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Christian Spiritual Principles: Commitment to Ideals
by Paul Dennis Spörer
Q. How can we make Christian Idealism happen, through to the great accomplishment through the utilisation of spiritual principles?
In Christianity, the believer must do three things in reference to bringing about ideals: he must acknowledge the truth, he must profess that truth to others, he must act on that truth. Only when the truth is accepted, in the pursuit of an ideal, does it become a spiritual principle. Ideas must have an operative basis, before we can refer to them as principles. Ideas without application are utterly useless. The Founder of Christianity achieved greatness because He brought to fruition the Ideal He had envisioned. He showed that the way that all good things will come into the world will be through the deliberate enactment of ideals. However, ideals will not be of the secular or political variety, but that which is done within the framework of doctrine as given by the greatest exponent of the spiritual, Jesus Christ. Consequently, the ideal must be brought to consummation through the selection and application of appropriate principles.
Empowerment only comes through an undiverted concentration on the issues that challenge us on the path to consummation. Consequently, we must show persistent inquisitiveness in many different areas, which invariably leads us to the Truth. We then show to others that the truth is alive in us as a principle, by conveying the truth cogently to all who will listen, whatever their background or religious upbringing. We are especially committed to helping the spiritual family, and helping them utilise all available resources for good. Jesus and his Disciples showed through their words and actions that true Spirituality in the pursuit of greatness is based on perfectionism, trustworthiness, truth personified, and idealism.
Q. If bringing forth ideals were simple, everyone would be doing it. What obstacles exist in envisioning the ideal?
The ideal is always a personally formed construct, but some of the 'seeds' that go into the formation of the ideal are taken from other people, both enlightened and unenlightened. This is appropriate when done reasonably. However, there are distinct dangers when examining conventional, popular attitudes. Setting one's standards by the opinions of other people can lead to 'false ideals'. The opinions of non-Christians (those who have rejected spiritual principles) are designed for the temporary, the short-term solution to challenges.
The principles of the material world go something like this: If you were raised with poor parenting, inadequate schooling, antisocial peers, then you must turn out to be vulgar, crude, selfish and undisciplined. If your parents were alcoholics, then you must be too. If your peers were violent, they you must turn out the same way. Not true!
The dynamic of succumbing to the environment might indeed apply to the majority, but it is due to cowardice and fear, not 'destiny' or 'fate'. The real heroes and leaders courageously go beyond the illusions of fate, and progress to fulfill a viable mission. What the enlightened desire is to create something that will endure for generations. The message is clear: Cultivate your objectivity in order to see the world as it truly is, act with sobriety, reasoning and forethought. This frees and prepares the mind to envision the ideal.
Q. It would appear that a concrete expression of the ideal must be made through statement of principles, as a precaution for erroneously accepting worldly concepts. How do we make that bold statement, that we are consistently applying and acting upon spiritual principles? How does the Christian then make clear the fullness of his beliefs?
The most direct route would be through individual assertion, to speak out personally to those who will listen. It would be easier to announce such conviction using the auspices of a group. No one would deny that this indeed a formidable task. However, any attempt to live by one set of principles is condemned by the world, because the average individual applies different standards to different situations. The unenlightened sacrifice their own identity and prostitute themselves to irrationality in order raise their status. People they would like to condemn, they must praise, in order to be a 'success'. However, this Christian group would have no overt social task, but only to do what was just said: to show that as intelligent, mature people they unhesitatingly accept every extraordinary spiritual truth. The statement of principles should be made by an individual who lives by them, and who believes in their rectitude
Q. There should, at minimum, be a means by which we would boldly announce to the world the most essential tenets of Christianity. What would this statement be?
The statement that people would acknowledge is simple and would be similar to this:
'I accept all the teachings of the Church, as they are found in the Bible, Catechism and Canon Law, and I apply these truths in all situations, to all people, and in all places, without exception. We seek out life. I believe and act on these ideas, for without them I would be dead; thus, go ahead and judge me, I have nothing to hide, for I am blameless by the world's standards'
Names would be inscribed, along with a statement similar to this, in a tome, which would be called the Directory of Committed Christians (DCC), would not simply be a mild admission, but a promise that the individual will live up to their beliefs. This is a directory of people who wish to announce that they are 'fully conforming', to the teachings of the Church, ready to defend their faith, all 66 Books of the Bible, all 2,865 Catechetical paragraphs, all 1,752 Canons. It would be comprised of names, and any other information that the individual wishes to furnish (such as addresses, statements, biography, etc). There would be no other 'cover' pretext for this assemblage, no indicated charitable or social goal, except that they want to live out their mission to change the world and oppose iniquity and cowardice in all its forms.
