Theos-Talk Archives (July 1996 Message tl00715)

I just received the late summer edition (Volume 84, number 5) of The
American Theosophist (the organ of the ADAYR society in america.  I will
here present a letter and it's response listed under the title "FREEDOM OF
THOUGHT:"

"I have been quite impressed with the information that you greet new members
with.  It is a valuble job well done.  I have, however, heard a disturbing
rumor that the Society has and will censure people who engage in studies not
within the framework considered "Theosophy".  I hope I was misinformed.

EDITOR's COMMENT:  Indeed you were misinformed - misinformation being the
lifeblood of rumor.  There is a body of Theosophical teachings stemming from
H.P.Blavatsky and her teachers, and the Theosophical society makes that body
of teaching available. HOWEVER, NO THEOSOPHICAL TEACHING IS OBLIGATORY ON
ANY FELLOW OF THE SOCIETY, AND WHAT FELLOWS CHOOSE TO STUDY IS THEIR
DECISION ENTIRELY.

The general council (the international govorning board) of the Society has
made this fully clear in its resolution on "Freedom of thought" which is
published regularly in the ADAYR Theosophist ...Here is the resolution:

As The Theosophical Society has spread far and wide over the world, and as
members of all religions have become members of it without surrendering the
special dogmas, teachings, and beliefs of their respective faiths, it is
thought desirable to emphasize the fact that THERE IS NO DOCTORINE, NO
OPINION, BY WHOMSOEVER TAUGHT OR HELD, THAT IS IN ANY WAY TAUGHT OR HELD,
THAT IS IN ANY WAY BINDING ON ANY MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY, NONE WHICH ANY
MEMBER IS NOT FREE TO ACCEPT OR REJECT.  APPROVAL OF IT"S THREE OBJECTS IS
THE SOLE CONSIDERATION OF MEMBERSHIP.  No teacher or writer from
H.P.Blavatsky downwards, has any authority to impose his teachings or
opinions on members. Every member has an equal right to attach  himself to
any school of thouht which he may choose, but [no member or officer of the
society] HAS NO RIGHT TO FORCE HIS CHOICE ON ANY OTHER [MEMBER}..." 

This is the OFFICAL "Party Line" of the T.S.(ADAYR).  My question is, how
many of you believe it or have been treated in oposition to this position?
Here's a idea:  Why doesn't everyone who want's to test this position try
for membership and/or resinstatement in the ADAYR society.  If anyone was
"Removed", perhaps even ask for membership fees to be waived for a period of
time and then see what happens.  This is called "Lets kick the tires and
take it around the block for a spin." I'll organize if you'll participate.
I also heard of a meeting in Florada, whose entire membership might transfer
based on the above (If they aren't members already.)  Sound's to me like the
glove has been dropped, wouldn't you say?

         THERE IS NO RELIGION GREATER THAN TRUTH (Even "Core" Theosophy!)

                                        Regards,

                                   James Scott Yungkans, F.T.S.