Theos-Talk Archives (May 1996 Message tl00162)

>I would say that Theosophy can be defined as that  "universal religious
>philosophy."
	Dan, there is religion, and there is religion.  Theosophy,
like Magic and Occultism, address our religious aspirations, and
in that way form a living religion in the American Indian sense.
My objection come when we start institutionalizing it as such.
When we set up individuals as "priests" by whatever name, than
we have lost the living religion that the MLs and HPB refer to.  So
too when we set up certain writings as being biblical.  It is
wrong to look at the MLs, or the SD as biblical canon, where
every word is inspired and true.  To do this will lead down a
very dark path.   Quotes, such as the ones you have provided,
are excellent to allow us to see where you are coming from.  But
as a theosophist, I don't feel any compulsion on my part to accept
them literally as written.  These very same authors also said that
religion is the cause of most of man's problems.

>Those who are interested in the original materials written by HPB and the
>Masters, should consult for example, *The Key to Theosophy* and *The
>Mahatma Letters*.  Also consult the index (Volume 15) to HPB's
>*Collected Writings*.
	This is very close to being condescending.  Or is this your
library background speaking?

	Jerry S.
	Member, TI