Reviving Ancient Spirituality: Jung and Modern Paganism
Summary
In today's exploration, we delved into the profound impact of Carl Jung on modern Western culture, particularly in relation to the resurgence of pagan spirituality. Jung, a pivotal figure, managed to intertwine the ancient spirituality of paganism with a new psychological methodology, presenting it as a novel vision. However, this so-called "new vision" is, in reality, as ancient as the hills, echoing the spiritual practices and beliefs that have existed since the dawn of humanity. Our culture, much like ancient Athens, is now filled with idols, and the spirituality that was once esoteric is now becoming public and mainstream.
The resurgence of this spirituality is not a new phenomenon but rather a reappearance of ancient pagan traditions. Researchers from the University of Nottingham suggest that this spiritual awareness has always been present but is only now coming to light. This spirituality, which was once driven underground by the early triumph of Christianity, is now resurfacing with a series of coded terms and expressions that have been used throughout history. These terms, such as "the Great Work," "the Perennial Philosophy," and "as above, so below," reveal a syncretistic belief system that is hoary with age.
The essence of this belief system is the idea of a single, universal religion that manifests in various forms. This notion is echoed in the teachings of Gnosticism, Freemasonry, and other esoteric traditions, which all point to a secret, divine knowledge that has been present since the beginning of the world. This knowledge, often referred to as the "sacred secret" or "ageless wisdom," is believed to be the true religion of mankind.
In our contemporary world, figures like Thomas Berry and movements such as theosophy and transpersonal psychology continue to propagate these ancient beliefs, suggesting that the solution to modern crises lies in returning to these timeless spiritual traditions. This exploration challenges us to discern the spiritual influences in our culture and to understand the deep historical roots of these beliefs.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Resurgence of Ancient Spirituality: The spiritual practices and beliefs that are emerging today are not new but are a reappearance of ancient pagan traditions. This spirituality, once esoteric, is now becoming public, revealing a deep historical continuity. [02:38]
2. The Illusion of Novelty: While modern spiritual movements present themselves as new and innovative, they are deeply rooted in ancient paganism. This challenges us to critically assess the spiritual influences in our culture. [01:42]
3. The Universal Religion: Many esoteric traditions point to a single, universal religion that manifests in various forms. This belief underscores the idea that all religions are co-witnesses to a secret, divine knowledge. [07:05]
4. The Great Work: The concept of "the Great Work" is central to many occult traditions, emphasizing the uniting of opposites and the transformation of humanity. This idea challenges us to consider the spiritual goals of these movements. [13:01]
5. The Perennial Philosophy: This philosophy suggests a fundamental agreement among all religions on the divinity of nature. It calls us to recognize the deep spiritual connections that transcend individual religious traditions. [20:29]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:41] - The Impact of Jung
- [01:42] - Ancient Paganism Revisited
- [02:38] - Spiritual Awareness Uncovered
- [03:24] - The One Religion
- [04:15] - Gnosticism and Paganism
- [05:13] - Syncretistic Belief Systems
- [06:08] - The True Religion
- [07:05] - The Power of Gnosis
- [08:40] - As Above, So Below
- [09:29] - The Secret Doctrine
- [10:17] - The Great Work
- [13:01] - Reinventing Humanity
- [14:51] - The Great Work in Modern Times
- [20:29] - The Perennial Philosophy
- [23:06] - Timeless Paganism
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 1:25: "They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen."
Observation Questions:
1. What does Romans 1:25 suggest about the nature of idolatry and its impact on human belief systems?
2. How does the sermon describe the influence of Carl Jung on modern Western culture and spirituality? [00:41]
3. What are some of the coded terms and expressions mentioned in the sermon that have been used throughout history to describe ancient pagan spirituality? [05:13]
4. According to the sermon, how has the perception of ancient pagan traditions changed in contemporary society? [02:38]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of a "universal religion" challenge traditional Christian beliefs, as discussed in the sermon? [03:24]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that modern spiritual movements are rooted in ancient paganism, and what implications does this have for contemporary Christian practice? [01:42]
3. How might the idea of "the Great Work" influence an individual's understanding of their spiritual goals, according to the sermon? [13:01]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between the Perennial Philosophy and environmental concerns, as expressed by figures like Prince Charles? [20:29]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on Romans 1:25. Are there areas in your life where you might be prioritizing created things over the Creator? How can you realign your focus this week?
2. The sermon discusses the resurgence of ancient pagan traditions in modern culture. How can you discern and respond to these influences in your daily life? [02:38]
3. Consider the notion of a "universal religion" mentioned in the sermon. How does this idea affect your understanding of the uniqueness of the Christian faith? [03:24]
4. The sermon highlights the concept of "the Great Work" as a spiritual goal. What are your personal spiritual goals, and how do they align with or differ from this concept? [13:01]
5. How can you engage in conversations with others about the historical roots of modern spiritual movements without compromising your Christian beliefs? [01:42]
6. The sermon mentions the Perennial Philosophy's emphasis on the divinity of nature. How can you appreciate creation while maintaining a biblical perspective on the Creator? [20:29]
7. Reflect on the idea of "as above, so below" discussed in the sermon. How can you ensure that your spiritual beliefs and practices are grounded in biblical truth rather than syncretistic ideas? [09:29]
Devotional
Day 1: The Ancient Roots of Modern Spirituality
The resurgence of ancient spirituality in modern times is not a new phenomenon but a reappearance of age-old pagan traditions. These spiritual practices, once hidden and esoteric, are now becoming public and mainstream, revealing a deep historical continuity. This continuity challenges us to recognize the spiritual influences that have shaped our culture and to discern the ancient roots of these beliefs. As we explore these traditions, we are reminded that what is often presented as new and innovative is deeply rooted in the past. [02:38]
"For the customs of the peoples are vanity. A tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman." (Jeremiah 10:3, ESV)
Reflection: What modern spiritual practices have you encountered that seem to echo ancient traditions? How can you discern their influence in your life today?
