Review of the Work:
Patrick Westfall
Professor - Austin Roberts
Philosophy 15 - Religions of the World
December 6, 2023
RECONCILING CHRISTIANITY WITH THEOSOPHY
In a world where religious differences often create divisions, a bold academic work seeks to build a bridge between seemingly opposing worldviews. Patrick Westfall, a student of philosophy and religion, presents an intriguing thesis aiming to reconcile Christianity with Theosophy, an ancient spiritual tradition often considered incompatible with mainstream Christian teachings.
Westfall begins his analysis by introducing the concept of the "perennial philosophy," the idea that a universal spiritual truth is revealed to humanity through various religions and spiritual practices. He argues that this philosophy manifests in two key ways: through the personal spiritual development of the individual and through collective revelations for all of humanity.
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of Westfall's work is his interpretation of ancient gods and the spiritual hierarchy. He suggests that many deities from different mythologies were real beings who played a crucial role in human evolution. This idea, while radical to many traditional believers, opens a fascinating perspective on the nature of spiritual guidance throughout history.
The core of Westfall's argument lies in his analysis of the Nicene Creed, a fundamental Christian document. Instead of rejecting this creed, he reinterprets it through a Theosophical lens. For example, he interprets the concept of God the Father as the highest principle of creation, while seeing the Son as the cosmic principle of Love-Wisdom incarnated in Christ. The Holy Spirit, in his view, represents the Divine Intelligence permeating the universe.
Westfall's interpretation of the concept of vicarious atonement is particularly interesting. In traditional Christian teaching, "vicarious" means "substitutionary" or "representative," referring to the idea that Christ died as a substitute for sinful humanity. However, rather than viewing Christ's sacrifice as an automatic means of salvation, Westfall suggests that Christ's life serves as an example of the spiritual path we can all follow. This interpretation shifts the focus from passive reception of salvation to active participation in one's spiritual development, encouraging personal responsibility and spiritual growth. At the same time, it does not negate the significance of Christ's sacrifice but gives it a broader, more universal meaning that can resonate with Theosophical teachings.
Westfall also addresses controversial topics such as the virgin birth and resurrection. He proposes that these concepts can be interpreted both symbolically and literally, allowing for a deeper spiritual significance of these events without denying their historical importance to believers. Symbolically, the virgin birth can represent the pure, spiritual origin of Christ's mission or, in a Theosophical context, the birth of higher consciousness within an individual. The resurrection can be seen as a symbol of spiritual rebirth or transformation of consciousness, representing the possibility for each person to "resurrect" into a higher level of spiritual existence. At the same time, Westfall does not deny the possibility that these events occurred literally, respecting the beliefs of traditional Christians. This approach allows believers to maintain their traditional faith while also opening up space for deeper, esoteric understanding of these concepts.
Although Westfall acknowledges that many traditional Christians may not accept his interpretations, he argues that this approach can enrich the Christian faith, providing a deeper understanding of Christ's message and the nature of spiritual development. His work calls for an open dialogue between different spiritual traditions, suggesting that instead of focusing on differences, we could discover profound truths that connect our diverse beliefs.
Westfall's work represents a bold attempt to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary spirituality. While his thesis will undoubtedly provoke controversy, it also opens exciting possibilities for interfaith dialogue and deeper understanding of our shared spiritual heritage. In a world often divided by religious differences, such an approach could be precisely what we need to build bridges of understanding and community.
Prepared by: Jasmin Koso
