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The concept of Hidden wisdom in Christianity

Hidden wisdom, as understood in various Christian contexts, refers to profound spiritual insights not easily perceived or comprehended. In Christianity, it is tied to teachings by Paul, while Gnosticism views it as esoteric knowledge available to a select few. Protestantism and the Catholic Church emphasize that certain divine truths remain concealed without revelation. Early Christianity portrays hidden wisdom as spiritual knowledge revealed progressively through Scriptures and Christ, underscoring its significance in understanding God's deeper truths and insights across traditions.

Synonyms: Esoteric knowledge, Secret understanding, Profound truth, Subtle understanding, Buried truth, Occult wisdom

In Spanish: Sabiduría oculta; In Malay: Hikmah yang tersembunyi; In Swedish: Dold visdom; In Dutch: Verborgen wijsheid; In German: Verborgene Weisheit; In Finnish: Piilotettu viisaus; In French: Sagesse cachée

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Hidden wisdom'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) Spiritual knowledge that is not immediately obvious and is revealed through the Scriptures.[1] (2) A spiritual knowledge or understanding that is concealed and requires revelation or insight to access.[2] (3) A profound level of understanding ordained by God, which is not immediately visible and has been revealed progressively throughout history, especially through Christ.[3]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) Refers to the divine wisdom and knowledge of Christ that was not immediately evident at His birth.[4] (2) Knowledge that is not readily apparent or apparent to everyone, often necessitating divine revelation to understand.[5]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) Refers to the profound spiritual insights that are often not readily visible or understood, a concept alluded to through the teachings of Paul.[6]

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) The concept that certain aspects of God's wisdom are concealed and not fully comprehensible to humans or angels without divine revelation.[7]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Gnostic concept of 'Hidden wisdom'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: The Gnostics and Their Remains

(1) Knowledge that is concealed from the general populace, often regarded as esoteric and only understood by a select few.[8]

From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten

(1) The deeper understanding imparted through the Gnosis.[9]