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noxlux |
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Post subject: High school teacher's questions about Crowley
Posted: Nov 01, 2008 - 01:50 AM
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Joined: Jun 23, 2007
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Howdy,
I work at a state funded school. Amusingly I got to teach religion this year.
And in the book we are using there are a couple of pages on satanism, two of them devoted to Crowley.
It claims that Crowley during a dream 1896 got the message that he could rule the world with magic.
from the secret chiefs he later got appointed as world teacher.
One secret chief - Aiwass - dictated the book of the law 1904 in egypt. According to this law there is no law beyond do what you will. Will is a cosmic force which is nearly magical.
During large parts of his life Crowley experimented with expanding his consciousness and changing the sex drive with drugs.
The view on weak is very clear in the book of the law:
"We have nothing with the outcasts and those who are inferior. Let them die in their misery. They have no feelings. Compassion is the plight of kings: trample the condemned and weak - this is the law of the strong: this is our law and the joy of the world."
Crowleys supporters use the internet to recruit new followers. The message supplied is not so much about satan as about recreating oneself with magic. They do not wish to call themselves satanists, but prefer the term magicians. Follow your own way and use your free will. With will you will go far is the message.
----
I find this is pretty cool for a schoolbook. I would love comments about how accurate YOU find what I have paraphrased above. ESPECIALLY about the view of weak people as described by the book of the law - is this how YOU view weak people?
(Of course similar quotes from the bible are NOT used in the book - instead the christian religion is just about love.)
----
Even if I have some ideas about this myself as a result of having studied crowleys books myself, as a teacher I would REALLY APPRECIATE your input.
Thnaks
Luxluxlux |
_________________ Phnglui mglw'nafl Cthulhu r'lyeh w'gah nagl fhtagn!
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mal |
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Post subject: Re: High school teacher's questions about Crowley
Posted: Nov 01, 2008 - 02:07 AM
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Joined: Dec 26, 2006
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93
noxlux wrote: › I would love comments about how accurate YOU find what I have paraphrased above. ESPECIALLY about the view of weak people as described by the book of the law - is this how YOU view weak people?
In most instances, speaking for myself, I find this inspirational quote from aL is referring to the admonishment of the weak parts of oneself.
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shangren |
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Post subject: Re: High school teacher's questions about Crowley
Posted: Nov 01, 2008 - 07:22 AM
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noxlux wrote: › I would love comments about how accurate YOU find what I have paraphrased above. ESPECIALLY about the view of weak people as described by the book of the law
93,
Well, for one thing the quotation from The Book of the Law is incorrect...
Love=Law
- Shangren |
_________________ "The many adore you, but have you really any reason for pride when you are the type of person that the many understand?"
- Seneca
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Draconuit |
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Post subject: RE: Re: High school teacher
Posted: Nov 02, 2008 - 07:41 PM
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Joined: Dec 30, 2007
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Location: U.K.
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I agree with Mal on this point. That the section dealing with the weak, etc; is meant as as a pointer
to a weeding out of undesirable elements of The Psyche.
Liber Al is, as it states, written with four levels of meaning. |
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IAO131 |
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Post subject: Re: High school teacher's questions about Crowley
Posted: Nov 03, 2008 - 01:16 AM
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Joined: Nov 09, 2007
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noxlux wrote: › Howdy,
I work at a state funded school. Amusingly I got to teach religion this year.
And in the book we are using there are a couple of pages on satanism, two of them devoted to Crowley.
Cool.
Quote: › It claims that Crowley during a dream 1896 got the message that he could rule the world with magic.
Im not really aware of this but it could be true - its more likely that Crowley experienced the 'Trance of Sorrow' (disillusionment with all possible earthly accomplishments) which led him to seek out Secret Knowledge and secret socities.
Quote: › from the secret chiefs he later got appointed as world teacher.
He does claim this essentially - he claims to be both the World Teacher and the Logos itself.
Quote: › One secret chief - Aiwass - dictated the book of the law 1904 in egypt. According to this law there is no law beyond do what you will. Will is a cosmic force which is nearly magical.
Yes, although its "There is no law beyond Do what thou wilt." 'Will' might be called a 'cosmic force' although it has the implication of the individual's path/motion. Why one would call it 'nearly magical' Im not sure - it really depends on your definition of 'magical.' Some identify it with the law of the universe itself, the life-force, etc. which are entirely naturalistic ideas.
