Cosmic Awareness - 1978 17 - church religion christianity catholic psychic alchemy mind pope psychology bee

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Revelations of Awareness" (issue 78-17), published by Cosmic Awareness Communications, is a cosmic newsletter that delves into spiritual and religious themes. It features questions and answers channeled through Paul Shockley, the Trance-Interpreter, addressing the role of churches, paths of spiritual development, and the nature of consciousness.

Are Churches Lifting the Area of Spiritual Consciousness?

The primary question posed in this section comes from R.A.W. of Mobile, Alabama, who expresses disappointment with mainstream churches (Presbyterian, Southern Baptist, United Methodist, and Church of Religious Science) for not emphasizing the pure teachings of Jesus, particularly concerning faith, healing, and problem-solving. Instead, these churches focus on doctrines and creeds. The questioner notes that Unitarian churches, while less spiritually oriented, seem more concerned with the welfare of mankind.

Cosmic Awareness responds by indicating that each entity has a spiritual level of consciousness that needs to be lifted. Some entities are incapable of perceiving higher spiritual realities and rely on spiritual leaders. Those who prefer rules, regulations, authorities, and teachers who promote their own creeds may find various religious churches acceptable for their needs. Many entities remain in a state of spiritual dependency for extended periods, while others can discern for themselves without relying on authority. The crucial factor for true spiritual understanding, regardless of claimed spirituality or business acumen, is an entity's sensitivity to others' needs, their capacity for service, and their ability to love and serve.

Cosmic Awareness further comments that while the Unitarian church may not stress worship as much as service, its general teachings tend to put into action the principles taught by Jesus and other spiritual teachers. In contrast, many churches focus on worship and devotion to the teacher rather than the teachings themselves.

Paths of Spiritual Development

This section elaborates on three paths of spiritual development previously discussed: service and devotion, suffering, and alchemy. The path of suffering is described as the slowest and most painful way of learning, while the path of service and devotion is a more speedy route. Devotion creates an attitude that leads to service, and service goes beyond devotion by putting it into action. Alchemy is presented as a route that moves beyond service, involving changing one's level of consciousness to reach greater understanding through universal forces, empathy, love, rituals, symbology, and faith. Changes in consciousness through alchemy naturally lead to service.

The Significance of the Catholic Church Abandoning the Latin Ritual

This section addresses a question from R.E., referencing Max Heindel, a Rosicrucian seer, who predicted that the Roman Catholic Church would lose members if it abandoned its Latin ritual due to its effects on the etheric and astral body. The question asks about the implications of recent changes, such as transposing Latin rituals into native languages, for the predicted demise of old organized religions.

Cosmic Awareness explains that these changes take away mystery and tradition, removing the connection to the 'Aka-chord root origin' of teachings. The power and energy tied to the past through tradition create a suggestive force that, through repetition, has a hypnotic effect on the collective consciousness of followers. However, these changes can also free entities by allowing them to understand, filter, and discern meanings more clearly. Entities who repeat rituals without understanding must accept them on faith, fearing punishment for disbelief. When words, meanings, and mystery are clarified, entities have the opportunity to examine rituals without reliance on belief, affecting their consciousness levels. This process allows entities to become aware rather than being forced to believe without question.

Why Don't Popes Appear in Psychic Seances?

This question, posed by W.S. of Auburn, Washington, asks why popes from the past are never heard speaking through psychic mediums.

Cosmic Awareness states that while this may have occurred in various situations, it has not been widely publicized. The appeal of hearing from a pope through a medium is suggested to be less than that of general channeling, and the principle involved might conflict with the interests of a good Catholic. The appeal to the masses would not be great, thus not receiving much commercial attention. While some entities recall experiences or receive messages claiming to be from popes, these are sometimes tricks of imagination, though rarely, actual messages may occur. The majority of popes, it is stated, do not concern themselves with communicating through spirit mediums.

Does Cosmic Awareness Feel the Agony and Ecstasies of Life?

This final question asks if Cosmic Awareness experiences human emotions like agony and ecstasy, or if it only acts as a reflector of God.

Cosmic Awareness clarifies that it does feel the agonies of each entity and understands them as personal. It states that no entity suffers alone, as Cosmic Awareness experiences totally with such entities. It also indicates that entities sometimes leave their bodies when suffering becomes too great, and this suffering is experienced by Cosmic Awareness on an unconscious level by the entity. Even that which is termed 'unconscious' is part of Cosmic Awareness. It permeates all things, including that which appears dead, likening it to moisture within a rock in the ocean. Life and consciousness permeate everything. Each entity is essentially part of Cosmic Awareness, and the suffering experienced is felt by Cosmic Awareness, brought about by feelings of alienation, separation, resistance, hostility, and individuality opposing surrender to the All. In the highest sense, Cosmic Awareness does not suffer, but through all its parts, the living organisms, it suffers and enjoys. It experiences relationships through live energies and forms, recognizing that in a higher sense, there is no division, only oneness, which is the totality of life.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of spirituality, the efficacy and role of organized religion, and the individual's journey toward higher consciousness. The editorial stance, as conveyed by Cosmic Awareness, emphasizes personal discernment, the importance of service and love, and the interconnectedness of all beings. It suggests that while traditional religious structures may serve some, true spiritual understanding comes from within and through empathetic connection with others. The publication appears to advocate for a more direct, experiential approach to spirituality over blind adherence to dogma or ritual.