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Fundamental Questions About Universal Justice and Freedom Through Spirituality
by Paul Dennis Sporer
Q. What is the spirit?
The spirit of a man leaves him free to envision what he wants in his mind. He has a burning desire to bring forth into reality his ideals. He seeks to know the world and its obstacles, structures and limitations. We address such people, giving them relevant, unbiased, critical information so as to create a life that is moral and ethical, full of virtue, wisdom and beauty. Thus, spirituality is about bringing the ideal to life by conquering all challenges efficiently and definitively.
The thesis is this: Because there is free will, the mind utilizes the body but is cannot be dependent upon it. The mind is spiritual, but permanently connected to the body, which exists in the physical realm. Nothing in the physical realm can ever force the mind to make a decision or accept an idea, yet, the mind must always, to a certain extent, see reality through the context of the physical realm, and by extension, the social realm. Since the mind is ultimately unfettered, every person has the capability to envision the greatest result of everything, which is the ideal. We must conclude that whatever we discover about society that affects our mission to bring about the ideal could reliably be called a 'spiritual principle'. We stress that spiritual principles cannot exist in a vacuum, but must always be in a context. That is why we pursue the study of sociology, psychology, history - anything that might affect our pursuit of the ideal.
The Spirit, as man calls it, is an unseen, intelligent force that exists entirely outside of nature; it is not connected to any body, and is not influenced by natural or social phenomenon. It therefore cannot be subject to any human or natural restriction. It does what it wants to do; man cannot control it, but he might be able to influence its actions. In human beings, the spirit is the motivating force that moves us to create ideals, the perfect form of something. Since the mind does not exist in the world (if it did, there would be no Free Will), then the mind is the individual's spiritual essence, but it is not to be confused with the Spirit, that is not forced to see reality through the 'lens' of physical nature.
Q. Why would we want to use the action of the spirit?
We seek assistance from the spirit, because it can move and act in ways human and natural forces cannot. It is, in essence, a 'third power', besides that of human (society, group, community, government, etc) and nature (weather, animal, insect, biological, chemical, etc). Since we all learn the human and natural forces are inadequate to meet our needs in bringing to fruition certain goals, we turn to the spirit for assistance. The spirit propels us forward to bring about the ideal envisioned in the mind. Further, principles of spirituality are learned in order to understand what challenges there are to the individual in bringing about his ideals.
Q. Under what circumstances do we become aware of the power of the spirit?
It is when we visualise the perfect form of something, the ideal. An ideal is a concept of something that involves a change in state, a major alteration, not simply an improvement, that is of the highest efficiency (highest benefit at lowest cost). We find through personal experience that the powers of humanity and nature are inadequate to bring into reality the ideal. The world therefore usually characterises an ideal as being something that is not possible, but there is no limitation on what can be done, as long as human beings can envision it and the spirit offers assistance.
Ideals are forged in the mind. The ideal comes into reality through the combination of spiritual power and the individual's focussed development of self. To develop the self means to enlarge the intellect, sharpen the senses, resolve and clarify the imagination, increase the capacity of memory, cultivate objectivity and impartiality, establish discriminatory faculties, and elevate and refine speech and writing. The better the functioning of the components of the mind, the better we can visualise the ideal.
Q. What is perfection?
It is the best that can be accomplished in any circumstance. It is not simply the best solution within the context of the material world, but the best that can be accomplished with God's assistance. Since God is all powerful, the 'perfect' result from the spiritual perspective is far greater, more potent, more affecting, more enduring, than the 'perfect' result that the world considers. A perfect result cannot ever be erased, minimised, trivialised, or denigrated. It stands on its own, and does not require support in order to endure.
