An esoteric Christian denomination blending cosmic spirituality with traditional beliefs, emphasizing solar energy’s divine significance.
The International Community of Christ, Church of the Second Advent, represents a unique fusion of Christian teachings and cosmic spirituality, centered on the profound belief in the transformative power of solar light-energy. Established in 1959 by Gene Savoy, this religious movement has evolved from its initial formation as the American Philosophical Institute of Cosolargy in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, to its current status as a denomination with a global membership and a central hub in Reno, Nevada. The church operates under the guise of the Order of the Holy Child, also known as the Jamilians, providing a distinct alternative to conventional Christian dogma.
At the heart of this movement is the doctrine of Cosolargy, a term concocted by its founder to denote a synthesis of cosmic, solar, and logos (word). This doctrine posits that solar light-energy is not merely a physical phenomenon but a vehicle for divine information, capable of activating latent spiritual faculties in individuals. Through specialized techniques that involve direct engagement with solar and cosmic energies, adherents believe they can achieve a higher state of consciousness and, ultimately, immortality of the spirit/soul.
The International Community of Christ proclaims the advent of a new solar epoch, marked by the appearance of the New Sun of Righteousness since 1962. This cosmic event is viewed as a fulfillment of prophecies across various traditions, heralding an age of universal Christ-consciousness unparalleled in human history. The church’s teachings assert that we are currently living in the End Times, a period of significant transformation where the divine light will usher in a spiritual Golden Age, restoring the world to its original state of purity and harmony.
Gene Savoy, the founder, was not only a spiritual leader but also an accomplished explorer and amateur archaeologist, credited with discovering over 40 Inca and pre-Inca cities in Peru. His explorations, which were driven by a deep interest in ancient religious traditions and the mysteries of solar energy, laid the foundational elements of Cosolargy. Following his death in 2007, the church continues to thrive under the leadership of Douglas Eugene Savoy, Jr., and other key figures, maintaining its headquarters and facilities in Reno. These include chapels, a 1,200-acre desert sanctuary for the practice of high liturgy, and a geothermal healing center at Steamboat Hot Springs.
The teachings and practices of the International Community of Christ, Church of the Second Advent are offered as a modern, cosmopolitan path to spiritual enlightenment. The church emphasizes the essential unity of science and religion, advocating for a harmonious coexistence with the changing environmental conditions of our planet. Through its teachings, the church aspires to be a precursor in the restoration of the world’s great religious traditions, promoting an emerging new Christianity that is both universal and ecumenical in its approach.
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