Thelema Revisited: A Critique

[ashkosis]

I am posting this for two reasons: lots of people seem to think I'm still a Thelemite and I wanted to explain why I no longer am. I have no interest in insulting anyone and I am happy for all those who find Thelema to be rewarding. At the moment, I don't have much time for drama, so I'm only willing to reply to thoughtful, even-handed comments.

Comments

Keep on Topic

[panshiva]

I'm questioning your seemingly materialistic rejection of Magick, not your investment in the efficacy of mind/body therapies.

I'm also calling to terms the seemingly materialistic assumption built into your frames of Science you are using to make that rejection.

"You are further making the logical error of arguing based on assumed motivation. You don't really know my feelings about Thelema or my internal experiences regarding it, so using such invented claims (such as saying I am "prejudiced") again does nothing to counter my analysis"

All I've got is your LJ and the post/counter posts you've made in your cases. That's your digital trail, and regardless, there is a thread and common theme of a person wrestling in the existential midst of metanoia.

If that's a "logical error" so be it. You're putting alot of energy into shifting worldview tracks and then rationalizing why the old way "Doesn't work for you."

What's frustrating about this is that you're trying to use "Science" as the "high ground" but as I've said before in your rejection of material that may challenge your usage of this term, you're not really being scientific, but more scientistic in your approach.

Re: Keep on Topic

[ashkosis]

Mark, I'm sorry, but you aren't saying anything new. You are still making arguments by offering assumptions about my attitudes and internal experience. You still claim that science supports your beliefs but then criticize science when it rejects your beliefs. I admire your persistence, but it's getting old.

I admitted that I've made an epistemological choice and I've explained why I've made it. While I am convinced of the efficacy of the scientific method, I am open to new models of reality when adequate evidence arrives. I'm ready for our understanding of the world to change, even if that involves ESP or spirits, but I demand evidence that is observable, repeatable, and predictable. I'm not going to compromise that standard just because certain claims can't live up to it.