Monday, March 31, 2008

Questioning and Mockery

So, I recently finished reading a book entitled The Secret History of the World, by Mark Booth. It's about what the early Mystery schools and modern-day secret societies (such as Freemasons and Rosicrucians) believe in regard to the creation and evolution of mankind, and on what is coming in the future. Booth initially makes the disclaimer that what he talks about in the book will seem very far-fetched and pretty crazy, and he's right about that. I have to say, I disagree with almost every single thing in the book.
There are two points, however, that I do agree with. One is in the very first chapter, and one is in the very last chapter.
First off, before there was time, there was no matter. For this reason, the creation of the universe could not have initially been a physical event. It had to have been something like a mental event. They call it a mind-before-matter universe. The great "cosmic mind" thought the universe into existence. Another way to say this..."In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters" (Genesis 1:1-2).
The other thing I agree with was a statement made by Booth in the closing chapter. Booth says "Beware, too, of teaching that doesn't invite questioning or tolerate mockery. It is telling you, in effect, that God wants you to be stupid." This statement doesn't have anything to do with theology, but any honest, humble Christian teacher would greatly encourage his students not to "check their brains at the door" and to question what they're taught. As Christ-followers, we should always be willing to ask questions about what our preachers and teachers tell us so that we can grow in our own faith and work out our salvation.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5).

2 comments:

Bill said...

Hal,
Good post!

As a Mason I have to tell you that there are a lot of people who claim to know masonry but don't. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons believe in the Holy Scriptures and that is the foundation and basis of the fraternity.

Hope the student teaching continues to be a good experience!
Bill

Eudoxus said...

For the record, Booth is not a Mason, nor is he a member of any Secret Society, but says that he has spoken intimately with members of these societies. I can not say that what he wrote in his book is all fact, as far as what members of those groups believe. I am just making notes of how I disagreed with his book, not necessarily with the Masons or other Societies. Hope there was no confusion.