Theos-Talk Archives (April 1998 Message tt00444)

Peter writes:
It seems to me that a systematic revision of that attitude in TS is long
overdue, as I imagine it stems from long ago when TS was in strong
competition with the developing Spiritualist movement. I wonder if
anyone can confirm this, or otherwise accurately identify it's source. I
certainly believe it to be now irrelevant.

I couldn't agree more. I feel that the spiritualism injunction really
related to the spiritualist movement of the 19th century and the popular
level of awareness (or lack thereof) of things occult. A survey such as
the one Paul cited earlier would have had to explain the terms
reincarnation and even astrology! Today, with the right cable/satellite TV
system, a person can spend a day watching shows on the paranormal, ghosts,
UFOs, Mysteries of the Pharohs, etc (not that I'm allowed control of the
remote for that long...). This is just the "sleeping seeker". With
Internet access, there's a myriad of other information out there (The other
day I chanced upon Webring93, the practicing Crowley/OTO/magick
ring--wow!). Books are only a phone call away. By the time a modern
seeker contacts the Theosophical Society, they've already been exposed to a
variety of ideas and philosophies. I don't feel that any seeker can take
the spiritualist injunction seriously, unless they're comfortable with the
"armchair occultist" label.

Regarding the Summer convention: I live 45 minutes from Olcott and will be
attending. If anyone on this list prefers camping, I have space available.
 I live in a lake community. It's not the backwoods, but it's a change of
pace from Wheaton.

Pam
pgiese@snd.softfarm.com

"Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light..."
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