Contrasting Mystical versus Rational
Spirituality
by Ly Vuu
Instructions for this report:
www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/theistic-psychology.htm
1. Preface
In the previous report, The Cognitive Organization of Rational Spirituality, the purpose was to examine the three different levels of spiritual thinking. The first of the three is Ritual thinking. This is level of thinking is one that everyone is given to at birth. It is not complex nor is it sophisticated. The next upgraded level of thinking is Mystic. This level is for those that understand that there is an after life. They may practice their beliefs through strong religious practices. Yet, they have not fully achieved the highest level of thinking. The third, and highest level of thinking is Rational. This level of thinking is when one was access to both worlds of thinking, the natural world and the spiritual world. Not only do they have access to these enlightened information, but they also fully understand. Along with examining the different levels of thinking, I was also able to examine myself and see where I stand with my faith.
The purpose of report 3, is to understand the differences between Rational and Mystical approach of spirituality. We will be able to further examine the differences by using our two text books Testimony to the Invisible and Spirituality That Makes Sense as reference guides. A Mystic level of thinking is one that is does not accept the fact that Swedenborg visited the spiritual world, rather that he had visions. A Rational approach is one that should be approached on a rational basis and a open stance. Evidence of this approach should be scientific and clear. Once again, this is the highest level of thinking and it will only be achieved by opening your minds to both the spiritual and natural world. I will be able to better explain the differences later on in the report by quoting out of both texts and making comments.
2. Introduction
In our text Testimony to the Invisible, there is a collection of pieces that are given by several critics of Swedenborg. Although the writers in this text give much credit and admiration to Swedenborg for his thinking capabilities, they also question is claims that he visited the spiritual world and came back. There seemed to be a thick line between Swedenborgs proclamations and those that don't believe that he was capable to visit the spiritual world. There wasn't much support from the critics in this text that acknowledges Swedenborgs discoveries. This book seemed to take much of a Mystic approach in their shared opinions towards Swedenborg and his beliefs. Spirituality That Makes Sense is a text that explains the purpose of the Creator as the Redeemer, as well as the Trinity and Spiritual worlds. This book was written by Douglas Taylor who has followed Swedenborgs teachings and is also a Swedenborg minister himself. This book surely stands by it's title, that it helps us better understand the rational approach. This Text was clear to understand as well as easy to follow on. It helps us better examine Swedenborg in a deeper level of thinking which opens our eyes and gives us some insight.
Testimony to the Individual
" When a thinker, resolute to detach every object from personal relations, and see it in the light of thought, shall, at the same time kindle science with the holiest of affections, then will God go forth anew..."
Emerson in Nature. Quoted in Testimony to the Individual, Eugene Taylor, page 152
When I first came across this phrase, it hit me good. Sometimes when we're not sure what we're doing or how we are suppose to do things in order to achieve something, it is easy for us to get lost in the midst of things. Yet, when I read this piece of writing by Eugene Taylor, it helps clear our minds for us to better think rationally. Every person in this world has some bias one way or another in their views or religion or any matter. What this tells me that we have to open our heart and our minds to other thoughts and reasons in the world so that we don't hold those bias feelings and allow our eyes to see what reality is which is the truth. At the same time we can use science to confirm our beliefs. It isn't until we are able to perform those steps that God will work in our life.
" To Mercy, Pity, Peace and Love All pray in their distress; And to these Virtues of delight Return their Thankfulness "
The Human Face of God, Kathleen Raine, page 51
Upon reading this quote, I simple see that those with a faith that is capable of understanding the concept of prayer and knowing who and why it is that your praying for are rewarded for their actions. Simply, emotions surround our every day lives and sometimes emotions can overwhelm us with so much that prayer is our only outlet from that situation. Not only is praying a factor that will bring rewards, but the virtues of mercy, pity, peace and love are also characteristics that are rewardable. For those that wish to live a Spiritual life, they must not only think it in their mind but they must also life it out in their physical body and what this quote also reminds me of is that by having these and other good virtues and also displaying them in our daily lives, goodness will surely come to us. The Virtues that are rewardable is not limited to these four, rather these were used as prime examples of good characteristics to have. The purpose of this quote is meant for us to live our lives to the fullest or righteousness and all good things will be given to us.
