ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes the continuities and breaks, the overlaps and changes of 'esoteric discourse' in a specific historical context. It explains a model of European history of religion that proceeds from the idea of religious pluralism, an idea which therefore regards Christianity, Judaism and Islam, but also the much European polytheism as established elements of European culture. The book demonstrates the complexity of European cultural history, without playing off religion against science, Christianity against paganism, or reason against superstition. Up until the 1950's research into esotericism was undertaken by scholars who had specialised in mysticism and Gnosticism and presented these religious traditions as a counterpart to the scriptural religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Religious pluralism has been the norm in Europe since antiquity, not just in modernity. Religious identities arise through processes of communication.
