Though I am no longer a student of the Fellowship (I was in the 70's), I find this present situation regarding Charles Weber and certain members on the board disturbing but not wholly surprising. During past years, I have watched and listened to the internal struggles between people and ideological stances at the Fellowship. What a shame. One wonders truly what Max Heindel, the Elder Brother and other original founding members must think now as they look down upon an organization that was destined to fulfill a vital spiritual need for past 100 years but is beset with continual infighting and struggles to grow into the modern world and the 21st century.
I have seen the work done by Charles Weber and applaud him for his research and thorough attempt to resolve superficial in-fighting between both the Fellowship and Anthroposophists. It is unfortunate that certain individuals cannot see through partisan affiliations to the greater wisdom presented by both Max Heindel and Rudolf Steiner (and other Rosicrucian advocates like Manly Palmer Hall, George Adams, and Valentin Tomberg).
Spiritual growth is not an easy path we are constantly told. And no great teacher has even indicated that it is not without personal and social challenges. But differences in perspective and personalities need not derail us from the pursuit of Truth and living a good life. This holds especially true for the unique spiritual teachings offered by Rosicrucianism in the 20th century. If Rosicrucianism is to flourish and offer a new perspective to Christians and non-Christians alike, it must constantly grow and allow itself to speak in a language and form relevant to the times. One who thinks otherwise is isolated from the metaphysical tradition in general and spiritual evolution as a whole. Neither Heindel or Steiner would speak and write today as they did 100 years ago. This is reflected in both their reception by the greater world and the controversy around some ambiguous statements both made about politically sensitive subjects. To think that the particular work of Max Heindel is the only the only source of Rosicrucian Wisdom is due completely to a lack of familiarity with the esoteric tradition. And to think that this august Order would make only one effort to promulgate its spiritual work is unreasonable and works against its stated intention- to make available a teaching that will present practical and sensible spiritual answers to the spiritual mysteries; to know Christ directly;
to live a virtuous life; and encourage individuals to freely discover the truth for themselves. Different teachers can often expand and enrich a teaching and this is what Charles Weber has been attempting to do in my opinion with his work on Max Heindel and Rudolf. Steiner.
But a greater issue is at stake here. This issue is one of integrity in the pursuit of the truth. This principle transcends organizations, philosophies, and traditions. The background of this affair unfortunately mirrors the course of many other spiritual groups who are centralized around a founding figure rather than living spiritual principles. Clearly this type of problem would never be found in the Philosophic Research Society ( founded by Manly Palmer Hall) or in the stagnant Theosophical Society. Though these organization are less concerned with spiritual preparedness and esotericism as is the Fellowship, they certainly encourage a board minded approach and allow their members to be exposed to all points of view. Many religious groups are notorious for self protection and controlling the inflow of new ideas and information which may shake central ideas and premises. Is the Fellowship falling into this trap or are just a few individuals?
Though harsh criticism is rarely supportive, examining the relevance of ideas and facts in light of new knowledge is critical to the pursuit of the spiritual and philosophic truth. As an "outsider" (and as a life long supporter of both Heindel and Steiner) I can only see this as struggle for philosophic integrity. Even the harshest critic in US Congress is not asked to leave or be impeached for their ideas and perspective. When compared to an even higher standard found in a spiritual organizations, such maneuvers undermine the most fundamental principles of freedom of speech and action.
It is my hope that all will contemplate the real message in this affair and be able to transcend personality differences and political positions .
When this occurs, members can return to the central mission of Rosicrucianism - the search for the truth, how to live a good life, and service in Christ to humanity.
Jeff Auen
Jeff Auer is the owner and moderator of The ROSICRUCIANSOPHIA Forum.
This forum is dedicated to the exploration of the teachings of modern Rosicrucianism and the Western Esoteric Tradition with special focus on 20th sources. In order to maintain group integrity it is now a "by moderator" approval membership group. To join, follow Yahoo instructions and a membership criteria questionaire will be forwarded to you.
The intent of this forum is to assist serious students in a discussion of the unique spiritual implications found in this tradition. This group is encouraged to examine practical social and spiritual issues in light of this tradition as well as issues found on the spiritual path.
We believe that this tradition is unique due to its highly detailed and rigorous approach to spiritual development and metaphysical research. Rosicrucianism, in it purist form, is non-dogmatic and universal. This tradition bypasses psychic and mystical inspiration and asserts the necessity for first hand knowledge or Gnosis based on specialized training and the pursuit of true knowledge of the spiritual worlds. Themes include: the nature and purpose of "good and evil" on earth and the cosmos; and role of the Christ in human evolution; the distinction between "Jesus" and "Christ"; new insights into reincarnation and karma; working with souls who have passed on in the after-death conditions; positive and negative effects of esoteric development; critical cycles in human evolution, etc.
Many teachers have contributed to this tradition over the past 100 years. Recommended source materials: The works of Rudolf Steiner; The Rosicrucian Cosmo Conception by Max Heindel; Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly Hall; The Rosicrucian Enlightenment by Yates; The Rosicrucians by McIntosh, etc.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rosicruciansophia
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