Quote: › During large parts of his life Crowley experimented with expanding his consciousness and changing the sex drive with drugs.
True.
Quote: › The view on weak is very clear in the book of the law:
"We have nothing with the outcasts and those who are inferior. Let them die in their misery. They have no feelings. Compassion is the plight of kings: trample the condemned and weak - this is the law of the strong: this is our law and the joy of the world."
This is a misquotation from Liber AL II:21 which is: "21. We have nothing with the outcast and the unfit: let them die in their misery. For they feel not. Compassion is the vice of kings: stamp down the wretched & the weak: this is the law of the strong: this is our law and the joy of the world. Think not, o king, upon that lie: That Thou Must Die: verily thou shalt not die, but live. Now let it be understood: If the body of the King dissolve, he shall remain in pure ecstasy for ever. Nuit! Hadit! Ra-Hoor-Khuit! The Sun, Strength & Sight, Light; these are for the servants of the Star & the Snake."
Many people will and ahve said that this applies to stamping down the internal weak parts of one's own psyche. This is certainly true but I honestly do not think this is the end of it. (Draconuit: If there are 4 interpretations of every line, what about the other 3 interpretations? ) The real question comes down to this: THERE IS NO LAW BEYOND DO WHAT THOU WILT. Most people would claim that stamping down people they see as weak is not part of their Will - that being said, its not outlawed in any sense. Thelema is unique in that it challenges many of our preconceptions, especially about morality.
Quote: › Crowleys supporters use the internet to recruit new followers. The message supplied is not so much about satan as about recreating oneself with magic. They do not wish to call themselves satanists, but prefer the term magicians. Follow your own way and use your free will. With will you will go far is the message.
Crowley's supporters dont really recruit with the internet, its usually done in person, at least with the OTO. They call themselves 'Thelemites' which is a term from Liber AL itself. 'Following your own way' is essentially the message - whether hte Will is free or not is another question
Quote: › I find this is pretty cool for a schoolbook. I would love comments about how accurate YOU find what I have paraphrased above. ESPECIALLY about the view of weak people as described by the book of the law - is this how YOU view weak people?
It matters how you define weak really. Physically weak people arent really a strain on me - people like Steven Hawking, Helen Keller, and Beethoven are/were all physically disabled in some way yet all assets to civilization. Intellectual weakness is a real problem - the ability to take criticism without getting angry is a sign of intellectual strength, for example.
Quote: › (Of course similar quotes from the bible are NOT used in the book - instead the christian religion is just about love.)
Thats what they keep telling me...
IAO131 |
_________________ (website) (myspace) (LJ)
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Walterfive |
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Post subject: Re: High school teacher's questions about Crowley
Posted: Nov 03, 2008 - 05:51 PM
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Joined: Jun 08, 2005
Posts: 496
Location: 13th Floor Elevator, Enron Hubbard Bldg. Houston, Texxas
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noxlux wrote: › Howdy,
I find this is pretty cool for a schoolbook. I would love comments about how accurate YOU find what I have paraphrased above. ESPECIALLY about the view of weak people as described by the book of the law - is this how YOU view weak people?
(Of course similar quotes from the bible are NOT used in the book - instead the christian religion is just about love.)
----
Even if I have some ideas about this myself as a result of having studied crowleys books myself, as a teacher I would REALLY APPRECIATE your input.
Thnaks
Luxluxlux
Howdy!
(Where are you at that *you* say "howdy?")
Pretty cool for a school book, yes-- it certainly wouldn't get selected in the State of Texas.
Well, I'm suprised that we got any copy at all, but as it's been pointed out, there's plenty wrong with the copy we got. The "quotes" are mere paraphrases, and are wrong. Thelema is misrepresented as a philosophy of pure licenciousness, and not of disciplined indulgence. It's about the parameters-- my right to do my Will ends where your property and your safety begins. I have no right to endanger your safety, or to destroy or abscond with that which is yours as the the result of the the fruits of your labors or other means (such as inheritance, or gifting, or sales).
However, I'll disagree with the previous apologists who try to imply that the verse from Chapter II, verse 21 is somehow about weeding out undesirable parts of one's own psyche. I take it pretty much at face value, and refuse to help those who will not help themselves, or are incapable of taking control of their own lives-- tough love, the therapists call it. I won't have a hand in enabling their dysfunction, addiction, or self-induced slavery.
