Theos-Talk Archives (February 1998 Message tt00080)

MKR wrote:

When the TS was launched, it was very clear in the minds of the Real
Founders that its mission is to form a Universal Brotherhood of Humanity.

In the light of the above, when I recently saw a statement by Bro. John
Algeo, our National President I was very shocked and disappointed. In the
letter published in Quest (1997) Holiday Gift Catalog he states:

"The books and audios in this catalog come from the publishing arm of the
Theosophical Society, a nondenominational organization devoted to helping
its members:

	realize their inner potentials and seek out the mysteries of the universe"

followed by two other items.

The above statement would lead the uninformed reader to conclude that the
mission of TS is to help everyone to work towards the selfish goal of
realizing inner potentials and seeking out the mysteries of the universe..
_________

Surely any organisation proposing to form a nucleus, or core, of members of
humanity who would have brotherly love towards each other, and the rest of
humanity, without distinction, would need to help their members achieve such
a high goal.  A knowledge of the mysteries of the universe would certainly
be required as a prerequisite to realising one's inner potentials before
feeling sure of the consequencies of entering into such a loving, trusting,
selfless, relationship with the rest of humanity, namely Brotherhood.
_________
Lorraine Christensen wrote:

After 25 years of membership in the T.S. I continue to work as best I can
for its three objects.  Re: the first object - Universal Brotherhood - it is
the hardest to live out for certain!
_________
MKR wrote:

Many of us here have been with TS twice as long as you have been with TS.
When the mission of TS is not properly presented to its members and those
interested in Theosophy, it cannot but produce results not conducive to the
long term growth of the membership as well as the members.
_________

Subscribing to TS for fifty years may attract some Brownie points and
increase one's knowledge, but does it confer wisdom, or make one more brotherly?

I am sure the President of TSA, John Algeo, is acutely aware of the
decreasing worldwide membership of the TS and would welcome any constructive
new ideas which would start to reverse this situation.  Perhaps, instead of
criticism, the Board of Directors need input, feedback, and support for any
new approach it may take to promote theosophy in a light that would enthuse
more people to commit themselves to this high ideal of Brotherhood in this
age of materialism.

Best wishes

Keith Fisher
Perth Australia