Theos-Talk Archives (November 1997 Message tt00026)

Hello BJack5259@aol.com
Nice to read your debate. I'll leave it to the theosophists to answer
you on theory (I'm just a friend they welcome to talk here). You wrote:
> My problem with Mr. Johnson is that he seems to take normal criticism so
> personally. This causes two problems for me: first, the sense that I get is
> that he takes the criticism of certain persons who seem to be pointing out
> errors in his methods as an attack upon himself personally rather than a
> legitimate inquiry into his research methods and conclusions. The latter are
> always fair grounds for inquiry, while the former should not be. Why cannot
> he not remove his personality from the debate about the nature of the
> Masters.
My comment to your question is:
Why should he remove his "personality" from the debate about his
writings? How can he remove himself from his work? His work is
himself. No different than an artists painting. Ergo, an "attack" on
his work can feel like an attack on himself. No simple ego thing
either. Perhaps a response may be " I do not, can not, or will not
perceive what you express, identically with you at this point in time."
Not, "you are wrong, and see we've proved it (by stating our personal
interpretation)."
Perhaps you will continue to debate and I will learn about
"separation" from my work. I fail in that one big time!

> Given this, to counterattack that
> non-acceptance of his conclusions by attempting to split the movement further
> with personal attacks upon his critics is very harmful to the movement - and
> this must be opposed in the name of freedom of inquiry and brotherhood!
I am at a loss to perceive how one or more persons may divide or harm a
movement or idea. What is built in the strength of "love" and "truth"
endures. (Surprisingly borrowed from Babylon 5 and real timely too).
If we choose not to "defend" and diffuse the supposed conflict, will the
same issue not arise in a different circumstance, over and over again,
until we resolve it, whether it be a lesson for ourselves or others?

When I first joined the "theosophy" lists, I thought, "my stars, these
people are always arguing". Sometimes it appeared to get quite personal
and nasty. I thought of leaving. (I'm prone to take the easy way
out!). Firstly I learned everyone is welcome here, always. Then I saw
that these people express sometimes vastly differing interpretations in
search of a common "truth". Then I realized that this process was a
tremendous learning experience, as they say, " in a low risk
situation". After the list comes face to face.

Incidently, thanks for telling me what this A.R.E. is. I was too shy to
ask.
You've got a lot to say, proud Brant. I'll be listening and learning.
Kind regards. Annette