Certainly Stephen Hawkins and Helen Keller *took* control of their own lives, and hardly fall into this category. The courage and fortitude it takes for any person with a handicap to function however minimally in this society is to be admired and encouraged. Theirs is an uphill battle.
But I do agree with IAO131 when he says "Thelema is unique in that it challenges many of our preconceptions, especially about morality." I am personally still trying to get a grip on the concept that "exposure of innocence is a lie," for example.
YMMV, as they say. |
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Camlion |
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Post subject: Re: High school teacher's questions about Crowley
Posted: Nov 03, 2008 - 06:07 PM
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Walterfive wrote: › However, I'll disagree with the previous apologists who try to imply that the verse from Chapter II, verse 21 is somehow about weeding out undesirable parts of one's own psyche. I take it pretty much at face value, and refuse to help those who will not help themselves, or are incapable of taking control of their own lives-- tough love, the therapists call it. I won't have a hand in enabling their dysfunction, addiction, or self-induced slavery.
Walterfive is quite correct, as I see it. Freedom is only one half the Thelemic equation, the other half being independence. Those that will not accept independence, be it from gods or governments or what-have-you, have voluntarily enslaved themselves. |
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Boris |
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 03, 2008 - 08:34 PM
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| If Aiwass by II21 wanted to tell us to trample on the weaker part of ourself he sure picked a overcomplicated and confusing way of saying it! Also I would never trample on a part of myself, be it labelled strong or weak. Seriously with this attitude to what you consider weaker part of yourself you should be weary of not just shutting your eyes to them and thinking you are rid of them. I personally read the paragraph as a comment and critique on buddhism, which Crowley was devoted to when he recieved the book. Enlightenment and Work breeds (atleast in my experience, and according to the buddhists) enourmous amounts of compassion, and just therefore it is the vice of kings (the enligtened)and not everyman. It's a warning, taken to far compassion becomes a hinderance to the will, the buddhisattvas are fools who give up their enlightenment in their compassion of the world. No one is really suffering nevertheless. Personally I've thankfully remembered the paragraph on several occasions in my life where my compassion for somone otherwise would have lead me astray. |
_________________ I like to take I like to feel wanted.
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Draconuit |
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 03, 2008 - 11:56 PM
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I was attempting to be politically correct.
My physical brother went to Oxford, and works in Londons golden mile: He's bought a £4 million =
$8 million, and pays 44 per cent tax. I retired aged 36, and get whatever I need for my work.
I got given a crimson car with space for my dogs and a '93' numberplate recently.
Young boys do literally dance for me in the marketplace, where I gather my incense and copious morphine prescription.
Most incarnate forms seem to have pig-meat for brains, Angels peering through them as telescopes.
The local Voodouns are those most in attunement with me-Thelema.
The slaves serve well, in this world and others, to be honest. One does rather enjoy the English
politically correct clowns mask, however. It serves me well.
The four levels of meaning, IAO131; to preach my dogmatic viewpoint, silver, gold, dew, sparks:
seem to relate to the four worlds.
Thats all you're getting.
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ianrons |
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 04, 2008 - 12:18 AM
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noxlux,
I find it rather disturbing that you think it "pretty cool" to characterise Crowley as a Satanist, which of course he wasn't; especially if you work with children and are yourself a follower of Crowley.
Can you please give the title and author of this book so we can judge for ourselves, rather than reply to your paraphrasing? |
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Draconuit |
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 04, 2008 - 12:26 AM
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OOPS! Terribly sorry; poor phrasing.
I meant: My brothers £4million house; that he and other materialists pay my, really rather decent
pension, that I spend all all of my time studying and practising Higher Magick, in a jolly decent,
to my mind, section of London; Such is as is. |
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Draconuit |
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 04, 2008 - 12:28 AM
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| That confused matters:- NOXLUX is not referring to Draconuits 2 parter. |
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Draconuit |
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 04, 2008 - 12:32 AM
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mal |
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 06, 2008 - 02:28 AM
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The Priest comments 'Those who discuss the contents of this Book are to be shunned by all, as centers of pestilence.
All questions of the Law are to be decided only by appeal to my writings, each for himself."
A servant obeys....
I spoke hastily with my earlier post on this thread. I should have been more thorough.
IAO131 wrote: › stamping down people they see as weak is not part of their Will - that being said, its not outlawed in any sense Are you sure about that? A person who sees an adversary as weak implies they are superior.