" And if what is internal or spiritual is merely mentioned, they either ridicule it or call it mystical; consequently all conjunctioned between them is broken, and when this is broken, the spiritual man suffers grievously among the merely natural. "
A Mystic Look at Swedenborg, Wilson Van Dusen, page 131
Again when i read this, it somewhat served as a reminder for me. What this quote means to me is that if we deny the truth or propose that it does not exist, the road for us to achieve full Rational understanding is cut off and if that happens then we are merely stuck in this natural world of physical objects that we can only understand using our senses. This would keep us from seeing or understanding the spiritual world that lies beyond this physical world that we were born into. I understand this quote in the essence that we have to take a leap forward on faith and allow our minds to be open to both worlds rather than shutting the opportunity down when it comes knocking on our doors. If we aren't willing to take that extra step then we will be forever entrapped in this physical world and bound only to what lies within it. We wouldn't be able to understand and enjoy the spiritual world that is ours to take, if only we are willing.
Spirituality That Makes Sense
" If hell continues to rule inside us here, we will also have it outside of us all around us hereafter. If heaven reigns inside us here, it will be all around us hereafter. We will continue to be the same kind of person after the death of the body. "
Spirituality That Makes Sense, Douglas Taylor, page 36
When I read this passage from the book, I had to read it several times to understand the meaning of it. To me it seems that what the author is trying to put out is that death is unavoidable and being so, we have to prepare our minds for the spiritual world. It is only true that when death comes, it only takes away our bodies, yet our spirit lives on. From what the book is saying, death is only the shedding of our topcoat. Because our spirit lives on, we have to prepare our mind and spirit in the heavenly way. We should put what is right in our lives now while we are still in this physical body and here on earth, so that when death comes upon us, our spirit will remain true to ourselves so that we will reside on whichever side of heaven or hell that we choose.
" A knowledge of faith is only a theoretical kind of faith. It is like the theoretical understanding of a recent graduate from engineering school. They have the knowledge in their heads, but they have not experience. They know what they are suppose to do but they haven't done it. "
Spirituality That Makes Sense, Douglas Taylor, page 99
This is such a great reminder. This just shows to remind us that we need to act on what we believe or we might as well not believe it at all. Simple as that. Douglas Taylor is trying to tell us that if we know of how to attain that rational level of thinking and yet we opt to not take that route to that thinking then we waste it all. Knowing is one thing, as Douglas Taylor points out, but putting what we know into play is what really counts. It's through practice of purpose in which we gain and grow from our experiences. By knowing alone gives us no growth but in ways can damper our growing abilities by not giving us the nutrition that we need to fully develop what we are capable of. That capability is thinking at a rational level. To do so, we must put effort into action and not just stand on the sideline but get into the game.
" From all this we can conclude that no one is born an angel; everyone has to be reborn an angel. Consequently, everyone who is now in heaven lived at one time as a man , woman or child on some earth. They are now in heaven because while they lived on earth, they were prepared for heaven, cooperating with the Lord. They learned to love Him and to love the neighbor as themselves, which made them angelic..."
Spirituality That Makes Sense, Douglas Taylor, page 29
This brought about questions to mind. Upon reading this, from what I understand that Douglas Taylor is trying to put out on the table for us is that becoming and angel is attainable for us humans. It seems that if we live our lives here in this physical body on this earth in the right manner by achieving some sort of preparation here on this earth then we would be angels in the spiritual world after death. He's also trying to tell us that angels now were just like us beforehand born in a world like ours. Before reading this, I haven't kindled on this concept, but it was very interesting for me to read. I have never put the thought of the possibility of me one day becoming an angel. That thought is still far from realization for me right now but the thought of it was interesting to stumble upon.
