spirituality
Prime Assumption: There Exists An Universal Energy Source
(at present, that is the best I can do for a definition that is ) post-theism
(at present, that is the best I can do for a definition that is ) post-theism
Spirituality is the process of developing awareness and understanding of the |
Beliefs Based On The Prime Assumption
1. The totality of the Source is unknowable to sentient (by which I mean capable of subjective feeling) & cognizant (by which I mean capable of objective thinking), non-Source denizens of the universe(s).
2. Philosophical reflection in conjunction with the scientific method can reveal different aspects of the totality of the Source.
1. The totality of the Source is unknowable to sentient (by which I mean capable of subjective feeling) & cognizant (by which I mean capable of objective thinking), non-Source denizens of the universe(s).
2. Philosophical reflection in conjunction with the scientific method can reveal different aspects of the totality of the Source.
{I refer to these as The Transcendental Adepts } may apprehend (by which I mean become aware of, and understand) different aspects of the Source. |
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4. Such beings may attribute this understanding to personal revelation from the Source.
These revelations are limited by the social and scientific context in which that being lived.
These revelations are limited by the the motives, the world view and the sophistication of those who purport to document the life and lessons of these adepts.
5. Underlying life lessons from The Transcendental Adepts may be timeless; however the mythology in which those lessons are couched will not stand up to scientific rigour, nor to evolving social constructs.
6. The spirituality inherent in increasing awareness and deeper understanding of The Universal Energy Source is transmogrified into religion, which is a social construct aimed at controlling the masses.
Spirituality has little to do with ritual, formality, institutionalized codes, and the strictures promulgated by the priest cadre of a religion.
These revelations are limited by the social and scientific context in which that being lived.
These revelations are limited by the the motives, the world view and the sophistication of those who purport to document the life and lessons of these adepts.
5. Underlying life lessons from The Transcendental Adepts may be timeless; however the mythology in which those lessons are couched will not stand up to scientific rigour, nor to evolving social constructs.
6. The spirituality inherent in increasing awareness and deeper understanding of The Universal Energy Source is transmogrified into religion, which is a social construct aimed at controlling the masses.
Spirituality has little to do with ritual, formality, institutionalized codes, and the strictures promulgated by the priest cadre of a religion.
religion
(actually I agree with ) Marx about religion
God as a Terran Metaphor
- Humans, with their unbelievable arrogance, have claimed to understand the true nature of their god(s). All the definitions and beliefs are manifestations of the cultural, scientific and moral world view of the describer(s):
- god is continually re-invented in the predominant time/cultural/worldview human self-image. A new mythos is invented to support the new god-image.
- Humans (often Transcendental Adepts) have created gods in metaphorical images that match the level of understanding of the Universe and the lives those humans lead.
- Those images become institutionalized and codified into a formal and restrictive religion.
A cadre of special beings (priests) realize the potency of the religion, and arrange to take control of the religion in perpetuity, so as to control the bodies, lives, wealth, and labour of the society of believers. - This cadre of priests is often in conflict with the “civil” government of the society. However, both groups of controlling entities will reach a mutually beneficial accommodation to explicitly and implicitly support each other in the subjugation of the society.
- As societal members become aware of the true nature of the religion of their society, some will make an attempt to re-structure their religion. The rationale is usually to “return” to true roots, or to “move ahead” using newly discovered truths as enunciated by the latest discontent and disgruntled guru.
- The end result is a different set of priests who can live off the fears and hopes of their believers.