Every man and every woman is a star.
By seeing an adversary as weak, not only do you disrespect their abilities and underestimate them, you set yourself up to become their prey.
Walterfive wrote: › refuse to help those who will not help themselves, or are incapable of taking control of their own lives
Isn't what you are saying here accomplished by admonishing those parts of yourself that would incite you to help those you suggest?
Boris wrote: › Also I would never trample on a part of myself, be it labelled strong or weak. then you say...
Boris wrote: › Personally I've thankfully remembered the paragraph on several occasions in my life where my compassion for somone otherwise would have lead me astray. Boris, aren't you saying here, you "trampled on a part of" yourself? Namely your compassion.
Also Boris, if you were specifically referring to my post in your reply, I suggest, in a friendly way, you acquire yourself a dictionary. Admonishment is not trampling. |
_________________ they that see thee shall fear thou art fallen
-Legis II:53
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Boris |
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 06, 2008 - 03:20 PM
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mal wrote: ›
Boris, aren't you saying here, you "trampled on a part of" yourself? Namely your compassion.
I wouldn't say so no, but you are welcome to do so yourself. Nor would I consider my compassion a week or wretched part of myself. The phrase in the book is "stamp down the wretched & the weak". |
_________________ I like to take I like to feel wanted.
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AM |
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 06, 2008 - 03:54 PM
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My Suggestions, to Noxlux,
I think you may enjoy, taking a read through the book, "The Law Is For All".
The questions you ask, (or have been asked) should be cleared up from Crowley himself, in that book, (which is a commentary on Liber AL).
Also, I may refer you to Liber 2 which can be found as a .pdf file, many places on the interenet these days. It deals with some concerns which had made their way back to Crowley, upon the meaning of, Will.
I hope this will help you with the class on religion and the presentation and discussions, of the class. having not read the textbook myself, it seems that the focus is somewhat off from acomplishing the Great Work. Also I note that the HGA matter, is missing from the paraphrase you present. I would think that any reliable asessment on Thelema would certainly include that material.
Many false impressions and outright fabrications are floating around, 'out there" about what Thelema is and is not. I have seen all sorts of this material originating from many fundamental sources. Most of this amounts to unresearched statements which are passed around from one so called source to another. These vague and unknown sources are a huge problem. I may note that christian writings are not the only ones doing this, I have seen this same method coming from fundamantal muslims too.
The selections dealing with the weak, are the same way that nature operates, or possibly what may be called the weeding of the gene pool. To preserve the unfit one is actually allowing (or encouraging) the weker genes to remain and multiply. This in the end will breed in poor health and all sorts of other less than desireable traits into the human race. The result is more suffering, weak and unfit people. I think this is the situation which is being warned against. As a man of science, I cannot find a reliable argument against this. Of course I do not advocate killing people, but there is a merit in the concept.
I congratulate you in your presentation of various religions to the student community, and your seemingly fair representation, desires in presenting material. |
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mal |
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 06, 2008 - 05:58 PM
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Boris wrote: › I wouldn't say so no This reads as if you are not really sure. Could you please elaborate upon what you mean?
Boris wrote: › Nor would I consider my compassion a week or wretched part of myself. Nor would I.
Boris wrote: › The phrase in the book is "stamp down the wretched & the weak". I've often thought this was phrased as a indicator of a whole lot of attitude. |
_________________ they that see thee shall fear thou art fallen
-Legis II:53
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Boris |
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 07, 2008 - 03:46 PM
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mal wrote: ›
This reads as if you are not really sure. Could you please elaborate upon what you mean?
I am detemined, I was just adopting your language (aren't you saying here..") and giving you the right to interpret the book as you please and in your own therms. I wouldn't use that language to describe the process, you may. It is none of my business and rude of me to tell you how to interpret the book. Also I think I've said what I have to say on the subject. |
_________________ I like to take I like to feel wanted.
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mal |
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 07, 2008 - 03:59 PM
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OK, you are determined .........about what now?
Boris wrote: › I wouldn't use that language to describe the process, you may. It is none of my business and rude of me to tell you how to interpret the book.
Indeed one may use any language they like to describe the process, there is no need for you reiterate that concept. I suspect, this statement of yours was meant as a blind to disguise your ignorance of your own processes.
