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Theosophy - An Introductory Study Course
Based on the Introductory Study Course in Theosophy by Emogene S. Simons, copyright © 1935,
1938 by the Theosophical Society in America, revised by Virginia Hanson, copyright © 1967, 1969
by the Theosophical Society in America.
1938 by the Theosophical Society in America, revised by Virginia Hanson, copyright © 1967, 1969
by the Theosophical Society in America.
108 pages, ebook
Published January 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 18, 2022
I picked up this book because I'm interested in philosophy in general. Theosophy was branded to me as a unique branch of Western philosophy that delves into older traditions (both religious and secular) to pull out nuggets of truth that are consistent with our modern understanding of the nature of the universe. The introduction and first chapter of this book presented Theosophy in a similar light (or at least it tried to). It points out that religion, philosophy, and science are all just modes of "trying to answer the big questions," and therefore there is value in studying all 3. That I very much agree with. On multiple occasions it emphasized that the concept of evolution is fundamental to this philosophy. Ok. Sounds interesting.
But I'll admit, I went into this book a bit guarded. I'm not sure exactly what it was, but even before I started reading it, red flags were going off. Perhaps it was the person who told me about it saying they were doing a "book study" on it (a phrase I strongly associate with religion).
Despite its claims that "this is not a religion," it makes many statements, even early on, that give away the game -- this is most definitely a religion (maybe even a cult) and science had nothing to do with it. Almost immediately I found the tone of the introduction disingenuous -- like they were selling something. Instead of jumping right into the core concepts or the history of this philosophy, they spent a page and half painting a picture of modern society as, on the one hand, extremely successful in technological and scientific advancement, but on the other hand, "dissatisfied and spiritually empty" and "lost and confused" with "new philosophies making a bid for the allegiance of the human mind." Making a bid for allegiance? An interesting choice of words that made he think "is that what you're trying to do?"
Then, right on cue, it offers Theosophy as a path to truth and spirituality. It starts one paragraph describing Theosophy as "the shoreless ocean of universal truth," then ended that same paragraph saying Theosophy makes no "dogmatic claim to a statement of final truth." It goes on to describe in a flowery and mystic tone that the "wisdom" and "truth" at the core of Theosophy has been a core truth in all world religions. It says, "Theosophy is not some system of thought prescribed by a deity ruling from on high, but the “Divine Wisdom” that dwells potentially and universally in the human spirit." Sounds like a lot of double speak to me. It describes itself as a "universal brotherhood," but insists "this is not a religion." It makes several statements about members being "free to reject" their teachings. In my experience, only religions and cults feel the need to say stuff like that.
In one of the few paragraphs about science, it implies that the scientific method's requirement for "objective proof" is somehow a deficit, one that Theosophy makes up for. It defines evolution as "the result of an inner and intelligent guidance expressed through personal effort, is good, has purpose, and follows a plan." It is clear that whoever wrote that has a fundamental misunderstanding of how evolution is defined in the scientific community.
Theosophy's belief system is a New Age hodgepodge of ideas borrowed from many different traditions, mostly Eastern. At times it's teachings sound strikingly similar to Scientology's, which makes sense because that religion was also a constructed hodgepodge of mostly Eastern philosophies. And when it comes to science, Theosophy seems to be doing what most religions do -- cherry picking (without fully understanding) scientific concepts and buzz words that fit in with its pre-conceived ideas about the universe, and in order to try and legitimize them.
Try as they might to deny it, this is clearly religious propaganda. I lost interest about half way through.
But I'll admit, I went into this book a bit guarded. I'm not sure exactly what it was, but even before I started reading it, red flags were going off. Perhaps it was the person who told me about it saying they were doing a "book study" on it (a phrase I strongly associate with religion).
Despite its claims that "this is not a religion," it makes many statements, even early on, that give away the game -- this is most definitely a religion (maybe even a cult) and science had nothing to do with it. Almost immediately I found the tone of the introduction disingenuous -- like they were selling something. Instead of jumping right into the core concepts or the history of this philosophy, they spent a page and half painting a picture of modern society as, on the one hand, extremely successful in technological and scientific advancement, but on the other hand, "dissatisfied and spiritually empty" and "lost and confused" with "new philosophies making a bid for the allegiance of the human mind." Making a bid for allegiance? An interesting choice of words that made he think "is that what you're trying to do?"
Then, right on cue, it offers Theosophy as a path to truth and spirituality. It starts one paragraph describing Theosophy as "the shoreless ocean of universal truth," then ended that same paragraph saying Theosophy makes no "dogmatic claim to a statement of final truth." It goes on to describe in a flowery and mystic tone that the "wisdom" and "truth" at the core of Theosophy has been a core truth in all world religions. It says, "Theosophy is not some system of thought prescribed by a deity ruling from on high, but the “Divine Wisdom” that dwells potentially and universally in the human spirit." Sounds like a lot of double speak to me. It describes itself as a "universal brotherhood," but insists "this is not a religion." It makes several statements about members being "free to reject" their teachings. In my experience, only religions and cults feel the need to say stuff like that.
In one of the few paragraphs about science, it implies that the scientific method's requirement for "objective proof" is somehow a deficit, one that Theosophy makes up for. It defines evolution as "the result of an inner and intelligent guidance expressed through personal effort, is good, has purpose, and follows a plan." It is clear that whoever wrote that has a fundamental misunderstanding of how evolution is defined in the scientific community.
Theosophy's belief system is a New Age hodgepodge of ideas borrowed from many different traditions, mostly Eastern. At times it's teachings sound strikingly similar to Scientology's, which makes sense because that religion was also a constructed hodgepodge of mostly Eastern philosophies. And when it comes to science, Theosophy seems to be doing what most religions do -- cherry picking (without fully understanding) scientific concepts and buzz words that fit in with its pre-conceived ideas about the universe, and in order to try and legitimize them.
Try as they might to deny it, this is clearly religious propaganda. I lost interest about half way through.
October 9, 2024
I have never ever disagreed with any work as much as I do with this one. Absolutely not, no thank you ✋
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