Theos-Talk Archives (June 1998 Message tt00669)

Dear Alan,

The point that I was trying to get across is that dogmatism is neither
possible nor desirable in theosophy. Once we have a doctrine or dogma in
theosophy it ceases to be that, and becomes something else. On the other
hand religion, is by its very nature dogmatic. It takes things for granted,
like the existence of God and divinely inspired scriptures. This is why we
have Theology: the study of God and its attributes (according to my
dictionary).

Theosophy is something totally different. It relies on the intelligence of
an unselfish individual to reveal itself. To me theosophy equates with
Truth. Which can be experienced, but never defined.

A few years ago I attended the Theosophical Society International
Convention at Adyar. They had at the opening session a bishop giving a
benediction to all present. I found that action out of place, and never
attended any other meeting. If I wanted to be blessed by a bishop or a
priest, which I didn't care, I could have gone to any of the local
churches. Something appropriate for me could have been a commitment made by
all present, to the spirit of Truth, which we all are part of.

Best wishes from lovely Gilroy,

Rudy

>Dear Rudy,
>
>I am not in fact a religionist (whatever that might be!).  I am something
>of a theologian, but so far as churches go I walked away from them
>*because* of *their* dogmatism.  Religion, to answer your question, is
>a term usually derived from the Latin "religio" - to bond.  Not all
>scholars agree on this derivation, but no better alternative is offered
>either.
>
>In any event, "bonding" is not necessarily a good thing.  Hate gangs do
>it, as do many animals and birds of prey.  Maybe those bishops' miters
>are beaks!
>
>Alan