UvA-DARE (University of Amsterdam)
April 30, 2026
Wouter J. Hanegraaff
39 citations
The article examines the concept of 'Orientalism' as a framework for understanding how Western thought has historically constructed and essentialized 'the East,' arguing that this epistemological approach has shaped disciplines from philosophy to religious studies. It traces parallels between Orientalist discourse and contemporary globalization, suggesting that modern terminology and appropriation of non-Western ideas often perpetuate Eurocentric biases. The work calls for critical reflection on how scholars engage with globality, urging a move beyond simplistic dichotomies to recognize the complex, interconnected histories that challenge both essentialist and modernist narratives in sociology, anthropology, and law.
UvA-DARE (University of Amsterdam)
April 29, 2026
Wouter J. Hanegraaff
17 citations
The text argues that secrecy in religion is not merely about hiding information but functions as a social and cognitive mechanism that creates and maintains group identity, authority, and spiritual value. It examines how secret teachings, rituals, and texts in various religious traditions—particularly Gnostic and esoteric movements—serve to establish boundaries between insiders and outsiders, enhance the perceived power of knowledge, and foster transformative experiences among initiates. The argument suggests that secret religion is a dynamic practice of revelation and concealment that shapes religious communities and their claims to truth.
UvA-DARE (University of Amsterdam)
May 2, 2026
Wouter J. Hanegraaff
2 citations
An examination of the historical and philosophical dimensions of esotericism and mysticism, this work explores how these movements have been theorized and practiced across different contexts. It discusses the interplay between historical discourse and the philosophical underpinnings of esoteric and mystical traditions, emphasizing the need to understand their development within specific cultural and intellectual frameworks. The text argues that studying these movements requires attention to both their historical roots and their philosophical implications, offering a nuanced perspective on their role in shaping spiritual and religious practices.
UvA-DARE (University of Amsterdam)
May 2, 2026
Wouter J. Hanegraaff
The chapter examines the role of Kabbalah in contemporary spiritual revival movements, arguing that modern appropriations of Jewish mysticism often diverge from traditional practices and are shaped by broader cultural and social trends. It explores how Kabbalistic symbols, texts, and ideas are adapted in New Age and spiritual circles, sometimes stripped of their original Jewish context. The text highlights tensions between academic scholarship on Kabbalah and its popular, often commodified, forms. It suggests that these contemporary uses reflect a search for meaning and identity in a globalized world, while also raising questions about authenticity and cultural appropriation.
UvA-DARE (University of Amsterdam)
May 2, 2026
W.j. Hanegraaff
This essay introduces a collection of works on Western esotericism, arguing that the field is undergoing a generational shift in scholarship. It outlines new methodological approaches and thematic interests emerging among younger researchers, including the study of esoteric currents in modernity, the relationship between esotericism and popular culture, and the reexamination of canonical figures and texts. The author suggests that this next generation of scholars is moving beyond earlier historical and philological frameworks toward more interdisciplinary and theoretically informed analyses, thereby expanding the scope and relevance of esotericism studies within the broader humanities.