Boris wrote: › Also I think I've said what I have to say on the subject
Of the veracity of this statement of yours, at the present time, I have little doubt. |
_________________ they that see thee shall fear thou art fallen
-Legis II:53
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 07, 2008 - 04:10 PM
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I felt a bit concerned about ths thread, and needed to at least raise some points.
Noxlux, how old are the children you are supposed to be "teaching" here exactly?
How would you be able to explain aspects of Crowley's practice to children without bringing questions of integrity to yourself or causing concern for the school and the childrens parents?
And has a final note why do you think its your responsibility to "teach" Thelema has a "religion" when clearly even that label isnt set in stone? |
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Boris |
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 07, 2008 - 05:02 PM
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mal wrote: › I suspect, this statement of yours was meant as a blind to disguise your ignorance of your own processes.
Either that or its lazyness, you deside. Your aguement suggest, to me, that by invoking Geburah one tramples on Chesed and shuns it as something weak. That's an idea that don't hold any relevance in my mind, it may to you or you may or may not see is a st such. I don't see the fruit in the discussion and suspect our disagreement to be merely a trifle of language. Also please don't consider yourself in postion to comment on my work and understanding without reading my journal, that's rude if anything is. |
_________________ I like to take I like to feel wanted.
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Camlion |
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 07, 2008 - 05:04 PM
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hawthornrussell wrote: › I felt a bit concerned about ths thread, and needed to at least raise some points.
Noxlux, how old are the children you are supposed to be "teaching" here exactly?
How would you be able to explain aspects of Crowley's practice to children without bringing questions of integrity to yourself or causing concern for the school and the childrens parents?
And has a final note why do you think its your responsibility to "teach" Thelema has a "religion" when clearly even that label isnt set in stone?
Further to these clarifications, I've been a bit concerned about this thread, as well. It would seem to me not so important to teach about Crowley as an object of either history or religion, at all. Wouldn't it be far more productive to assist each child to know and do their true Will? How do you approach this aspect of your responsibility as a teacher of children, noxlux? |
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Boris |
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 07, 2008 - 05:09 PM
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hawthornrussell wrote: ›
And has a final note why do you think its your responsibility to "teach" Thelema has a "religion" when clearly even that label isnt set in stone?
There's a holy book, a prophet and a system of magick and mysticism attached to it. I really don't see how anyone in the field of history or science of religion would have any doubts or expect any reactions labeling it as such. |
_________________ I like to take I like to feel wanted.
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mal |
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 07, 2008 - 05:12 PM
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| [quote="Boris"] mal wrote: › Also please don't consider yourself in postion to comment on my work and understanding without reading my journal, that's rude if anything is.
You are posting on a public forum. People may comment on what you say. No one cares if you think this is rude. |
_________________ they that see thee shall fear thou art fallen
-Legis II:53
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Boris |
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 07, 2008 - 05:22 PM
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mal wrote: ›
You are posting on a public forum. People may comment on what you say. No one cares if you think this is rude.
You may, I am pointing out that by doing such you are with water over your head and am asking you not to. And hey, some might care  |
_________________ I like to take I like to feel wanted.
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mal |
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 07, 2008 - 05:25 PM
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| make it rain. |
_________________ they that see thee shall fear thou art fallen
-Legis II:53
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the_real_simon_iff |
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Post subject: Re: High school teacher's questions about Crowley
Posted: Nov 07, 2008 - 05:36 PM
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noxlux wrote: › Follow your own way and use your free will. With will you will go far is the message.
93, Noxlux!
I don't envy you.
I would find it appropriate to start your lessons with asking why following your own will would be seen as "satanic" in a Christian society which demands to follow someone else's will, i.e. God's will. If you manage to teach your pupils to think for themselves, you will probably achieve more than simply trying to defend Thelema or even explain it. They should take nothing at face value, and the cryptic parts of Liber AL are still as unexplained as the cryptic parts of the Bible. I guess you will not manage to whitewash Crowley, organized Christianity is totally incompatible with Thelemic thoughts. Crowley's personality is too complex to access during an hour a week, but I guess one can agree that he was an explorer. He wanted to know and experience for himself, not to believe anything blindly. He acknowledged the influences of psychology, biochemics, society, history etc. on our reality tunnels and showed ways of how we can redesign these tunnels. He certainly found that others had being doing this for centuries and millenia and were equally regarded as heretics and satanists. This is natural in a Christian society. Our "civilized" western world is so intertwined with Christian concepts and moralities, that most people are afraid that overthrowing them will lead to anarchy, immorality and the reign of Satan. From a Christian perspective that's correct, but seen from outside it will be a liberation for humanity. I also would recommend to point out the dangers to embrace certain elements of Liber AL blindly and without guarding, because I am sure there are real dangers, especially for children and teenagers.
