The Perennial Philosophy and Christianity — Further Development
A few weeks ago I wrote an article on the theme of my title. This was in response to an article by Medium writer Matthew, a Christian, who argued against the Perennial Philosophy, the idea that at their core (thus not at the outward layers) all religions are teaching the same truth. I defended the idea of the Perennial Philosophy (also known as the Ancient Wisdom), two key beliefs of which are the Great Chain of Being (the universe as a hierarchy of levels), and that consciousness is the fundamental reality (thus a philosophy of Idealism). Please refer to these articles if you require any further background information.
I promise that there is something important after the following obvious attempt at self-promotion. Treat it as a prelude to what comes after.
As my long-term followers will know, some of my core beliefs are:
- that a reunification of science and religion/spirituality is the way forward for humanity — this is part of what is sometimes called the new paradigm in science (my articles about this can be found here). I once gave a talk on this theme (a link to the transcript can be found here).
- that quantum physics is the key to this development, since it suggests a link between modern science and the Ancient Wisdom. I’ve written a long series of articles on that theme (there is a general guide here and the individual articles can also be found here — start at the bottom), and I’ve also given a talk (click here for the transcript).
- that the Perennial Philosophy is the true religion (or at least the best we have available), and could even be the key to solving political problems, because it suggests that all humanity, and indeed the universe, is one interconnected whole, something that most of humanity doesn’t recognise, certainly not our current leaders.
- that Christianity, even though it may appear not to be, should be one branch of the Perennial Philosophy. We should therefore seek a new Reformation in Christianity of which that should be a part (click here).
I’m writing this article now because there has been a significant development in these areas. Medium writer Geoff Ward has just published a new article. He focuses on reviewing new books that he considers important, and in my opinion he makes some very good choices. Anyone who follows me and is interested in my ideas should consider following him.
I won’t go into details, but encourage you to read his article for yourselves. Briefly however, Geoff is reviewing a recently published book by the physicist Federico Faggin, Irreducible: Consciousness, Life, Computers and Human Nature.
Faggin had a highly successful career in science. Then, one day he had a spontaneous and unexpected mystical experience, which completely changed his life. His vision gave him experiences in accordance with the beliefs of the Perennial Philosophy. Geoff quotes him: “This vision restores the purpose and meaning of the universe denied by classical physics, and is deeply aligned with the thinking of perennial philosophy which has always recognised the inestimable value of consciousness and knowing”.
In relation to Christianity, I was especially struck by this passage. Faggin had an experience of love “as a shimmering white light, alive and beatific, gushing from his heart with incredible strength”. This light exploded and expanded to embrace the entire universe. “I knew then, without a shadow of a doubt, that this was the substance out of which everything that exists is made” (cf. Genesis, the beginning of chapter 1 “Let there be light”) (both my italics). “Then, with immense surprise, I recognised that I was that light!” (Faggin’s italics).
This immediately made me think of the words of Jesus in John’s gospel: “I am the light of the world” (8.12). Certainly in medieval times, and possibly even now by some Christians, Faggin’s statement would be considered blasphemous. We can guess what would have happened to him at the time of the Inquisition. It does, however, confirm the belief of the Perennial Philosophy that our ultimate essence is divine (Atman = Brahman). Is that perhaps the true message which Jesus came to teach us, and perhaps the message that Christianity should teach? What does believing in and following Jesus actually mean?
==========================================================
I hope you have enjoyed this article. I have written in the past about other topics, including spirituality, metaphysics, psychology, science, Christianity, and politics. All of those articles are on Medium, but the simplest way to see a guide to them is to visit my website (click here and here). My most recent articles, however, are only on Medium; for those please check out my lists.
Religion and Politics at The Dinner Table
