I’ve never been partial to the idea of joining book or movie clubs, but I’m somewhat intrigued by Spiritual Cinema Circle. I recently ordered a few films from Amazon, and forked out almost $100 for The Secret, The Moses Code, and You Can Heal Your Life. For $21/month (+s), I would receive 4 movies a month. I am intrigued… however, I can’t help but think that I need to be spending less time in front of the television, not more!
After much debate, I’ve made my decision: The Parapsychic Science program.
Bachelor of Science
I find myself in a bit of of a metaphysical pickle. Having finally consented to signing up at the American Institute of Holistic Theology, I find myself torn between the holistic theology and parapsychic science programs. I suppose I find the PS program to be a bit more “in the clouds”, hence my indecision. However, based upon my preexisting religious knowledge, I suspect I would be rather bored by the BSc. Theology program as the most interesting courses don’t come until the M or PhD level. Besides, I think there would be something rather fascinating about having a degree in PS – as a youngster, I was quite intrigued by Peter Venkman in Ghostbusters!
George Leonard, in his book The Way of Aikido: Life Lessons from an American Sensei raises some insightful points about Mastery vs. The Quick Fix. Our consumerist culture offers copious false promises of easy, effortless results. We are, for the most part, a quick-fix instant gratification culture, striving to find the next minimum-effort, maximum gain endeavour. Mastery doesn’t come in a plastic egg from a gum ball machine, and yet our society is full of promises: to gain health without exercise, to eat cookies for weight loss, to gain enlightenment through yet another self-help book. Sometimes I can’t help but wonder: has God become a quick fix? Pray, and everything will get better. Was historical Christianity a band-aid solution for the instability of the Roman Empire, and therefore a means to elicit control over the people? Give them a faith and enforce it through legal means. I have no idea, and not the ego to make such blanket statements with 100% certainty because I don’t think there is an answer Personally, I cannot adhere to a faith because I was simply taught that “that’s the way” or because a book tells me so. To me, this is the Quick Fix vs. Mastery. I believe that finding my spiritual path is going to be a fluid, organic, and life-long journey. I don’t expect easy and effortless results. Rather, I hope for emancipation from that which the modern, Western world teaches us that God is and isn’t, and find my peace in the end!
