Mystical Christianity: lesson 3 (assignment)

Mystical Christianity: lesson 3 1.    What in your opinion is the significance of the discovery of these ancient manuscripts? It is very significant because it casts new doubt on the integrity of the New Testament as it is known today. These writings remind us that the biblical canon was not handed down from heaven from God in a nicely bound volume, but rather a collection compiled by Church councils – and oftentimes the inclusion or exclusion of certain writings came down to a few votes. 2.    What is your understanding of the Essene Community? My understanding of the Essenes is that they were an ascetic, mystic community of healers – a third major tendency in Judaism, distinct from the Pharisees and Sadducees.  I find the hypothesis that Jesus, as well as Mary and Joseph, were Essenes quite plausible. 3.    How do you define the term "gospel"? Do you feel that the non-canonical gospels have valid authority and significant messages for your life? Although many people interpret the word "gospel" as being equivalent to "truth", the term really means "good news".  By this definition, the non-canonical gospels certainly can have importance for me. These writings help fill in the gaps in the overall Christian message and help us rediscover the mystical roots of Christianity. After all, the canonical gospels were chosen with a specific agenda in mind – and the rest were suppressed, largely because they bore messages threatening to the Church hierarchy and their patriarchal agenda. J.P. Amis

Mystical Christianity Lesson 2 (assignment)

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Mystical Christianity Lesson 2 1.    Without sacrificial atonement as the central Christian message, we're left with a much more positive message, one more in tune with Nature: resurrection/rebirth.  Here the emphasis is shifted away from Jesus "washing away our sins with his precious blood" towards an emphasis on the risen Christ – a powerful embodiment of the triumph of life over death, of light over darkness. 2.    The Church has traditionally interpreted Genesis – specifically the passage where Adam is granted dominion over all the creatures – as meaning that nature is a resource at man's disposal, to be dominated and manipulated by man. Also, in this view, nature is fallen as well, further justifying man's right to exploit it. This view has led us to the brink of environment catastrophe where we stand today. 3.    Greg Braden's theory brings a whole new meaning to being "made in God's image", and removes the ambiguity surrounding this phrase. If God is indeed part of our DNA, we cannot pervert the meaning of this Biblical phrase to suggest that only "man" (and not woman) was made in God's image (and the same goes for any race or ethnic group that might use the phrase to assert its supremacy over other races or ethnic groups). It means that we are all one, regardless of race, sex or sexual orientation. 4.    Although the existence of such a "God code" in our DNA does not change my view towards the question of human unity and brotherhood (as my belief is that we are all part of one Universal Soul), it is a message that desperately needs to be heard, taught and practiced throughout the world.  The unity of humanity is a lesson every child needs to learn before they even learn that 1+1=2. J.P. Amis

Mystical Christianity: lesson 4 (assignment)

Mystical Christianity: lesson 4 1. What does it mean to "know yourself"? How well do you know your True Self? Who are you? "Knowing yourself" is more than just knowing your personality, wants, needs, etc. It means, rather, knowing your inner "Self", your soul personality, your Inner Master, or the Divine within. We must carefully distinguish between the ego, which many people identify as their self, and the True Self or Higher Self which is pure and connects us to the Divine. 2.    Have you ever had a visionary or mystical experience? If so, describe how it affected you. I can't honestly say I've had a profound or dramatic mystical or visionary experience. I've experience moments of inner peace and connection with the Divine/Cosmic during meditation, as well as moments of insight in daily life – but nothing particularly dramatic. 3.    How do you define imagination and how do you experience it in your life? Imagination is the ability to envision known things in new ways – the first step to mental creation.  I always had a rather active imagination since childhood.  Especially as a child, this had both positive and negative aspects. On the one hand, I could imagine things that went far beyond my limited mundane experience. On the other hand, my imagination could carry me away into dark/frightening places – and often plagued me with obsessive thoughts about imagined dangers. 4.    What role does breath play in your life? Describe a moment when you were intensely aware of your breathing. Having suffered from frequent respiratory problems as a child (and to a lesser extent now), I've always been aware of breathing and how important it is – and how troubling it is when you can't breathe as deeply or easily as you should. I find that now, having studies certain mystical teachings, and can use breathing techniques to make me feel better physically, elevate my mood and calm anxiety.