Abstract

This article assesses the legacy of Charles Williams as an esoteric Christian teacher. Best known as a friend of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, Williams was also a prolific writer, a practicing Rosicrucian, and a lay spiritual director. Focusing on his central doctrine of co-inherence and corresponding prayer technique known as “substituted love,” the essay examines his novels, poetry, and theological writings as well as his practice of spiritual direction, asking how his ideas were influenced by his familiarity with ritual magic. It also explores the informal religious order he founded, the Companions of the Co-inherence.

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