Christian Kabbalah: A Renaissance Movement
Christian
Cabala emerged during the Renaissance as Christian scholars became
interested in the mysticism of Jewish Kabbalah. They interpreted Kabbalistic
ideas from a distinctly Christian perspective, linking Jesus Christ, His
atonement, and His resurrection to the Ten Sefirot. Some
Christian Kabbalists even associated Mary with the supernal mother Binah,
placing her on a divine level with God.
The Rosicrucian Order, on
the other hand, is believed to have been founded by a mysterious figure named Christian Rosenkreuz in
the early 15th century. According
to Rosicrucian legend, Rosenkreuz traveled to the Middle East, studied with
mystics and sages, and then returned to Europe to establish the Order.
In summary, both Christian Cabala and Rosicrucianism share
mystical elements and have influenced each other throughout history. While
Christian Kabbalists sought to transform Kabbalah into a tool for converting
Jews, the Rosicrucian Order combined magic, alchemy, and Cabala expressed in
their manifestos.