Religion of Light

by Arthur Versluis

Light—its symbolism pervades the world religions. There even has developed a modern religion of light whose practitioners refer to themselves as “lightworkers.” Buddhists aspire to enlightenment; Christian and other mystics seek illumination. But what are the meanings of light in religion? Surprisingly, this is the first and only book to explore this profound subject. From the ancient standing stones of England and Europe to the now lost religion of Manichaeism, from Pythagoras and Plato to the present, Religion of Light provides an unforgettable introduction to light and to our consciousness of light. Arthur Versluis is author of more than twenty-five books, translated into many languages. Religion of Light is the second in a trilogy of books that began with The Mystical State .Praise for The Mystical State ““Arthur Versluis asks a question long overdue in the study of what are the political implications of direct mystical experience? A courageous and thought-provoking book [that]should open the door to a series of questions important in our struggling world.”—Robert K. C. Forman, author of Mysticism, Mind, Consciousness and numerous other books.“It’s simply amazing! Each page is a feast to both my mind and soul!”—Miguel Conner, editor of Voices of Gnosticism

112 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2013

About the author

Arthur Versluis, Professor of Religious Studies at Michigan State University, holds a doctorate from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and has published numerous books and articles.

Among his many books are Platonic Mysticism (SUNY Press 2017), American Gurus (Oxford UP, 2014), Magic and Mysticism: An Introduction to Western Esotericism (Rowman Littlefield, 2007), The New Inquisitions: Heretic-hunting and the Intellectual Origins of Modern Totalitarianism (Oxford UP, 2006), Restoring Paradise: Esoteric Transmission through Literature and Art (SUNY: 2004); The Esoteric Origins of the American Renaissance (Oxford UP: 2001); Wisdom’s Book: The Sophia Anthology, (Paragon House, 2000); Island Farm (MSU Press, 2000); Wisdom’s Children: A Christian Esoteric Tradition (SUNY: 1999); and American Transcendentalism and Asian Religions (Oxford UP, 1993).

His family has owned a commercial farm in West Michigan for several generations, and so he also published a book called Island Farm about the family farm, and about family farming in the modern era.

Versluis was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to Germany, and is the editor of JSR: Journal for the Study of Radicalism. He is the founding president of Hieros, a 501c3 nonprofit focused on spirituality and cultural renewal.