It is very obvious here to me that in the text Testimony to the Invisible, it perceives more of a Mystical approach from the writers that were involved with that book. They pointed out falsities of Swedenborg that denied his notion of entering the spiritual world then coming back. Yet they stood strong by their faith in supporting that Mystical belief is the truth. Spirituality That Makes Sense is a definite supporter of Swedenborg in that Douglas Taylor completely supports Swedenborgs theory on rational thinking in saying that upon receiving that level of thinking, one is able to achieve more in this life and the after life in the spiritual world. In this text, Taylor points out several times that we must change ourselves here in this natural world and prepare ourselves for the spiritual world numerous times. He mentioned this by using our spirit as an example.
3. Class Discussions and Lecture Notes
January 29, 2004: Heather Piper - A Vision of Marriage by Chauncey Giles
This topic was very interesting and very informational. When the idea that marriage is simply not just a civil contract between a man a woman, but rather more with much deeper meaning, I was fascinated by that thought. Here it mentioned that marriage is as much spiritual as it is physical. When two united under marriage, they not only share their physical bodies but they also share their spiritual mind with each other as well. Another point that made a big impression on me was when the notion that marriage should be handled with equality. In society for the past years and years, women have been thrown down to a inferior role in the marriage. It seemed as if men always made the decisions, and women just supported them whether they wanted to or not. I feel that because the notion of marriage is to combine two individuals to become one, that they should jointly make the decisions in the household. Men and women should be able to see themselves standing side by side, equally. Although men may take on more masculine roles in the house, it doesn't mean that women have any less say in decisions. I also agree with the theory that those that are meant to be together cannot be kept apart. I was always a firm believer that there is always Mr. or Mrs. right out there for everyone and one day everyone will find their soul mate.
One thing that didn't sit well with me is the notion that "love" is the real marriage. Given, that love is a great virtue that holds marriage together, it isn't the only characteristic that makes a marriage last. There is more to marriage than love, such as trust, understanding, and much much more. Although the wedding ceremony that is performed is simply just a ceremony, it stands for much more than that as well. A wedding ceremony is a public announcement that a couple is willing to make to announce to the world that they wish to united as one. It is a confession of their unity for one another. I feel that before a couple can build their marriage, they must be confident with themselves first and by confessing their love is the first step to a successful marriage.
March 11, 2004: Lee Ann Jones - Children in Heaven by Chauncey Giles
I completely agree that all children go to heaven as this was brought up. I feel that because when children are at such a young age and aren't capable of developing an intellect of an adult from which they can comprehend the true difference from what is right and what is wrong, they are given much leniency. It wouldn't be right to have children be judged on an adult level because they haven't fully developed the maturity that we have, and I feel that God understands that. Through his kindness and justice that he has, God displays his compassion for children. As in The Bible said, Jesus told them to let the children come unto me. I feel that when children enter into Heaven, God loves them dearly and he would take care of them with much love. Although they may not be exactly what is said here, I feel that Gods compassion for these children will help the kids endure the abundant spiritual life that they live.
There isn't much to debate against here in this discussion because everything that is covered, I fell that it does exist in some way or manor. Once again I state my opinion that God loves his little ones dearly.
February 19, 2004: Michelle Le - The Nature of Spirit by Chauncey Giles
Although not having yet to experience, I do feel that the spiritual world is similar to that of the material world yet on a higher level of understanding. To me, the spiritual world would seem to be more sophisticated and more of a matrix one would say whose door isn't always open to everyone. The spiritual world would also seem to be more realistic although unseen by some as compared to the material world. For those that cannot see the spiritual world, their reality is the material world, but when they are able to be enlightened by the spiritual world and have their eyes open to the reality that the spiritual world stands on a higher spectrum they begin to see the truth. For it would be for us to do what we were meant to do here in this material world, because when our bodies are taken away from us, we will only have our spirit. And to only have our spirit for eternity, be must train our mind spiritually to be able to sustain the afterlife and understand it to the fullest of extent.
