Your column was in my mail in-box. I read it. I thought on it..,
Bishop Barron's daily reflection was next in the mailbox and I think it supplements your writings:
When Jesus crucified and risen is not proclaimed, a beige and unthreatening Catholicism emerges, a thought system that is, at best, an echo of the environing culture.
I don't identify as a Christian but I found this piece very illuminating and I tend to agree with you. I guess I fall into the "spiritual but not religious" camp and generally take the view that all or most of the major religions are pointing to the same higher truths in different ways. Maybe I'm missing the point with such a wishy washy stance but that's how it is for now.
Core to my own experience of re-enchantment has been a deep engagement with astrology, particularly as formulated by Richard Tarnas. I think this has more or less annihilated any residual materialism in me, at least in my conscious attitude towards life. The existence of astrological correlations is as close to a fact in my mind as gravity or a round Earth.
I find it hard to relate to any tradition, secular or religious, that dismisses or doesn't engage with this fact in a meaningful way. This is a piece that seems to be missing from the wider conversation about religion, materialism, idealism, etc. Moreover, astrology seems to shed light on the experience of mysticism or religiosity, in a way that could help bridge the gap between scientific and religious accounts.
I know that astrology was part of Jung's worldview, although not often discussed in this context. I certainly intend to delve deeper into the other thinkers you mentioned here and try to integrate their ideas.
Next up: Mystics? I suspect that the immaterial experiences in the material of modern Christians are infrequently published, and therefore less exposed to analysis. They happen, but the material world clouds the memory. Occupying the world beyond the mist is periodic and unpredictable. Living in wonder for any length of time seems like undeserved Grace, a sort of mercy. A gift, like tongues of fire. There is a season….
Your column was in my mail in-box. I read it. I thought on it..,
Bishop Barron's daily reflection was next in the mailbox and I think it supplements your writings:
When Jesus crucified and risen is not proclaimed, a beige and unthreatening Catholicism emerges, a thought system that is, at best, an echo of the environing culture.
Interesting metaphor; “atrophied callosum” stifling the communications between hemispheres.
A most enlightening, edifying, and entertaining essay. Thank you. Happy Easter—and continued success on the platform.
I don't identify as a Christian but I found this piece very illuminating and I tend to agree with you. I guess I fall into the "spiritual but not religious" camp and generally take the view that all or most of the major religions are pointing to the same higher truths in different ways. Maybe I'm missing the point with such a wishy washy stance but that's how it is for now.
Core to my own experience of re-enchantment has been a deep engagement with astrology, particularly as formulated by Richard Tarnas. I think this has more or less annihilated any residual materialism in me, at least in my conscious attitude towards life. The existence of astrological correlations is as close to a fact in my mind as gravity or a round Earth.
I find it hard to relate to any tradition, secular or religious, that dismisses or doesn't engage with this fact in a meaningful way. This is a piece that seems to be missing from the wider conversation about religion, materialism, idealism, etc. Moreover, astrology seems to shed light on the experience of mysticism or religiosity, in a way that could help bridge the gap between scientific and religious accounts.
I know that astrology was part of Jung's worldview, although not often discussed in this context. I certainly intend to delve deeper into the other thinkers you mentioned here and try to integrate their ideas.
Thanks for another great piece.
What books and Church Fathers do you recommend as further reading on this topic?
Specifically, do you recommend any particular Girard? Already got the rest of those
Well if this wasn’t exactly what I needed to read. Those last two paragraphs are essential reading. Thank you!
Hi
Next up: Mystics? I suspect that the immaterial experiences in the material of modern Christians are infrequently published, and therefore less exposed to analysis. They happen, but the material world clouds the memory. Occupying the world beyond the mist is periodic and unpredictable. Living in wonder for any length of time seems like undeserved Grace, a sort of mercy. A gift, like tongues of fire. There is a season….
Fabulous, I completely relate to this. Thank you.
Hi