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Christian Fellowship: Perfect Justice and Harmony in Relationships
by Paul Dennis Spörer
Q. What is the spiritually dedicated person's attitude toward relationships?
There is a deep spiritual need that encompasses all of life, and is present in all of humanity. Every Christian is fully aware of this need, and thus they must form their mission in accordance with their own enduring interests, dreams and aspirations. But to accomplish this requires careful planning.
The grand project of one's mission must always be within the purview of the responsibility of the individual. As distinguished in history and literature, there are the two types of approaches in implementing the various aspects of operational planning: working steadfastly alone, or working in close collaboration with others. Note that they both come from the same impetus. We should understand that it is not absolutely necessary to share spirituality with anyone else, in order to experience its fullness. However, if one does choose to collaborate with others, then there must be a even-handed, balanced relationship with those who think and feel the same way about fundamental spiritual matters. The spiritual can be experienced with greater facility when others are involved in the process in attaining and making real the concepts of perfectionism, truth, and idealism. As in all other things, the Christian endeavours to bring to fruition, intensify, enhance, deepen, complete, and perfect his relationships. The core idea behind the Christian relationship is that of equanimity, where there is no materialistic status seeking of any kind. This is conceptualised as a relationship based on Casta Caritas.
The term Casta Caritas means pure devotion; it is a highly unusual attribute, a dynamism that is youthfulness, vibrancy, activity, conscientiousness, an interest in all things that never wavers or needs prodding. Thus, it is a spirit-filled pure devotion to oneself and others that seeks healthy living, learning and accomplishment. It is a burning desire to see Virtue, Wisdom and Beauty reign in the world, a spiritual fulfilment through constant right action.
Q. What are the collective goals and mechanisms of the Christian fellowship?
It is the intention of every Christian to bring his own personal strengths to work for every other Christian, throughout the world. For such a profound union to occur, two aspects are prerequisite: Goal-seeking and Trust. The Christian seeks to reify the spiritual through concrete, substantive events. Mysticism and speculation are utterly valueless. Concrete events, meaning the realisation of perfect ideals, cannot come without planning and management.
Further, for Christians to work closely with each other, there must, above all, be complete trust. Hence, an open relationship between Christians must be established, and a basic understanding of its unique nature must be made and a regimen implemented, based on a consultation and consensus.
Observe how goal-seeking and trust were central in the relationships between Christ and the Disciples. As Jesus was open in His words, thinking and behaviour, so are His followers, shown by honest respect for on another. How could people in a 'Christian relationship' hide things from each other, or question each other's motivations?
Once these aspects are established, Christians working in concert with each other, seek to accomplish the following through their fellowship:
1. Exchange, coordination, reinforcement and elaboration of resources. The fellowship acts as a 'clearinghouse', but this is only an approximate description of what is involved. Besides money, time, contacts, etc, the most important resource is clearly information; those who are armed with powerful concepts drawn from tradition, experience, science and research can ennoble each other with wisdom. There must be a definite plan for studying the spiritual realm, there must even be a 'science' that investigates its attributes. Such a science would give us the ability to make into reality the ideals they can conceive.
2. Mutual support. Fellowship is a 'home', where people can find fairness, harmony, affection and love. The most heartfelt goal of the Christian is to be united with his or her holy brothers and sisters, who are without exception loving, beautiful, truthful, confident, objective, humane, intelligent, decisive, strong-willed and uncompromising, for the purpose of support and encouragement in the creation of greatness. They search for timeless Art, a Beauty that moves the Spirit. This is a strongly visible characteristic of the relationship between Christians. They give and receive support and encouragement to their brothers and sisters in their conscientious, personal efforts. These are like-minded individuals with strong individual identity and courage. Their desire as enlightened people is to facilitate through their social efforts the tangible affiliation of Christian relationships, of a true family of spiritually dedicated brothers and sisters, others who are as committed to Godliness as they are. Because the spiritually dedicated person is honest, open, sincere, trustworthy, there is no status seeking, no fear, no ulterior motives.
3. Bringing truth to society in order to effect change. Those who value and treasure Virtue, Wisdom and Beauty want everyone to share in their joy. A fellowship is always cognisant of its place in society, because of its effects on others. The ideal cannot be realised if society is not taken into account. Interestingly, the Christian life, like a strong light on stony rocks, sets into high relief the costly foolishness of non-Christians who the wrong path of simpleminded cheap, easy approaches. Thus, it is of the highest importance, that Christians live their life openly, so that others will learn by example, and other Christians will become aware of each others presence. The enlightened person is distinctive not by his fame, but by his ability to do good. By making sense out of confusing issues and offering words of encouragement to other people, Christians hope to foster reflection and understanding in people with high standards and ideals. The spiritually enlightened can give objective, relevant opinions, and so offer real support. Thus, Christians give each other the confidence to proceed with their plans, with the knowledge that they are travelling on the right path.
