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A psychological look at fundamentalism

November 8, 2005 by thepracticalmystic

I was told this by a friend of mine who is himself a counselor:

A group of psychologists who are both interested in how religion effects persons emotionally and positive about that effect, consider fundamentalism to be the “religion of the virgin,” designed for those who cannot embrace their own humanity. The radical embracing of the doctrine of original sin means they have to prove to themselves over and over again that they are sinners. The anathama in this psychological rubric is the virgin who has been soiled. This group was not surprised by the sexual sins of the televangelists in the 1980’s because the “shadow” self has to be so repressed in fundamentalism that it has to come out and “prove” the person’s sinfulness to themselves.

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Respect for one another’s gods

November 7, 2005 by thepracticalmystic

2000 years ago, in the middle of the ancient city of Ephesus stood one of the seven wonders of the world – the temple of Diana. 360 feet long and 180 feet wide, it was supported by 100 marble columns. In the center was the statue of Diana; beautiful art sorrounded her. There is a resurgence of the worship of Diana as a denomination of the Wiccan tradition in our time.
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Clarifying Crisis

November 5, 2005 by thepracticalmystic

I met an elderly woman in our housing division the week that Hurricane Wilma was heading for Florida. A former science professor at our local University, she has the bright eyes and quick wit of unusual intelligence. She said to me, “With all the disasters in our world, I can understand why people of old would think the gods are angry with us.” In our ensuing discussion, we shared our sense of horror that the poorest and least powerful in our world have been the most to suffer in these natural disasters.
As the earthquakes were devastating Pakistan, I listened for updates on CNN and on NPR. Rarely were such updates given. I asked for prayers in church and many didn’t even seem to know there was an earthquake. The contrast with the news reporting on the Tsunami and the devastations of hurricanes on our own land was stark.
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gods and God

November 3, 2005 by thepracticalmystic

God looks at us with love and sees exactly what is god to us. And whatever is God to us that is not God who created us, will never be anything but a temporal addiction. It (whatever it is . social status,power,always being right or better, chocolate, another person ) it will never, ever be enough. It will possess us and become hell on earth.

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Short Cuts

November 2, 2005 by thepracticalmystic

I came across this definition of meditation recently:

“doing one thing at a time with your whole being” Lawence LeShan How to Meditate

I mentioned in my last post that this is very difficult for those of us in Western cultures to do because of our neurological “wiring” so to speak. There is, however, technology based on sound that I have found helpful. To learn more about this see Centerpointe Research.

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Spiritual Practice

November 1, 2005 by thepracticalmystic

“How does Christian Meditation differ from Transcendental Meditation? I ask because I consider opening my mind and soul without being specific about what spirit I seek to be dangerous.”

B.P.

I do not know much about Transendental Meditation. However, I do understand your concern. Let me respond on several levels.

To begin with, I do not think the western mind is able to empty itself, both from my own spiritual practice and from what I have learned from others. Our culture effects our neurological system and we simply don’t have the outer structures that allow our minds to become totally silent and empty.
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To Will One Thing

October 31, 2005 by thepracticalmystic

In the past month, I’ve really begun to feel the weight of the responsibilities in my life…..I just want God to make my life better – not super or even great – just plain steady and peaceful – of course I want it right now too.

J.H.

This is from a dear friend of mine, a generous, beautiful man who will gladly give you everything he has if you need it and expect nothing in return. So my friend, let’s see if The Practical Mystic can be of any help to you….in five minutes or less, preferably.
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Drawing Near to God

October 30, 2005 by thepracticalmystic

I have seen much confusion about prayer based in misinterpretations of the following verse from the Bible:

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours Mark 11:24

Often taken out of context, this has led many to ask me: “Is my belief just not good enough? Why doesn’t God give me what I ask for?”

Here.s what I have learned: Prayer is not anything like wish-full thinking. Prayer is neither easy nor reflexive. Prayer, the sort of prayer that God hears and longs for, changes us. It is a discipline we grow into and grow from and we need a life time to learn it.
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Learning to Pray

October 29, 2005 by thepracticalmystic

There is no wrong way to pray. The simplest, purest prayer is this: Help Me. This may be the only prayer you need for some time. Take a deep breath, turn your attention to your heart and simply ask .Help Me..

The beginning of prayer is petition – the prayer of supplication, in the words of St. Issac the Syrian – which is anxious, and weighed down with preoccupations and fears. This is no more than a preparation for true prayer – spiritual prayer – and consists in a gradual ascent towards God in seeking and effort.

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A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste

October 28, 2005 by thepracticalmystic

When I was a college student, a wise man told me: “All truth is God’s truth.” The current mind-set of our government would lead us to be suspicious of science and to embrace a literal view of scripture, as if the Bible were a book of science or history rather than sacred scripture. When I’m not totally shocked that such a mind-set has seemingly taken over our government, our seminaries, and our churches, I am angry and frightened. Mostly, I tell myself, “this too shall pass” and hope it once again becomes fashionable to have a brain and use it.

Recently, I saw a video of pictures from the Hubble Telescope set to music. The beauty was so powerful that I was moved to tears. God creation is generously beautiful, wastefully so if it is just for us. And it is science that makes it possible to view this creation.

O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him, to receive a gift in return?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God.what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 11:33 12:3 NRSV

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