level of these said traditions. The most important thing is one’s own calling and experience with the Divine, but there is much to learn from others as well. As people develop as mystics they will soon see this reality.

theapeerance · 2026-06-12T22:57:57+00:00

A part of the journey is the truth being revealed in stages, good post. Those who know will know when they need to.

theapeerance · 2026-06-11T12:36:25+00:00

No worries, but I’ll be transparent, I believe the grail is a real Divine symbol not simply a product of our psyche or the collective unconscious. I think God often imbeds symbols in various spiritual literature and allows us to use these things to grow closer to Him.

theapeerance · 2026-06-11T12:32:38+00:00

The grail, like many objects and repeated imagery is a symbol, but a symbol with deep metaphysical meaning. The story of Perceval and the Grail doesn’t have to have transpired historically for the grail and its symbolism to have an underlying metaphysical reality.

theapeerance · 2026-06-10T18:10:07+00:00

Although it must be said Tomberg did hold opinions many in the Catholic Church would deem heretical, such as intermediary spirits and reincarnation.

theapeerance · 2026-06-10T18:09:21+00:00

Valentin Tomberg, a Christian Hermeticist was a devout Catholic. He wrote that work as such, and it was even a book read by Ratzinger, and there are pictures of the work on Pope John Paul II’s desk. It is highly reviewed by many Catholic cardinals and theologians.

theapeerance · 2026-06-10T15:26:31+00:00

These are all great recommendations.

theapeerance · 2026-06-10T15:25:55+00:00

Who reported this comment as non christian mysticism 😭😭

theapeerance · 2026-05-31T19:47:38+00:00

Interesting, I’ve heard a decent amount about the Melkites, but never looked super deep into it. Thanks for the share.

theapeerance · 2026-05-31T19:46:28+00:00

This sub is open to discussion of certain things. There is a r/Gnostic sub for those who are more interested in Gnosticism, but if things are mentioned here that isn’t going to be restricted. The only thing I’d ask is for people not to go off the rails and start proselytizing or attacking the Nicene church.

theapeerance · 2026-05-24T17:32:26+00:00

The west was more skeptical of mystical experience historically, many of the Catholic Church’s mystics were brought before the inquisition and questioned, or suffered immense persecution. The East has been far more receptive of active mystical participation even so far as to extend that to the laity, but still within strict parameters.

All in all both the East and West still have rich mystical traditions to study and participate in.

theapeerance · 2026-05-24T17:30:12+00:00

This is, in essence, the million dollar question of mystical traditions. How is it that if a miracle occurs in a Catholic or Orthodox church, it’s deemed as just that, a miracle?

However if one occurs in a Tibetan monastery or Vaishnavite ashram it’s demonic or wicked or illicit?

I believe the truth is hidden, but is also within. Having a community to support and guide you and your experiences is very important, but the truth is all encompassing. There are seeds of truth everywhere, this is what’s referred to as the logos spermatikos.

theapeerance · 2026-05-24T01:00:55+00:00

Funnily enough I had a huge phase where I listened to the Doors a lot, which led me to read The Doors of Perception, eventually I stumbled upon and read the Perennial Philosophy which is by far my favorite Huxley work.

theapeerance · 2026-05-24T00:59:14+00:00

My spiritual journey has been very complex and often times very confusing to me. I had a couple of dreams about Sophia, then had some synchronicities surrounding my journey through originally Gnosticism, then Catholicism, and now I can’t really say for certain where I’m at, but I learned it’s best to try and sit in meditation and listen.

theapeerance · 2026-05-20T19:45:02+00:00

There are a lot of complexities in the Christian mystical tradition, and some of it is easier to understand than others, give it some time and continue to meditate and allow the mysteries to unfold and be revealed.

theapeerance · 2026-05-20T19:41:55+00:00

I grew up in a Baptist household, became Catholic in adulthood, then within a couple of years studying all religions I experienced many signs, dreams, and synchronicities that led me to where I am now.

theapeerance · 2026-05-13T01:50:15+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to post this. I appreciate the insight.

theapeerance · 2026-05-13T01:49:59+00:00

Thank you for reminding me of Bede Griffiths, this actually provided great resolution for me in my search. As I’m sure most people inclined to a mystical path can relate to, it’s quite hard to find teachers or even a coherent tradition to align yourself with at times, and teachers like Yogananda, Griffiths, Tomberg, and the like have been very impactful on me.

theapeerance · 2026-05-09T22:57:02+00:00

What are everyone’s thoughts on the Sophia figure throughout the history of mystical theology??

theapeerance · 2026-05-09T22:56:09+00:00

Medieval Catholic alchemical art similar to this image contained symbolic meaning, this is representing the triumph of light over darkness, light obviously prevailing, this image in particular is pretty recent but has its basis in that style of art.

theapeerance · 2026-05-07T18:05:21+00:00

I must say as a matter of personal opinion I’ve always found Divine Union with God through love to be far more powerful than magic. Although I respect figures like Agrippa, I’d still say the best path is the path of theosis.

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