Seeking and Finding Wholeness

I’ve asked a Teresa so many questions, she has decided to publish some of the questions and answers online, here’s one that I asked:

Ethan: I’ve heard of mysticism but I always thought it was an offshoot of an established religion. I never heard of  mysticism that was not affiliated with a religion. Why is that the case?

Teresa: The first word that comes to mind, when looking at this question is fear.

When I received this question, I spent many hours pondering history.  Specifically, the constant effort made by society towards religious growth, and its ultimate, predictable and continual subjection to criticism by the competing forces of worship.

Even in current times, there have been attempts to  break through the paper ceiling that society and organized religion have created.   Consider the New Age movement, which, according to my personal knowledge, gained ground in the late 1970’s.  (Perhaps it was earlier than that, but I only heard about it during that time.)  It had promise, but was soon degraded by Christianity and was, therefore, considered to be for kooks and fringe dwellers. To this very day, the New Age Movement is barbed and questioned by anyone who has been in contact with it’s competition.

Even Scientology has had a rough time in the media.  I’m not familiar with it enough to defend it, but consider it for those who are brave enough to venture beyond traditional viewpoints and try something new. Interestingly, traditional religious viewpoints have affected its social image, as well.  Many people  have  taken an immediate dislike to Scientology, only because they feel it’s expected of them.

As far as mysticism widening it’s boundaries beyond  the implied barbed wire of its own religious sect, history accounts for several reasons why it is  not too common.  The Inquisition, the witch trials, social persecution, and the crucifixion come to mind.  To this day, with all respect to the Roman Catholic Church, I am increasingly offended by the carnage displayed at their altar which directly implies to their community:

“This is what happened to the last mystic who tried to change things”

Admittedly, it was not easy for me to cut my roots to organized religion and become an independent, universal mystic.  Although I have respect for the truths of all religions, I identify myself with none of them. This freedom has allowed me the experiences and revelations I’ve had, to be an overview rather than a horizontal perspective…

Many Thanks

to

Teresa Silverthorn

of

Confessions of a Mystic

Published here with permission.

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