Comments by "" (@wyatt13131) on "Tract 5: Mysticism is a Bigger Threat to the Abrahamic Traditions than Secularism" video.

  1. One thing to consider: Monastic Orders, Kabala, Sufism and similar practices may actually be evolutionary for the religious group in that they select out and often sterilize (I.e. vows of celibacy, isolation etc) the most prone to mysticism and fanaticism. A honey trap for mysticism. Take Catholic clergy for example, what a brilliant way to both esteem and remove the most fanatical and sexually deviant types, with convents and monasteries for the even more fanatic.
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  2. Malcom, I think it’s really hard to avoid accepting mysticism as an inherent part of any religious tradition vs rejecting it but then also rejecting religion altogether which leads to the monoculture trap. It’s a tight rope to walk. We need some touch of wonder to edify us and strengthen our resolve but not so much that we be as good as a drunkard. The problem is, as many have pointed out, great men and minds are often also great mystics and often great alcoholics too. The problem too is that, at times, God has smiled on the pagan and mystical like the Greeks, Romans and deeply “idolatrous” renaissance in Catholic Italy. There must be a key that unlocks what is truly wasteful or not. I’m not sure the Puritan style critique captures everything. Perhaps it’s like that study on porn consumption and getting laid. Very sexual people will watch lots of porn AND have lots of sex. Likewise the very deep May well be extremely rational and wildly mystical at times (eg Newton).
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