What was confusing in some ways was to hear that the spiritual world is around us always. Possible not the confusion alone, but also the thought of the spiritual world being an avoidable because it being within us makes shivers run down my spine. Although shivers come, but adrenaline also goes out because it's also interesting to think of the spiritual world before us waiting for us to experience it.
Lecture Notes
The first part of the lecture notes that brought interest to me was the theory of Natural Science. This theory that God created the universe and then removed himself from the universe to let it stand and run on it's own was quite an interesting thought. This causes me to think and bring up questions such as maybe that's the perfect explanation of why so many bad things happen in this world, such as murders, earthquakes, floods, and all other natural events that cause people their lives. This notion that the world is set to run on it's own course regardless of the consequences does not make sense to me. I tend not to believe that God, a higher source of power created a universe only to let it destroy itself. I think that God is forever watching his universe and has plans for it. I rather chose to believe that there is a higher being such as God which controls the universe rather than the universe controls itself.
The second part that I found to be worth writing about of our the lecture notes was the discussion of the differences between religion and theistic psychology. Although it is believed that Theistic psychology is on a higher level of thinking than religion because religion is to far bound by culture and history, I also believe that within religion, one can achieve a higher level of thinking. I feel that with the proper teaching that religion has to offer to it's followers, one is capable of using that information and knowledge to achieve a high level of spiritual thinking. I do understand that theistic psychology does focus only on the scientific revelation of Swedenborg, I also feel that religion is the cornerstone for a higher level of thinking. This may be because i was raised in a Christian home which anyone could say was very religious. Yet, intellectual thinking comes in many forms, not to say that theistic psychology is completely wrong, but I feel that there are more than one route to gain success.
The final part that I wish to discuss in the lecture notes is that Theistic Psychology is a science which rules out any consideration of belief, faith, or personal preference. The notion that Swedenborg visited the spiritual world and came back was a scientific revelation that is fact. Therefore, all belief or unseen things holds no credibility. There are religions out there that worship a god or different theories that makes absolutely no sense because they have no physical evidence to support their beliefs. Yet, in Swedenborgs, he claims that he visited the spiritual world and was able to write about his findings and his philosophies which hold much more credibility than all others. Not all religions out there are rational when it comes to thinking and because they lack that, they aren't able to fully achieve the highest level. Here, Swedenborg has rational thinking which allows individuals to give growth to their rational thinking as well as provide scientific evidence of what is proclaimed.
4. Conclusion
After going through this semester and learning about Mystical and Rational thinking and being able to distinguish the difference between the two, I truly feel that this course has help open up my eyes and allowing myself to explore more around me. There was a lot of interesting information that I was able to learn in this class when it came to bettering my spiritual life. I seemed in many ways this semester that this course served a lot like a counseling session that we went through which didn't force us to take on any particular belief but rather encouraged us to explore ourselves and examine our spirituality. At the beginning of the semester, I thought that this Swedenborg was a huge joke and that everything seemed to be very confusing at the same time. Although I did learn to open up myself to more ideas and belief and was able to listen to them without being bias or throwing those thoughts out the door before they were heard, I don't feel that this course has changed my course of spirituality. As a child I was raised in a Christian home with a Pastor for a father. My structure was very built around The Bible and it's teachings. I have a strong foundation in The Bible and a strong confidence in my religion. I do appreciate the experience that this class has given me and how it challenged my thinking, but I feel that my place is still within Christianity and The Bible.
5. Future Generations
Again I will say, "BE OPEN". This doesn't necessarily mean to take on Swedenborg permanently, but rather allow yourself to take in the information that is given to you before you judge it and throw it out the door. Let your mind be challenged by thinking on a higher level to find some enlightenment in this course. Be prepared to come to class with questions because there are not stupid questions other than the ones that aren't asked, because it's a certainty that the question that your thinking of is probably the same question that another classmate has. Also give yourself a lot of time to work on these projects because they will require a lot of time to allow your mind to think at a high level in order to write the best papers. Most importantly is to HAVE FUN!