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Summary: This book is in a class of its own--a life-altering read!
Review: The "Cosmo" is a book I first encountered in a public library in Wichita, Kansas in 1974, and it is an event that I shall never forget. It is not an exaggeration for me to say that the concepts in this book have truly changed my life, although at times it has not made life especially easy. Max Heindel presents a "grown-up" version of Christianity that takes much thought to grasp, but is well worth the effort.In the centuries to come, Max Heindel will be recognized as one of the giants of the 20th century, along with Einstein and Martin Luther King, and it will be sad commentary upon the benighted nature of the last century that so few have thus far reaped the rewards of his written legacy. If religion were equated with mathematics, church Christianity may be likened to basic arithmetic, and Rosicrucian Christianity may be likened to advanced calculus. Reading the "Cosmo" for the first time is one of the most intellectually exhilarating experiences life has to offer.
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Summary: The Cosmo: A way to understand our Universe
Review: This book has an answer to those souls who haven't find it whether in physical sciences or in traditional religions. Max Heindel shows to the world, as he received them from The Rosicrucian Order's Elder Brothers, the teachings of a higher philosophy; teachings that speak to us of our relationship with God, our human fellows, and the meaning of our existence in Earth. I personally found this book a precious help to understand how my destiny is a result of my own acts, since the "Law of cause and effect" taught by The Rosicrucian Fellowship, and how we can change our destiny, changing our lives and the way we approach it. This book can change your life. My advice: take a look... you may find it fascinating too.
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Summary: Not An Easy Text...But Intriguing
Review: This book was written by Max Heindel, the founder of the Rosicrucian Fellowship of Oceanside, California--a group which is still quite active today. This is Heindel's own unique Rosicrucian philosophy; it is not the Rosicrucianism of the AMORC or any other group currently labeling themselves Rosicrucians. One must eventually put aside the pointless quibbling as to which group harbors the "real" Rosicrucianism (because every group will give a differing viewpoint) and ask a much more relevant question: does the philosophy WORK? Heindel's philosophy has worked for a great many people, and this book is considered by many to be his magnum opus. Heindel's brand of Christian Rosicrucianism doesn't work well with traditional mainstream Christianity. He introduces into basic Christian theology various occult concepts, not to mention a strong dose of astrology. These viewpoints will be interesting to students of esoteric Christianity, but will doubtless seem like heresy to the average Fundamentalist Christian. This book outlines Heindel's worldview, and it's very complex. This is not easy reading. People accustomed to fluffy pop occultism and "how-to" texts that can be devoured in a single sitting will be disappointed. This is rather intense, intellectually engaging material. Some readers will find many of Heindel's assertions hard to believe. Others will delight in his complex views of humanity and the various worlds through which mankind travels. This book contains material on the visible and invisible worlds, human evolution, rebirth, nutrition, the mission of Christ, occult analysis of Biblical texts, the fall of man, the law of consequence, animal spirits, esoteric training, and a great many other topics. There is SO much to study here, in fact, that it seems almost daunting. Still, many people do study this book, and many have reported benefiting from it. The book isn't for everyone. It's not a quick, easy self-help book. The dryness of the text can be a bit of a problem for some. Remember, though, that the first edition was printed in 1909 and has changed little (if any) since then. Some of the science will seem outmoded and some of the social commentary (for instance, on matters of race) may seem hopelessly dated, as well. Still, it's an interesting book, on the whole, and if you can stick with it, you might end up learning something.
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