Theosophical Worldview Statement: Difference between revisions
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The '''Theosophical Worldview''' statement was created by an educational committee at the [[Theosophical Society in America]] when [[Dora Kunz]] was president. The committee consisted of [[John Algeo]], Renee Weber, Emily Sellon, and others.<ref>Ed Abdill email to Janet Kerschner. October 2, 2015. Theosophical Society in America Archives.</ref> The | The '''Theosophical Worldview''' statement was created by an educational committee at the [[Theosophical Society in America]] when [[Dora Kunz]] was president. The committee consisted of [[John Algeo]], Renee Weber, Emily Sellon, and others.<ref>Ed Abdill email to Janet Kerschner. October 2, 2015. Theosophical Society in America Archives.</ref> The worldview was first printed without comment on the back cover of the August/September 1982 issue of [[The American Theosophist (periodical)|''The American Theosophist'']],<ref>"The Theosophical World-View," ''The American Theosophist'' 70.8 (August/September, 1982), back cover</ref> but it had been under discussion at the annual convention in July when John Kern "presented a parallel version of the new statement of the Theosophical world view..., written from a scientific perspective."<ref>"Summer Session," ''The American Theosophist'' 70.9 (October, 1982), 295.</ref> | ||
Subsequently it has appeared in [[Quest (periodical)|''Quest'']] magazine, on both the '''[https://www.theosophical.org/theosophy/theosophical-worldview American]''' and '''[http://www.theosophical.ca/aboutus_tsplatform_worldview.shtml Canadian]''' TS websites, and websites of some local lodges. | |||
The statement is based on the [[Three Fundamental Propositions]]. This is the wording: | |||
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#The universe and all that exists within it are one interrelated and interdependent whole. | #The universe and all that exists within it are one interrelated and interdependent whole. | ||
#Every existent being - from atom to galaxy - is rooted in the same universal, life | #Every existent being - from atom to galaxy - is rooted in the same universal, life-creating Reality. This Reality is all-pervasive, but it can never be summed up in its parts, since it transcends all its expressions. It reveals itself in the purposeful, ordered, and meaningful processes of nature as well as in the deepest recesses of the mind and spirit. | ||
#Recognition of the unique value of every living being expresses itself in reverence for | #Recognition of the unique value of every living being expresses itself in reverence for life, compassion for all, sympathy with the need of individuals to find truth for themselves, and respect for every religious tradition. The ways in which these ideals become realities in individual life are both the privileged choice and the responsible act of every human being. | ||
Central to the concerns of Theosophy is the desire to promote understanding and fellowship among people of all races, nationalities, philosophies, and religions. Therefore, all people, whatever their race, creed, sex caste, or colour, are invited to participate equally in the life and work of the Society. The Theosophical Society imposes no dogmas, but points toward the source of unity beyond all differences. | Central to the concerns of Theosophy is the desire to promote understanding and fellowship among people of all races, nationalities, philosophies, and religions. Therefore, all people, whatever their race, creed, sex caste, or colour, are invited to participate equally in the life and work of the Society. The Theosophical Society imposes no dogmas, but points toward the source of unity beyond all differences. | ||
Revision as of 16:10, 22 August 2016
The Theosophical Worldview statement was created by an educational committee at the Theosophical Society in America when Dora Kunz was president. The committee consisted of John Algeo, Renee Weber, Emily Sellon, and others.[1] The worldview was first printed without comment on the back cover of the August/September 1982 issue of The American Theosophist,[2] but it had been under discussion at the annual convention in July when John Kern "presented a parallel version of the new statement of the Theosophical world view..., written from a scientific perspective."[3]
Subsequently it has appeared in Quest magazine, on both the American and Canadian TS websites, and websites of some local lodges.
The statement is based on the Three Fundamental Propositions. This is the wording:
The Theosophical Society, while reserving for each member full freedom to interpret those teachings known as Theosophy, is dedicated to preserving and realizing the ageless wisdom, which embodies both a world view and a vision of human self-transformation. This tradition is founded upon certain fundamental propositions.
- The universe and all that exists within it are one interrelated and interdependent whole.
- Every existent being - from atom to galaxy - is rooted in the same universal, life-creating Reality. This Reality is all-pervasive, but it can never be summed up in its parts, since it transcends all its expressions. It reveals itself in the purposeful, ordered, and meaningful processes of nature as well as in the deepest recesses of the mind and spirit.
- Recognition of the unique value of every living being expresses itself in reverence for life, compassion for all, sympathy with the need of individuals to find truth for themselves, and respect for every religious tradition. The ways in which these ideals become realities in individual life are both the privileged choice and the responsible act of every human being.
Central to the concerns of Theosophy is the desire to promote understanding and fellowship among people of all races, nationalities, philosophies, and religions. Therefore, all people, whatever their race, creed, sex caste, or colour, are invited to participate equally in the life and work of the Society. The Theosophical Society imposes no dogmas, but points toward the source of unity beyond all differences.