1 result for (book:tps5 AND session:843 AND stemmed:end AND stemmed:never AND stemmed:justifi AND stemmed:mean)
[... 11 paragraphs ...]
There are indications of arms beneath the clothing—indications only. For you embrace the world through, say, inner devotions rather than exterior acts. The woman is alone, with many empty rooms behind her, signifying that you set yourself apart from the many worlds of commerce in your day—meaning social commerce—and that such an understanding can also bring loneliness.
[... 12 paragraphs ...]
There is a portion of each person that correlates with the meaning of that image.
[... 8 paragraphs ...]
Such systems distort the very nature of idealism by placing the ideal in such an exalted position that it can never be attained, for by giving up the self you have you are to attain instead a wholly pure, wholly loving, idealized, spiritual self. This self will love each other fellow being without reservations, distinctions, or judgment. This self is to miraculously appear as the old self is annihilated. The “annihilation” is accomplished by turning the will over to the authority. To act contrary to your own wishes or inclinations is considered a virtue. You are told not to make decisions, and to give yourself completely to the system of the cult.
[... 1 paragraph ...]
The group is always pitted against the world, which becomes its enemy. Paranoia reigns. Evidences of the world’s corruption are collected, and any proofs of man’s good intent begin to fade away. The end is seen as justifying the means. The hoped-for spiritual heaven on earth—in those terms (underlined) – is unattainable, of course.
The fundamentalist Christian groups, for all of their fanaticism, at least offer some kind of temporary relief for their believers; they are “saved” through prayer and good works. Many other sects, however, offer no such comfort, as for example the Guyana group. The concentration upon self-betrayal and worldly corruption offers no escape. Expression becomes meaningless under such conditions, not trusting the structure of the self, then the self’s expression is denied. It is feared. Yet the new self never comes—not the promised, overly idealized self that feels a godly love without distinctions. And all good works appear meaningless in the terribly exaggerated picture painted of social and world events.
[... 3 paragraphs ...]
End of session, unless you have questions.
[... 5 paragraphs ...]
End of session—
[... 5 paragraphs ...]