Theos-Talk Archives (April 1999 Message tl00001)

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There is an interesting article by William Greer in the Theosophy World
#34, April 1, 1999 (Part I), titled 

"IS THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY AN ADDICTIVE ORGANIZATION?".

In it, Greer writes:

<paraindent><param>left</param>In the case of the Theosophical Society,
it seems quite probable

that its continued addictive behavior will result in two profound

changes in its membership: 1) It will lose those who would be

most likely to bring about meaningful and positive change. 2) It

will retain and even elevate those who will engage in further

addiction and eventual destruction.

The Theosophical Society appears to be at a crossroad in its

evolution and in its prosperity. It is faced with issues of

vital significance to its future. These are not new problems,

but they are growing and are demanding attention. If the

pathology proposed in this article rings true, if the

Theosophical is behaving in an addictive mode, will it -- like an

addict -- be given yet another ineffectual "fix," only to remain

mired in its Victorian stupor. Or will it throw off the

self-imposed fetters of obsolete custom and enter the 21st

century as a more responsive vehicle for transformative change --

an organization in touch with the times, not adamantly and

self-righteously behind them."

</paraindent>====================================

Greer, has very comprehensively addressed the problems that seem to face
TS.  I think anyone who is interested in theosophy and survival of  TS
should read it.

The issue of addressing  what can be done to energize and vitalize the TS
has been discussed several times in the theos maillists over the last
several years.

One of the questions that has been come up is:

<paraindent><param>left</param>What is the long term plan and targets and
the strategy and tactics? when I say long term, it can be 10 -20 years.
The organization does not seem to be growing. Has anyone seen any
blueprint? At least I have not.

</paraindent>mkr