There are obstacles that await everyone, and it is best to prepare for these obstacles so that one can skilfully avoid them when one encounters them. Specifically, the Christian's goal should be to determine how thinking and behaviour are spurred, limited or facilitated by nature, background, social environment, and particularly, Free Will. Thus, many insights into relationships can come to anyone who spends the necessary time and effort, and such is the person who has the potential to be a true friend in fellowship. People who hold to traditional, ancient Christian values, seek to use taste, refinement, and sophistication in reaching the perfect ideal, so that all, believer and unbeliever, might benefit.
Therefore, an extremely powerful mechanism of the Christian Fellowship is that which results in the dissemination of ideas. They need support and encouragement in this grand endeavour. It is they who keep this world from falling apart, and disintegrating, through the offer of guidance and truth. Who will save the world except those who have pure devotion, complete and perfect, to Virtue, Wisdom and Beauty? Why trust anyone else with any important mission? Who else will give society its highest culture, science and wisdom, except those who most diligently pursue culture, science and wisdom? Who else should be lauded for such accomplishments, but Christians?
Q. Clearly, there is always a first step that needs to be made in any enterprise. In what subject area should opening comments and enquires be made in trying to establish with other Christians a spiritual fellowship?
In establishing a fellowship with other Christians, we seek to find people and share with them a love of knowledge based on the reading of history, religion, society, culture and art. These are people who have accumulated substantial libraries, or wish to do so, and are very much open to the exchange or purchase of books and other reading materials. Christians are different from others in that they read a great deal, and take great pleasure in maintaining adding to, and giving to other high quality, cultured, learned works. Most importantly, they enjoy discussing at length what they have learned, in order to impart their knowledge to others, and to receive further enlightenment themselves. The same attitude applies to painting, music, architecture, design, and sculpture: Christians are constantly open to dissemination of great original artwork. In this way, one will have a good idea as to who is truly in touch with the spiritual and who is not.
Q. It is clear then, that I must search for that people who are distinct from all others in society: extraordinary, highly knowledgeable, courageous, thoughtful. As you say, they must possess Casta Caritas, a pure devotion, an all-consuming hunger for Virtue, Wisdom and Beauty. How do I then find other Christians, what would be their most notable attributes? What is the most outstanding, noticeable characteristic of those who are devoted to using Christian spiritual principles to achieve great accomplishments?
Christians demonstrate to each other and to non-Christians why there are tremendous benefits in a careful investment in virtue, wisdom and beauty. The only human achievement, which can be objectively discussed and empirically observed, that possesses the spiritual as part of its innate nature, is that of the Aesthetic, as seen in Art, Literature, Science and Society.
Q. Why is it necessary to have an deep appreciation of Aesthetics as the sine qua non of a Spiritual attitude?
The Aesthetic refers to perception, to observe, feel, intuit, to give weight to - which can be translated into a relentless pursuit of harmony in all things. If one is sensitive to all the aspects in one's surroundings, then one seek perfect arrangement, such as furniture in a room, plants in a garden, shapes, line and colour on a canvas, or instrumental sounds in a musical composition. This harmony is impossible without assistance from the Spirit, as humans with their own innate abilities would find too many 'channels' of information must be simultaneously processed and manipulated. Consequently, this search for harmony is the basis of spiritual relationships.
Furthermore, it is unthinkable that a true Christian would not have an aesthetic interest. Christians have flexible, adventurous, minds, that are curious to learn, have a thirst for knowledge, that are focussed and concentrated -- all of the qualities that are necessary for creating and fostering Great Art. This they wish to impart to others joined in a Christian relationship.
Just as the world is divided into the spiritually enlightened and the spiritually ignorant, the world is also divided into two attitudes: those with creativity and those without. The latter, whom we might accurately call cultural dullards, are usually envious of the former, and try to impede their mission (and sometimes steal their accomplishments). We might add that the uncreative are social 'accountants', who see everything like rigid columns on a spreadsheet: simplistic, separated, easily quantified; whatever moves, does so within these confines. Of course, they find themselves in one of these categories, where the columns can be protective walls -- or cages.
The diametrical opposite of lethargy and complacency leads to all forms of immorality, and the idle foolish trifles called 'art' and 'culture' of the profanum vulgus. Christians can categorically reject such influences, as they cannot be ruled by any person or group in this world, for they follow God's spiritual principles alone.
All of those in Casta Caritas, will give the world enduring, enriching, stable, and progressiveness inducing change like it has not seen before. It cannot be overemphasised that most people will simply not understand the concepts we have presented here. Asking advice about spirituality from those who have don't believe in the spirit is pointless.
Sage advice would be to seek out only legitimate sources of information, whose interests are of high refinement and knowledge. They want to discuss with each other truly great concepts of aesthetics, art, science, literature, music, and how to implement them. They have a sober, serious, deep appreciation of Art and Aesthetics. Christians should offer encouragement and support to such deep-minded individuals, and remind them that winning contests or competitions is not the goal; rather, it is creating works that endure and can be meaningfully experienced again and again.
