Cosmic Awareness - 1978 01 - marriage divorce family children sex washington epidemic eve michigan mind

Magazine Overview

Title: Revelations of Awareness
Issue: #78-1
Publisher: Cosmic Awareness Communications
Date: Undetermined
Character: This publication presents insights channeled through 'Cosmic Awareness', interpreted by Paul Shockley, focusing on societal trends and their underlying causes.

Analysis of the Divorce Epidemic

The central theme of this issue is the "divorce epidemic" and the reasons behind the widespread unhappiness and divorce in contemporary society. The question posed to Awareness highlights a feeling that there is "much more to it than that" and that it's easier to get a divorce nowadays, suggesting that married couples may not have truly loved each other.

Shifting Societal Values

Cosmic Awareness indicates that changing values have accentuated concepts of self-gratification. Fifty to one hundred years ago, values such as raising children, earning a living through productive and ethical activities, and living an honorable, strong family life were paramount. The concept of physical security was also strong, with marriage and family seen as a team effort to provide clothing, food, shelter, and basic luxuries.

The Rise of Personal Security and Self-Gratification

Currently, the emphasis has shifted from collective security to personal security. Many individuals now seek more security by leaving their mate to find someone with more wealth, moving towards welfare situations, or prioritizing their own financial gain over sharing with their family. This has led to a situation where "the security concept of working together has given way to personal security."

Erosion of Religious and Traditional Bonds

Furthermore, religious concepts that once held families together have been replaced by concepts of self-gratification, pleasure-seeking, and fun. These experiences can now be pursued without the necessity of a close family situation. Consequently, if a marriage does not provide immediate personal gratification, individuals are tempted to seek it elsewhere, satisfying immediate needs at the expense of deeper, long-lasting relationships.

Legal and Social Influences

The laws have also contributed by making divorces easily obtainable. Additionally, increased trust between people in society, coupled with the proliferation of bars, restaurants, and entertainment sources, facilitates intermingling and acquaintance with strangers, further weakening traditional family bonds.

Breakdown of "Two Against the World" Concept

Awareness notes that the concept of marriage as an alliance of "two against the world" is breaking down, replaced by an increasing "social awareness" rather than a "family awareness." The casual attitude towards speaking to strangers, which was uncommon 50 years ago, is now prevalent, with speaking often lacking a specific reason.

The Sexual Revolution's Impact

The sexual revolution, which began to wane, had a significant impact. For approximately 15 years, society observed a "sexual orgy," but this is now beginning to lose its significance. Awareness suggests that other values will soon take their proper places, allowing individuals to express affection and be close to others without resorting to sexual intimacy as the primary means.

Future Outlook: Re-establishment of Family

Despite the current trends, Awareness predicts a future "happy balance" within a few years. Entities who have grown up in "scattered homes" or experienced a loss of home life will, as adults, seek to re-establish the family feeling. The balance will be achieved when entities can maintain their family ties while also being socially oriented, visiting one another, and forming close relationships with people from different families.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the analysis of societal shifts and their impact on fundamental human institutions, particularly the family. The publication's stance, as conveyed through Cosmic Awareness, is observational and predictive, offering explanations for current social phenomena and forecasting a future return to more balanced values. The emphasis is on the cyclical nature of societal trends and the eventual re-emergence of core human needs, such as the desire for family and belonging, even after periods of radical change.