Day 2: The Illusion of Novelty in Spiritual Movements
Modern spiritual movements often present themselves as new and innovative, yet they are deeply rooted in ancient paganism. This illusion of novelty challenges us to critically assess the spiritual influences in our culture and to recognize the historical roots of these beliefs. By understanding the continuity between ancient and modern spirituality, we can better discern the true nature of these movements and their impact on our lives. [01:42]
"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8, ESV)
Reflection: How can you critically assess the spiritual influences in your life to ensure they align with your faith?
Day 3: The Universal Religion and Its Manifestations
Many esoteric traditions point to the idea of a single, universal religion that manifests in various forms. This belief underscores the notion that all religions are co-witnesses to a secret, divine knowledge that has been present since the beginning of the world. By exploring these traditions, we are invited to consider the possibility of a shared spiritual heritage that transcends individual religious boundaries. This exploration challenges us to recognize the deep spiritual connections that unite humanity. [07:05]
"For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." (Colossians 1:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: How does the idea of a universal religion challenge or affirm your understanding of your own faith?
Day 4: The Great Work and Spiritual Transformation
The concept of "the Great Work" is central to many occult traditions, emphasizing the uniting of opposites and the transformation of humanity. This idea challenges us to consider the spiritual goals of these movements and to reflect on the transformative power of spirituality in our own lives. By engaging with this concept, we are invited to explore the potential for personal and collective transformation through spiritual practice. [13:01]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: What areas of your life are in need of spiritual transformation, and how can you begin this process today?
Day 5: The Perennial Philosophy and the Divinity of Nature
The Perennial Philosophy suggests a fundamental agreement among all religions on the divinity of nature. This philosophy calls us to recognize the deep spiritual connections that transcend individual religious traditions and to appreciate the sacredness of the natural world. By embracing this perspective, we are encouraged to cultivate a deeper awareness of the divine presence in all aspects of life and to honor the interconnectedness of all creation. [20:29]
"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge." (Psalm 19:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of the divine presence in the natural world around you today?
Quotes
JONES: I’m going to ask the question in this lecture, “What is the evidence for the truth of the biographer of Jung who said that Jung succeeded where Julian the Apostate emperor failed?” That's what I want to look at. What was the impact of Jung on modern Western culture? [00:00:11]
In what I would call – “The triumph of pagan Oneism in our once Christian culture.” I ask myself, “Was Jung an innovator or one among many?” And the answer is obviously “Yes and no;” he was an innovator in tying the arising interest in the spirituality of paganism to a new psychological methodology. [00:01:00]
Along these lines, researchers of contemporary spirituality – the University of Nottingham in the U.K. state, “We suspect [these are researches] that the spiritual awareness we are uncovering has always been there, but is only now coming to light.” What is happening, you see, is this spirituality that was undercover, esoteric, is now coming on to the surface. [00:02:38]
For many centuries this kind of thinking was driven underground by the early triumph of Christianity. Remember, we referenced Julian the Apostate, who tried to bring that back into a powerful expression in the Roman Empire and failed. But from that time on, paganism was driven underground. [00:04:37]
The 2nd century Gnostic so-called Christians who sought to worship Isis did so, in order to understand quote, “The great mystery.” These were Gnostic Christians who attended the mystery religion’s cults in order to get beyond Christianity and understand the great mystery. [00:06:28]
Gnosis means ‘knowledge’, the knowledge of the self as divine. You move along a bit, you find other phrases – the Freemasons cherish the “sacred secret” or the “ageless wisdom;” defining it as – quote: “the religion in which all men agree.” You see this one religion shows up in many expressions. [00:07:12]
The Wiccans, (that is modern day witches) speak of the ‘old wisdom’. And that old wisdom is encapsulated in the phrase – “as above, so below.” That's a very interesting phrase, it’s a very oneistic kind of phrase that the “above and the below” are the same. The ‘joining’ if you like of the opposites into one. [00:08:59]
The work he refers to, he claims, is that done in ancient shamanic times; and believes that our contemporary calling is to carry on, quote: “the Great Work of the first peoples.” – the American Indians. So the classic example for us in our time, is to follow the traditions and spirituality of the American Indians. [00:15:09]
The Great Work is before all things – the creation of man by himself, that is to say, the full and entire conquest of his faculties and his future. Especially, the perfect emancipation of his will.” You see that changing the human being at the species level? [00:17:23]
The Great Work he says is, “No longer to be a Christian, but to seek a new ordering of human affairs.” So he's very much into that tradition of the Great Work. [00:19:37]
The Perennial Philosophy. This is a further coded term commonly used by those in the inner circle of these esoteric movements. One of the most famous adherents of this Perennial Philosophy is my own future king – Prince Charles. He is the patron of the Temenos Academy, which is dedicated to the central ideas of the Perennial Philosophy. [00:20:02]
Philip Goldberg, whom I mentioned who describes the Hinduization of America says that, the Eastern Hinduism and Western Perennialism are the same. At the depth of being, though they seem different. The domain associated with mysticism where the individual soul meets the all-encompassing divine. [00:22:13]
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