Dive into a spiritual journey where self-awareness is the key to enlightenment. The Gospel of Thomas and Masonic teachings converge on the profound truth that the path to transcendent wisdom lies within us.
Embrace a diversified understanding of spirituality, emphasizing introspection as the gateway to a universally respected enlightenment. Explore, understand, transcend.
This comprehensive examination seeks to clarify misunderstood interpretations of the Gospel of Thomas (GoT), a key early Christian text that is highly esoteric in nature and susceptible to misinterpretation (Meyer,1992).
These misconceptions often distort the underlying spiritual principles of the GoT, calling for further analysis and research.
In an attempt to contribute to this understanding, this study adopts an analytical framework inspired by Masonic teachings, which are known for their emphasis on self-knowledge and self-awareness for spiritual advancement, hoping that it will unlock hidden wisdom within the GoT.
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The Gospel of Thomas establishes the understanding of oneself as the cornerstone to achieve enlightenment and transcendence. As stated by Jesus in Saying 3 of the GoT;
“If your guides tell you ‘Look, the kingdom lies in the sky’, the birds will precede you. If they say to you, ‘It lies in the sea,’ then the fish will precede you. Yet the kingdom lies inside and outside of you”
(GoT 3: Canada, 2007).
This clearly puts forth the need for self-awareness as an essential prerequisite to be a part of God’s kingdom.
Likewise, Masonic teachings, similar to the GoT, inherently associate spiritual development with the metaphor of stonemasonry, where shaping stones mirror personal and spiritual growth.
To illustrate, a Mason is often advised to “square their actions by the square of virtue” and to exercise control over their passions towards mankind (Daily Advancement in Masonic Knowledge, 2021).
Both the Church and Freemasonry utilise earthly metaphors for elucidating spiritual abstracts, affirming that self-improvement and self-awareness are prerequisites for spiritual transcendence.
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Evaluating both the Gospel of Thomas and Masonic ideologies from this perspective enables us to broaden our understanding of Christian spirituality.
It provokes an exploration and acceptance of numerous spiritual paths beyond familiar doctrines, developing a nuanced understanding of the dialogue between secular and religious worldviews, and promoting respect for diversity.
Reflecting on both teachings also encourages a holistic spirituality approach, driven by self-knowledge and understanding. This could act as a remedy to the current disjointed spiritual narratives, promoting a more integrative viewpoint that values diversity and mutual respect.
In conclusion, this study underscores self-awareness and introspection as the key players in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Drawing parallels from the Gospel of Thomas and Masonic ideologies, it highlights the importance of a diversified and inclusive spiritual understanding.
It suggests the possibility of a dialogue that accommodates various spiritual perspectives aiming at a unified future where diversity is respected and valued. Both sources echo the principle that the path to spiritual enlightenment lies in the universality of self-awareness.
By adopting this method, we could work towards a more tenable spirituality, potentially offering a remedy for the current fragmentation in spiritual narratives. This approach upholds spiritual growth as an unending journey towards self-knowledge, paving the way towards achieving transcendence and enlightenment.
Footnote
References
Canada, A. J. (2007). The Gospel of Thomas: The Enlightenment Teachings of Jesus. Watkins.
Daily Advancement in Masonic Knowledge. (2021). Available at http://www.mastermason.com/dailyadvancement/.
Funk, R.W., Hoover, R.W., and the Jesus Seminar (1993). The Five Gospels: The Search for the Authentic Words of Jesus. HarperOne.
Yale University Press. (2021). The gospel, according to Thomas. Available at https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300181627/gospel-according-to-Thomas.
Article by: Antonio Biella
Antonio (Tony) was initiated into the Brotherhood of Aberhonddu lodge 8588 (Brecon) in 1998. (UGLE)
Now a practicing member of the Afon dar lodge 8829 in Aberdare. He also a member of Rose Croix, a Mark Master Mason, a companion in Royal Arch Chapter and a member in Knights Templar.
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