22.2.09

The practical teaching of mystical union with Christ

It seems to me the main difficulty or problem to solve with Christianity is to keep Jesus in focus as the main thing while at the same time doing it practically. I.e. making that a practical thing.

Most Christians are lost in this impractical, abstract devotion.

Doctrine is practical. That is one thing. Federal Theology such as can be found in Manual of Christian Doctrine by Louis Berkhof is practical, and knowing it is practical understanding and armour of God against the wiles and attacks and temptations and illusions and general assaults of the devil.

But for practice of the faith Christians are generally lost. The language of the Work, found in the main books of Ouspensky (Psychology of Man's Possible Evolution, Fourth Way, In Search of the Miraculous, each not written in Christian language intentionally), gives a practical approach. It's not for everybody, but it is for those who need it and can value it.

A philosophic or theoretical devotion is not the faith.

A sentimental devotion isn't either.

A physical approach is not the faith either.

Connection to Jesus as objective consciousness: the Four States of Consciousness: 1) head-on-pillow sleep; 2) waking sleep; 3) self-consciousness (self-remembering); 4) objective consciousness.

Connection to Jesus as Real Will is practical, potentially. At least we know the line of ascension to that unity: Imaginary 'I', Many 'I's, Magnetic Center, Observing I, Deputy Steward, Steward, Master (or, Real I). Behind Real I is God.

Connection to Jesus as understanding (from conscious influence): three levels of influences: A Influence, B Influence, and C Influence.

Objective consciousness, Real I (Real Will), and C Influence. Consciousness, Real Will, and Understanding. You become what you fear and revere. Fear and revere God and become like God. Recover more and more the Image of God that was lost within you (but not destroyed) at the fall.