Well, as I said, I don't envy you and I hope you can correct your text book at least a little. Why not start with other quotes from the book?
Love=Law
Lutz |
_________________ "Economic pressure is destroying the ideal of the family; and the craze for pleasure is both eating away the health of the individual and mortgaging the future of the state. - What other remedy than this: the Law of Thelema?"
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IAO131 |
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Post subject:
Posted: Nov 07, 2008 - 06:38 PM
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Joined: Nov 09, 2007
Posts: 465
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mal wrote: ›
IAO131 wrote: › stamping down people they see as weak is not part of their Will - that being said, its not outlawed in any sense Are you sure about that? A person who sees an adversary as weak implies they are superior.
Every man and every woman is a star.
By seeing an adversary as weak, not only do you disrespect their abilities and underestimate them, you set yourself up to become their prey.
I disagree. Every person is a star but all men are not created equal in their physical and mental abilities - that is clear to me. Further, this only applies if you base 'superiority' on strength and weakness. One can easily say, 'yes this child is certainly weaker and less knowledgeable than I but I am not superior in any kind of objective or absolute sense.' One can say 'weeds are not superior to flowers in any kind of absolute sense but I wish to have a garden of flowers and therefore I must root out these wretched weeds mercilessly.'
IAO131 |
_________________ (website) (myspace) (LJ)
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Camlion |
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Post subject: Re: High school teacher's questions about Crowley
Posted: Nov 07, 2008 - 06:39 PM
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Joined: Apr 23, 2004
Posts: 1275
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
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the_real_simon_iff wrote: › noxlux wrote: › Follow your own way and use your free will. With will you will go far is the message.
93, Noxlux!
I don't envy you.
I would find it appropriate to start your lessons with asking why following your own will would be seen as "satanic" in a Christian society which demands to follow someone else's will, i.e. God's will. If you manage to teach your pupils to think for themselves, you will probably achieve more than simply trying to defend Thelema or even explain it. They should take nothing at face value, and the cryptic parts of Liber AL are still as unexplained as the cryptic parts of the Bible. I guess you will not manage to whitewash Crowley, organized Christianity is totally incompatible with Thelemic thoughts. Crowley's personality is too complex to access during an hour a week, but I guess one can agree that he was an explorer. He wanted to know and experience for himself, not to believe anything blindly. He acknowledged the influences of psychology, biochemics, society, history etc. on our reality tunnels and showed ways of how we can redesign these tunnels. He certainly found that others had being doing this for centuries and millenia and were equally regarded as heretics and satanists. This is natural in a Christian society. Our "civilized" western world is so intertwined with Christian concepts and moralities, that most people are afraid that overthrowing them will lead to anarchy, immorality and the reign of Satan. From a Christian perspective that's correct, but seen from outside it will be a liberation for humanity. I also would recommend to point out the dangers to embrace certain elements of Liber AL blindly and without guarding, because I am sure there are real dangers, especially for children and teenagers.
Well, as I said, I don't envy you and I hope you can correct your text book at least a little. Why not start with other quotes from the book?
Love=Law
Lutz
In extremely delicate circumstances such as this school scenario, the discrete omission of Crowley's name from the message of Thelema is often most appropriate - and is certainly just as effective without the distraction of negative connotation. |
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IAO131 |
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Post subject: Re: High school teacher's questions about Crowley
Posted: Nov 07, 2008 - 06:43 PM
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Joined: Nov 09, 2007
Posts: 465
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the_real_simon_iff wrote: ›
I would find it appropriate to start your lessons with asking why following your own will would be seen as "satanic" in a Christian society which demands to follow someone else's will, i.e. God's will.
Im not sure starting your teachings with a reaction to something else (X-tianity in this case) would be very effective or profitable. Secondly, one can maintain the notion of 'God's will' without telling someone they are following 'someone else's will.' The difference is that Thelema might not impose on you what God's will is and tells you to figure out your own unique expression of it whereas other religions dictate what God's will is quite rigidly. In our case eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good & Evil is the beginning of initiation & liberation, not the Fall of man from disobedience.
IAO131 |
_________________ (website) (myspace) (LJ)
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