Q. It appears that upon realising the right attitude to Aesthetics, all other issues are comprehensible from the spiritual perspective, including relationships, morality, ethics, and health. Considering the importance of Aesthetics and the present state of Art and Literature, is it one of the major goals of the Christian fellowship is to bring back Western culture to its high level of refinement and accomplishment?
Philistines and barbarians have undoubtedly taken over Western culture, those with little or no taste, and even less spiritual understanding. The only people who can bring back culture to its once high level are Christians, since they established these high standards in the first place, due to their commitment to the highest ideals. Unless there is belief in an all-powerful God, there can be no ideal, since the forces of nature and society would not be adequate in bringing it about.
We are certain that the time is now, for historical forces have brought Western society into the correct configuration. Consequently, certain difficult questions one must ask oneself: How can great culture come about unless it is through the cooperation with like-minded people, who help one another understand their mission? Am I satisfied with the state of art? Is there ever enough great art? What have I done and what am I doing to promote and facilitate such art that will endure for centuries? The Christian troubles himself with such interrogations because he knows God's Spirit will assist him to reach definitive answers and solutions.
Q. Are there Christian groups already present in society that have relationships based on total trust, openness, mutual respect, idealism, aestheticism, virtue, conscientiousness, youthfulness and vibrancy?
A fellowship founded on Casta Caritas is the only group of this kind, unlike any other. Regrettably, no other regimen in place now is competent enough to fulfill the promise made by Christianity; one cannot even wait for one's church, minister, priest, or bishop to introduce such a fellowship.
The reality is that there is currently no group fully functioning that has the principles we have discussed. It would seem logical to begin a search within one's own parish, since the assumption made by the clergy is that 'all' who attend church are Christians. Thus, one might say that such groups can be found amongst the various parish based groups, and that there is no need for a new group. Yet can we say that any of these groups contain authentic Christian relationships? Hardly any of these relationships are spontaneously affectionate, devoted or heartfelt, but rules and structure regulate social activity. Few if any show devotion to culture, aesthetics and learning. Using history as a touchstone, the interpersonal activities of such 'religious' groups do not reflect the life that the Disciples had with each other, and so can be rejected as being Christian in nature. In any case, why limit the range of groups one can join? Why not give the individual the broadest range of choice, to decide for himself or herself what best suits them? Those in authority, especially those in the Church who have the connections and power, are reluctant to act to promote true Christian fellowships, because if they endorse such a group, they would be condemning their own efforts, and denigrating the present spiritually deficient 'religious' groups.
Q. Are there any secular groups (such as family, classmates, neighbours, coworkers) where one can conveniently find other Christians, in order to begin a new fellowship?
Regrettably, no. A persistent critic might further object: Are there no secular groups, such as art societies, that serve the function you describe? One might retort: And which groups are those? Hardly a single one could be named, one that promotes the highest standards of art and beauty, but is also based on the ancient principles of spirituality as espoused in our Church and validated by reason. The groups that are available are for the most part professional associations or large organisations, and like the parish groups alluded to above, none are actually friendship circles, where warm intimate community is sought, and certainly none have a spiritual basis, where people call upon God to help them achieve perfection in all things.
All secular groups are created to extend and protect material interests, not facilitate spiritual fulfilment. Every group without a spiritual basis is based on materialism or status and therefore is corrupt. Systems based on materialism are only temporary, mediocre solutions meant to accommodate the egocentricity in human nature.
There is no doubt that many secular groups contain a few Christians, but their unique personalities are effectively hidden by the uniformly crass extroverted displays of the majority. One would be very fortunate indeed to find another Christian in a primary group. Such very small numbers preclude conventional search methods.
Christians openly live for the truth, peace and harmony, and the image of their mutually enhancing, undisguised, faithful intimacy clashes violently with the 'standard' relationship. The majority invariably go down their own dark paths of fearful delusions and obsessions. Even the family, once supposedly the bastion of respect and love, is deteriorating. If families are untrustworthy, what other groups can be trusted then? Social breakdown begins with family breakdown, and responsibility rests squarely on the shoulders of those who are in authority, meaning husbands and wives, fathers and mothers. Thus, at the present time, secular groups are not the answer.
These facts are easily observed, and it the responsibility of the person devoted to spiritual principles to speak openly and plainly about the subject. Those who can identify with the message we have given here must take the first step; don't listen to others, be bold, be brave!
Q. It appears we need to visualise the ideal fellowship, since it does not exist. What group could be formed that is based on spiritual Christian principles of fellowship?
We put forward the concept of an assemblage based upon the principles of Casta Caritas, embodying the ideas we have discussed here and in other essays. As yet, we have not settled on a name, but that is under consideration.
A person of good background - moral, refined, intelligent, with wide interests - would be welcomed into this fellowship. We address such persons openly - You hold principles of traditional elegance in high regard, and we need that person's taste, insight and idealism. Close, warm relationships would be developed with friends - lively conversations with wit, depth and humour. Since the members believe in total openness; there is no need to hold secret votes nor does anyone need a special referral to join the circle. We mean this sincerely: only your character matters, only your true personality will bear you out.
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