This list can then be disseminated in various ways (postings in churches, notices and advertisements in publications, printed copies, Internet entries, etc). Perhaps most importantly, the members would then find others who are as committed as themselves, and be able to correspond with each other to help strengthen, fortify and embolden their faith. Further, these individuals could then find each other, and form new friendships because they are comfortable in finding out they all agree on the same basic spiritual principles.
The author of this article, at this point, can sincerely state that he wholeheartedly agrees with, support and live by the principles discussed here, and so would gladly put his name in the directory aforementioned.
Q. The phrase 'Go ahead and judge me, I have nothing to hide' is indeed bold and uncompromising. Is the membership in the various parish or church groups a conspicuous enough way of saying this?
Membership in overtly religious groups does indeed convey a message of general alliance with spiritual ideas. But it cannot be overemphasised that calling oneself 'devout' or 'anointed' or 'spirit-filled' indicates a full, complete devotion to spiritual principles. There are far more hypocrites in modern society than true believers. These hypocrites clearly are cowards whose 'commitment to good' collapses under the weight of fear and temptation for immediate solutions and gratification; even worse, they demonstrate to others a terrible example of 'Christianity' that only encourages further cravenness and dissipation. In this way, so-called religious groups are full of liars who say one thing but do another. In this time of confusion and fear, it should be made apparent to all, that there are at least some, who are ready to put forward their full belief in the word of God. After all, there are many people who have associated themselves with groups, organizations, and movements that clearly reject certain spiritual truths. We realise many people wish to profess their full faith in the Church, not because they wish to 'balance' the social effect of the ones who reject teaching, but to show that living with a clear mission in life is tremendously uplifting, enlightening and enriching. They want to show that they are not ignorant, uneducated fools, but articulate, intelligent, fully aware people. In doing so, they promote good and thwart evil. Yet, they feel embarrassed to do so publicly, because it would expose them to derision and ridicule.
This great confidence is what the world needs as a way of combatting ever-present religious apathy and immorality.
Q. Are there many works that aid in facilitating the ideal, which are based on this type of commitment to spiritual principles?
In the scholarship of the 20th century, there is a relentless emphasis on documenting failure, delinquency and spiritual malaise; time and again, we see how people succumb to their social environment. After such a dismal picture is drawn, trite and simpleminded admonitions are trotted out. From these studies, we can see the connection between material and educational inadequacy and antisocial behaviour, the lack of guidance that makes people engage in fruitless, ineffectual behaviour. But what these studies do not show is why these people do not strive to rise up above their social limitations. Why can't the poor man rouse himself to achieve the ideals he sees in his mind's eye, which he sees as clearly as does the wealthy man? The truth is that the ineffectuals have abandoned their ideals, and make the least expensive choice that still provides minimum satisfaction. This becomes a habit, and they eventually suffer greatly.
Encouraging moral behaviour is not an arbitrary choice for the Christian, it is an absolute obligation. Everyone devoted to Christian principles knows he or she has a higher calling to promote the truth. For the publisher of such principles, for example Anza Communications on this website, pleasing the 'general consumer' is not possible. Passing the test of such a philosophy is found when we take the individual higher to new ground, where valuable understandings take place. There must be, however, cooperation from the other person, the consumer of such knowledge.
Further, he or she understands that truth is not necessarily found in a simple form. Strongly written material might be praiseworthy, most publishers say, but a hard sell because it dares to merge precise logic with sensitivity. Interestingly, this is exactly the combination that is needed today.
We conclude that there is little authoritative discussion in the social sciences and theology on how to create principles for life. We are informed what not to do, but we are not told what positive steps to take that will lead us to enduring, enriching, stable and progressive successful accomplishment. It appears that the interested reader must delve into the past to find inspirational and spiritually motivational works.
Q. How should Christians view the past, where there are many examples of people living by spiritual principles?
Christian principles have been developed over the centuries, they have been acted upon, and the positive results can be observed. The saints and geniuses down through history have left remarkable evidence of their thinking and behaviour. They have provided us with proof that people can have complete commitment to the truth, in spite of onerous and even deadly attacks. Thus, we are traditionalists, in that we believe that the principles used by the masters before the 19th century were superior to predominant patterns of ideas used later. Clearly, ongoing self-education and constant increase in knowledge is essential. Thus, we can have an uncompromising attitude towards Aesthetics, because we base our opinions on sound evidence. It is the duty of all people, enlightened through acceptance of the truth, to grasp its full meaning, and to diligently and effectively promote it, and create it. In this way, spiritual principles are established.
