Theos-Talk Archives (May 1996 Message tl00365)

I totally agree with what Rich says below.  Will be interesting to read
JRC's response.

Daniel

>Eldon, Liesel, and JRC wrote (in that order):
>
>> > >The idea of "universal brotherhood", under whatever
>> > >sanitized words we want to call it, *is a doctrine*.
>> >
>> > Eldon, Annie Besant says it's a fact, and I think if one looks around
>with
>> > an intuitive eye, one comes to the conclusion that she's right on.
>> >
>> Liesel ...
>>    **Excellent**
>>        -JRC
>
>Yes, to me it is also a fact.  But surely Eldon is right in pointing out that
>this "fact" is one of the "doctrines" of Theosophy, one doctrine among many
>others.
>
>It *is* curious to me why some people are so ready to accept this "doctrine"
>as a fact with no qualms, but reject other doctrines as "dogma."
>
>I'm not baiting for a fight, I'm genuinely curious.
>
>Also, JRC writes,
>
>>  It was not presented as simply one of many "doctrines" ... it
>> was presented as a spiritual truth, who's manifestation and incarnation
>> in human civilization they considered the single most important mission
>> for the Theosophical Society.
>
>But John -- I agree with you that it is a spiritual truth.  This is the
>definition of "doctrine," at least among the community of believers in that
>tradition.  I also firmly feel that "karma" is not a theory, it's a FACT.
> But others see it as a hypothesis, and others are quite sure karma is NOT a
>fact.  All could agree it is a Theosophical doctrine, whether or not they
>accept it.
>
>I also agree with you that it is no accident universal brotherhood is the
>FIRST Object, the single most important idea in Theosophy, and the one that
>the Adepts would have staked Their lives on.
>
>But it is still a "doctrine" which conceivably could (and daily IS) rejected
>by many.  The KKK are not alone in this.
>
>Why is it okay to say brotherhood is a fact, not a "doctrine" while other
>"doctrines" are "dogma"?
>
>All alike were taught by the Masters, even if you are right about the
>emphasis placed.
>
>