Theos-Talk Archives (February 1999 Message tt00066)

Hi Jerry and Dallas,

If I understood Dallas correctly, he is saying that Theosophy *explains* the
basis of brotherhood and it's importance, rather than just *says*
brotherhood and love is important.  Below are just a few thoughts that
immediately come to mind.

Theosophy states that our ultimate essence is ONE and is that which is
'uncreate'.

"the root of every atom individually and of every form collectively, is that
seventh principle or the one Reality.." (SD)

However, Christianity teaches that we are *created* in the likeness of God.
There is already an inherent duality in this idea.  The mystic who states
"verily I and thou art That" is blasphemous according to Christianity.

In Christianity, brotherhood applies only to human beings.  The other
kingdoms of nature are here solely for the benefit of humans.

In Theosophy, Universal Brotherhood applies to all the kingdoms of nature
and extends throughout all the planes of consciousness and Being. "..for
every atom in the Universe has the potentiality of self-consciousness in it,
and is, like the Monads of Leibnitz, a Universe in itself, and for itself.
It is an atom and an angel."  SD Vol 1 p 107

Thus Theosophy teaches that brotherhood encompasses all kingdoms of nature
for all are evolving and all will go through the stage of humanity (where
spirit and matter are in equilibrium). The Monadic essence travels through
all these stages...

"...ascending through all the degrees of intelligence, from the lowest to
the highest Manas, from mineral and plant, up to the holiest archangel
(Dhyani-Buddha)." SD Proem p17

Hence duty is that which is due to all that lives based on the above
principle of One-ness and evolutionary Law.

In contrast to this eternal pilgrimage of the soul, Christianity teaches
that for every new born human infant, God creates a new soul, even if that
infant never makes it out of the womb.  Whether the soul is born into a life
of 'rags' or 'riches' is a matter of God's will rather than a result of
individual effort.

According to Christianity suffering is the will of God and it's origin is a
mystery to us for GOd's will cannot be known.  Theosophy teaches that each
of us creates our own Karma.  We alone are responsible for the suffering we
create for ourselves and for others.  Our Karma is inextricably linked with
that of all beings.  Theosophy states, lift a little of your own Karma and
you lift a little of the whole world's.

Theosophy teaches that Universal Brotherhood is a fact in nature rather than
an inherent human quality or a virtue to be cultivated.

Best wishes,

Peter




> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-theos-talk@pippin.imagiware.com
> [mailto:owner-theos-talk@pippin.imagiware.com]On Behalf Of Gerald
> Schueler
> Sent: 08 February 1999 16:03
> To: theos-talk@theosophy.com
> Subject: Theos-World Is Brotherhood Unique to Theosophy?
>
>
> [Dallas]:<<No religious doctrines that I
> am aware of explains why "brotherhood" is so important. >>
>
> Surely you have heard that Christianity teaches us
> that God is Love. Surely you are aware that Jesus
> taught that we should all love one another, etc.
> As far as I know, ALL of the world's religions stress
> brotherhood. Its even in the 10 commandments.
> I was taught that God is love, and that we are made
> in His image and likeness, and that therefore brotherhood
> is an inherent human quality, close to godliness,
> back when I was a child.
>
> Jerry S.
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