I originally began writing this as a personal letter but as I continued writing I realized that it might help others.
The IDLetter is composed of the following basic parts:
- Spirituality in General
- The Spiritual approach to fully knowing God (Indwelling of the Spirit and Christian Mysticism).
- The preparatory work needed along the way (Death of ego and the carnal man).
- Following the path.
- Christian faith traditions overview
Spirituality requires hard consistent work. It’s not a group or institutionalized thing although spiritual people can and are involved in both. Spirituality can be practiced in most traditions as long as you recognize the particular traditions limitations.
I don’t claim to be a subject matter expert and have not had the unitive experience described in the letter. I’m probably on rung 2 of a tall ladder.
Christian Mysticism is NOT a new age thing, in fact it dates back to the time of Christ. The word mystic conjures up all sorts of things in the mind until you sit down and study it. The spiritual path described involves the things you normally think about but at a deeper level. Prayer, watchfulness, charity, service, etc. These, if practiced sincerely will lead to an increased indwelling of the Spirit.
Mysticism however also includes one very important addition, contemplation. Mystical experience for the few, occurs during the practice of contemplation, and it’s there that you can connect unitively with God. Few make it to that point, but it is available, and the path leading to it is accompanied by growth regardless of how far you take it.
When I was an active LDS member I remember hearing vague things about allowing God into my heart. It’s been 15 years now, and I know things have changed, but at that time there were few clues on how to achieve the indwelling of the Spirit. Doing so now is a significant priority for me.
While that’s being worked on the foundation must be cleansed so the mansion can be built.
Mortification is the process of giving up attachments to things of the carnal man, especially the ego. It’s giving up lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride. Only after these have been eradicated can the soul progress to God.
It can seem discouraging, but there’s a metaphysical reason behind it all. Every one of the “sins” mentioned result from prioritizing self over God. I want this, I want that. “I” am a superhero.
God says He wants to live in our temple, but to do so we need to make room for Him, and there’s no room for God if we’re filled with self. I don’t think this is metaphorical.
None of this is new. These principles have been practiced for centuries because they work. They don’t depend on any church and are mostly compatible with every church.
A major problem is that most churches are creatures of the world, literally and many in one way or the other play to “self.”
The old spiritual masters had none of this nonsense. They spoke the truth about denial of self and how to truly commune with God.
Thank you for your time.