The materials we use might be modern, or they might be traditional. The important thing is that they strive for the same depth of aesthetic effect as that of the masters.
Q. You have said that we need to focus on the accomplishment of saints and geniuses of the past, and learn from them. Based on Christian Idealism, what attitude should the spiritually enlightened person have towards that area of society greatness is preserved and exhibited, that of higher culture?
The ultimate goal of the use of spiritual principles is the creation of Beauty. Without Beauty, there is no civilisation, no higher culture, no individual fulfilment or happiness. Those who follow spiritual principles are truly independent in thought, with high sensitivity and refinement as their goal. The most important thing is to develop a highly refined, keen, sharp sense of taste. And it is critical to use this facility with absolute objectivity. The successful person must have a highly discriminating sensibility, an attitude that takes the best of whatever is available and incorporates it into newly created product.
A major expression of Beauty, although not the only one, is that of Art. Patience, forbearance, and a careful methodical principled approach is the key to producing great art. We believe that great art cannot be created under deadline; it must be created with the considerable care and planning. After all, it must endure for centuries.
Good taste and refinement are absolutely vital and essential to the preservation of our world-renowned European artistic tradition and keeping our legacy from disappearing entirely. In fact, we are not out to just 'save' our Artistic traditions, but to make the Arts a powerful force once again in all of society. Why bother with seeking out spiritual principles otherwise, unless it brings something tangible that will inspire people to use their own imaginations for good?
Q. How can the individual appreciate and support all great attributes of Aesthetics (Logic, Philosophy, Literature, Music, Painting, Architecture, Design, Sculpture)?
It is the responsibility of every generation to take the best of the available knowledge of the past, and to utilise it as to take civilisation to a higher level. This is accomplished through the enactment of spiritual principles. Those who discern the Spirit are committed to making their own unique contributions, that will lead to greatness, namely creating, fostering and facilitating great art, literature, and science that is equal to or exceeds the Geniuses and Masters of the past. We therefore wish to learn all we can about the techniques, concepts, approaches and history of Art. However, we are not only interested in a recollection of facts about art, but in learning, understanding and discussing the deeper, fine points of aesthetics. Nor is it our goal to facilitate or create art that deliberately resembles a genre, period or style of the past; rather, we strive to use the best elements of the past to bring profound creation into this world. The final product might bear certain similarities to the art of previous periods, but it is still distinctly our own.
We should note that reaching a higher level might appear 'backward' to some, because it involves embracing a simpler, more parsimonious, austere method. In the modern age, whenever needless complexity is rejected, there is the accusation of 'retrogression', but this is based on a very immature view of progress. This applies most strongly to the endeavour of Aesthetics. If the previous generation left only 'broken' links, then we must search further back, until we find legitimate, viable concepts.
Q. Is the spiritual value of a work determined by how many people read or cite that particular work?
The 'profundity' of a book, treatise, manuscript or volume has nothing to do with the value of that work. New Age works are read by far more people, and given more consideration, than works based on an orthodox Christian foundation. The paranormal (that is, unseen non-human intelligent forces at work in the material world) should never be confused with the spiritual. Indeed, in many cases where people are supposedly dealing with 'spiritual forces', they are in fact dealing with earthly forces; it cannot be overstated that simply because something is invisible does not make it spiritual. To be spiritual, a force cannot be controlled from the material world. As a result, many modern works purportedly addressing the topic of spiritual growth do not take into account a comprehensive, long-term, strategy to reach an ideal. They are amazingly confusing, self-contradictory tomes, that ironically often stress the twin pillars of the Asian philosophic type systems: monism (the absence of free will) and subjective truth (no objective, permanent, universal facts). Just as getting to a physical destination requires giving tangible directions that anyone can follow, so too it is with spiritual matters. What is needed are clear, specific universal directives where the individual must focus his or her energy, not merely hazy suggestions coupled with phrases like: 'The meditative seeker of the cosmic All will find his own truth and reality in his own way'. This muddled approach we can categorically reject. There can only be one Truth, that will lead to the immutable spiritual principles of the Universe. This, verily, we can always rely upon in our journey.
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