Re-Introducing Yeshua
A Short Course
It is our hope that you will discover a fresh portrait of Yeshua, different from the common one around us, which may become the basis for a whole new relationship.
An Introduction
As an Order, we acknowledge and draw from many streams of Perennial Wisdom (Sophia Perennis) coming from all sacred traditions, yet our founding principles are based on the pathway of Yeshua, Master of Wisdom. He is for us a paradigmatic figure who helps guide the contemporary expression our contemplative life in this singular era. The Oriental Orthodox Order in the West seeks to understand and express the original roots of his teachings and help contemporary wisdom seekers to discover a description of him that is both ancient and new, and that is also relevant in our time.
… our founding principles are based on the pathway of Yeshua, Master of Wisdom
For years many have realized that Jesus (as he is known in the West) has been wrapped in layers of dogma and tradition that are a part of an institutional franchise called western Christianity. These layerings make it difficult to actually know him as he was then or find a better relationship with him now. The question has been, could we ever get closer to his first-century reality? The answer it seems is a qualified “yes.” Certain things have happened in the modern era to help remove some of those extraneous and sometimes toxic wrappings put around him. Most important is the discovery in the last century of ancient texts concerning him from that early era (for example the Dead Sea Scrolls in Palestine and the Nag Hammadi library discovered in Egypt). These writings have helped us recover a heretofore unknown history, unearthing original sayings and teachings that we would never have known otherwise. (Some of these have been collected into a volume called The Luminous Gospels).
The lessons…
The following lessons are an introduction to some of the things we have learned that may be of benefit to you in your own searching. They describe important topics concerning his life and teaching that we continue to explore as a community. We are not trying to convert others (or you) to our way of seeing him. We wish only share what we have learned if it helps to fill in missing pieces and details that will benefit others as well.
Christianity has, of course, greatly impacted the western world and yet it has also significantly evolved away from its origins. Perhaps these new insights will even help redraw the portrait of the man whose vision and insight started a singular spiritual tradition that affects us to this day. It is our hope that you will discover a fresh portrait of Yeshua, different from the common one around us, that may become the basis for a whole new relationship.
The lessons which follow are a self-guided study which allows you to explore at your own pace. Materials and readings are made available to you in each lesson along with questions to help you think through your own position on things, making your own discoveries. If it is helpful, you may consult members of the Order (its monks and teachers) as you go to answer questions that arise. Go as quickly or slowly as you want and delve as deeply as you can. What is most important is that you make your own personal discoveries along the way.
To guide you through this study…
To begin this self-directed study, determine your own pace and what resources you might want to use.
Because we will be referencing the Bible, ancient history, and some recently discovered texts, it would be useful to have the following resources available:
A good study Bible for further work is The New American Bible or The Catholic Study Bible (Oxford University Press, 1990).
The Luminous Gospels (Praxis Publishing, 2008) which can be ordered from our store.
It is also good to keep a journal and take notes from your studies. You might have several sections:
Your personal response to each Lesson.
Personal reflections and thoughts.
Questions that arise that need to be addressed.
Further interests and pursuits that you may want to explore now or later.
You can always contact the Order and make a request for a follow-up email or schedule a personal phone call.
Re-Introducing Yeshua Introduction > Lesson 1: Historical Foundations