The Science of The Sacraments by C.W. Leadbeater

Adherents of theosophy, the esoteric philosophy popular at the turn of the 20th century, believed that science and religion could be reconciled, and here, in this 1920 book, the renowned spiritualist Charles W. Leadbeater, a leader of theosophical thought, examines the Catholic Mass from a theosophical perspective, demonstrating how the rites and rituals of the Eucharist, Baptism, Holy Orders, and the other sacraments harness a mystical magic that unites worshippers in one divine spirit. The Science of the Sacraments can be defined as ‘a new idea of Church worship’ for it presents a clairvoyant description of the inner or invisible side of the traditional Catholic rites. The central theme of the book is that a sacrament is ‘an outer and visible sign of an inner, spiritual grace.’ The author examines the far-reaching effect of ceremonies like the Holy Eucharist which benefit not only those attending it but also the community at large with its strong radiation of peace. The book is of