This work has been evolving for a long time I have been coming to terms with the Esoteric and Existential issues I am covering here for many years. My journey with Western philosophy and theology was built on centuries of tradition that go back to some of the first books ever written.
There are two great influences of Western Civilisation: the Greek and the Jewish. One gives us doubt, the other something to believe in – one encrouges us to be curious, the other to be carefull abut what we entertain. Each has a tendency to think it can function without the other. But it is clear Classical ethics were insane and we would not want to live in a world where the kind of liberal behaviour Classical values would produce if it were to go unchecked. The the Jewish when not kept in line becomes absurdly strict and judgemental. “We are in the world but not of the world – we don’t entertain pagan practices.” The Christian tells me – but how would we be without the: theatres, sports, universities and democracy?
The Atheist insists religion is the root of all evil and recalls behaviour in Europe in the Dark Ages and Medieval Period and blames it on the Church. But there wasn’t a Western Liberal Democracy being held back by a delusional and domineering Church. These were problems in Europe at this time and the Church was part of it. The Church was responsible for most of the charity, education, hope and stability at this time and forgiveness could be found in the sanctuary of a Church.
While Europe was behaving badly in all sorts of way the Arabs were having a Renascence. Progressive politics and egalitarian ideals produced brilliant science, art and philosophy – they were also very wealthy and had harder, sharper swords. This was because they were embracing the Greek – bringing the wisdom of the Ancient philosophers back to life and applying it to their daily lives. Mohammed gave them hope, something to believe in and a set of decent standards to live by. Athens gave them reason, logic, Stoic Resolve and sane governance. Between the two they produced a highly functional empire while the Europeans were going insane with: delusional and zealous religious control, feudal families at war, poverty and little in the way of advancement.
Then the Europeans embraced the Greek and The Enlightenment started. Science, technology, political development, academic advancement, liberal ethics, the abandonment of: Tarot Cards, astrology, numerology, witch trials and the advancement of reason. A process that leads up to now were science and the wealth of our advanced culture has taken us to the point where we are on the verge of evolving into cybernetic entities.
Meanwhile the Arabs aren’t doing so good, now the shoe is on the other foot. The Arabs have lost the plot; because they have abandoned the Greek and are trying to be pure Muslims. But now we are seriously considering abandoning the Greek – we don’t want a cannon written predominantly by white middle-class men; but hey – white middle-class men built this marvellous modern sociopolitical entity that treats us so well. There is nothing wrong with bringing in new material from: woman, foreign cultures, disadvantaged and gender diverse but the old school is what made this culture so great – we abandon this at our peril! Would we seriously think of abandoning the two founding stones of our wondrous society – the Jewish and the Greek in favour of something we make up for our selves on a whim that is pleasing to identify with? We are living in troubled times, it could all blow up in our face any day now – the ominous prophecies of The Revelation of John seem frighteningly real. How will our new angelic bodies take us into Eternity? What tests will we encounter before we are given our place in Eternity? How do we deal with The Mark when it comes? Frightening ideas that challenge how we understand ourselves and our relationship with The Eternal – I hope I’ve given you something to think about.
Did you enjoy my story? I am trying to make my way as a story teller and thinking I want to busk the internet. I have to pay to get this stuff published and I need to raise some cash to get this edited; rather a lot of cash on my budgeot. So if you could make an offering to help me in my artistic persuits please: make an offering.
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