THE BRIDGE BETWEEN RELIGION AND METAPHYSICS

Many people are still extremely suspicious or even critical of others who study metaphysics, mysticism or any teachings which do not fit into the category of mainstream religion. In my opinion, this is based largely on an unfounded fear or a lack of understanding of any of the new approaches to spirituality. For instance, metaphysics by definition, involves the study of phenomena relating to the mind and our sense of reality which extends beyond everyday understanding, and being very comprehensive, includes many views on spirituality. Metaphysical (and esoteric) teachings all acknowledge the existence of God in different ways. However, in terms of most traditional religions, God is usually only known through the revealed word in Holy Scriptures, whereas metaphysics suggests that it is possible to come to know God through the faculties of our minds and consciousness with a view to re-establishing a one-on-one relationship. Interestingly enough, the metaphysical practices involved in forming this relationship (meditation and contemplation), have been practiced by priests and monks for many centuries and still exist today. The religious use of prayer also suggests the value of forming a direct relationship with God. In fact, many Christians now use the ‘centering prayer’ which is a form of meditation.
Our relationship with the body
Religious scriptures, as well as a number of modern prophets such as Edgar Cayce, have foretold a time when such a close relationship between God and mankind will indeed be possible. For example, the doctrine of Christ’s second coming and the idea of a new Heaven and Earth both allude to a change taking place which will result in a direct communion with God. And these scriptures have, for many centuries, been exhorting us to prepare ourselves for these events. Surely this preparation would involve a transition to a new dispensation and framework of thinking and perception which will be able to fully embody this new relationship and our subsequent spiritual experiences?
The study of metaphysics introduces new processes with which we are able to prepare our bodies, minds and spirits and create the right conditions for such a new stage of spiritual development. For example, it introduces us to the idea of ‘energy-imbalances’ in the body and the need for holistic and healthy living, which is not so far removed from modern medical practices. In fact, many doctors now accept the involvement of practitioners such as chiropractors and homeopaths as well as alternative modalities, including acupuncture and types of massage which work with the body-energy. In fact, in this country, these practitioners are now recognised as fully-fledged practitioners by the Allied Health Professions council.
Metaphysical and religious thought
As children we are not really taught to think for ourselves and are often socially conditioned by well-meaning parents, teachers and religious institutions into believing that what they teach is the full and final truth on any matter, whether it is our view of the world, of reality or even of God. This becomes difficult to explain in the light of so many differing beliefs or points of view. As adults we often subconsciously long for a system of thinking which is truly our own, based on our own thoughts and personal experiences and not simply that which has been carried over for generations.
And while it is true that metaphysics represents a more universal and expanded framework of thinking, it encourages free thought and avoids the pitfalls of many dogmatic religious concepts. For instance, being open and inter-connected with other branches of knowledge, metaphysics is able to encompass and include all new discoveries and research in the different fields, thus avoiding the inner contradictions and denialism often associated with closed systems of thinking.
However, some people are still very uncomfortable with new concepts and words such as ‘universalism’, ‘interconnectedness’, ‘consciousness’, or even ‘psychic’ and ‘channeling’, yet this is simply part of a new terminology which integrates much of the intellectual, psychological and scientific knowledge of our age into a more comprehensive or universal framework or paradigm. For example, religious ideas such as the existence of the soul and divine spirit have always been acknowledged and even emphasized in metaphysics, but have merely been given other names such as the ‘inner or higher self’ which have a more broad-based meaning. In terms of human psychology, more universal concepts are actually important and essential to allow us to process, interpret and understand new experiences. Imagine a situation in which powerful spiritual events begin to unfold in our lives, such as has been foretold in sacred scriptures, and we are unable to process, interpret or even understand them in terms of our current thinking. Even worse, we deny, ignore or overlook them because they do not make sense in terms of present dogmatic beliefs.
Metaphysical perception
Imagine also a situation when one day, the heavens open to reveal the legions of angels spoken of in sacred scriptures, and we are filled with fear and terror having never even considered the existence of such higher forms of life and consciousness. It is therefore not more reasonable and fitting that we now consciously begin to unfold our higher faculties of perception in order to prepare for the spiritual awakening as foretold? Metaphysics approaches this issue of messengers of light with great reverence and yet creates the opportunity for us to develop our perception safely, placing us gradually in contact with these celestial beings to receive their guidance and teaching.
God and Man
Finally, metaphorically speaking, while it is true that the processes of applied metaphysics do attempt to show us the way home to the primordial ‘Garden of Eden’ (that original relationship where we communed with the Divine) by acknowledging the presence (image) of God within us, this is not usurping the power of God, but rather acknowledging it, as well as our true role in the Divine plan.