Q. Are there principles which govern the spirit?
Yes, although we cannot study the spirit directly, since it exists in its own realm. The spirit becomes comprehensible to us through the traces and marks it leaves on this material world. These principles can then be collected, and made into a science, which can help us to infer the dynamics under which the spirit operates in this world. By knowing such dynamics, we can utilise the unique forces of the spirit for our the benefit of our mission to fulfill the ideal. We study society and nature to determine what obstacles we will encounter in our mission to bring about the ideal. The spiritually enlightened person will use sociological and psychological observations, and whatever cannot be explained through natural means must be a function of spiritual forces. Further, the principles about human nature must be integrated with spiritual principles, into an all-encompassing strategy; the spirit can potentially overcome all forces in the world, but it will not overcome one, that of human Free Will. Thus, we must accommodate ourselves to the fact that we must operate within the framework of human society, but yet never be a slave to it. This whole great vision requires effort and orderliness. It is like the man who wants to construct the finest, most pleasing garden. He draughts a blueprint, and then takes stock of his resources, purchasing those plants, stones, wood, and other elements, and arranging work with contractors who will make his plan a reality. He must take into account and integrate all types of diverse information, since it all ineluctably interrelates. However, we must see aesthetics as our goal, because the perfect form of anything must involve appearance, order, harmony of components. To ignore this aspect of human perception, would be to create something that is not perfect.
The collection of principles about the spirit is referred to theology, and the most complete and logical set of principles can be found in Christian Catholic theology. In this system, the spirit is referred to Yahweh or simply God. We therefore make a connection with God, by acknowledging the Principles He has established, and then acting on them consistently, deliberately and conscientiously.
Interestingly, the heightened mental awareness and ability that we establish when we develop the Self, can also be used to investigate and understand spiritual principles.
Q. What is the final emotional result of realising the ideal?
By bringing the perfect concept visualised in our minds into reality, we attain fulfilment. Fulfilment is a deeply gratifying, long-lasting memory and feeling of definitive accomplishment. It cannot be taken away from us, modified or trivialised. Further, the result of our efforts leads to greatness. Something is 'great' when it is unique and highly valuable to people, it is an accomplishment that is enduring, stable, progressive and enriching. However, the great vision we see in our minds exceeds the power given to us by natural resources. We must seek assistance from forces outside the natural and human realms, since we learn through experience that there is not enough support for us to accomplish these great things with purely worldly resources.
Q. How is the individual's identity affected when, through the help of the spirit, he gives something unique and highly valuable to the world?
When one is given the opportunity to fulfill one's plan, one must take it. If we intend to do great things, with the help of the spirit, then when the opportunity comes, we must proceed. What you say, what you intend to do, and what you actually accomplish are the components of your identity; therefore the person who does 'great things' is considered 'great' himself. Because great accomplishment, that which is enduring, stable, progressive and enriching, can only come with the assistance of the spirit, people will remember and be inspired by the spiritually enlightened person long after he has left this world. Does it not make sense to persevere to find the spirit, to get the greatest return on your investment, so that posterity will regard your accomplishment with singular esteem? Consequently, the individual is destined to rise above all material restrictions, and to contribute eminence into society, for the benefit of all, and for the benefit of himself. It starts with asking oneself: Do I truly want to bring great positive change into the world?
The man or woman who utilises the principles of the spiritual realm will be able to overcome all limitations. 'Along the wings of the spirit, the enlightened fly over all earthly obstacles.' Thus, the individual who has found a way to make contact with the spirit makes significant, enduring contributions to the world, that are resistant to all attempts at dismantlement, condemnation or trivialisation by community, government, or family.
Q. What priority should be given to spiritual matters in life and how much should we listen to other people in this regard?
Top priority must be given to spiritual matters, since so much good can come through working with the spirit. Setting our standards by the opinions of other people, and visualising goals only within the constraints of human society and nature, might give temporary satisfaction, but it does not bring fulfilment. We intuitively know that, with our tremendous potential to visualise the ideal, we were put into this world for a great purpose.
Q. The existence of the spirit, as it is defined here, is often denied. How do we know if there is such a thing as a 'spirit'?
If a 'spirit' exists, then it cannot be restricted by the material world (that is, all that we can see before us in this reality). We consequently search for forces that leave 'traces', that we can utilise, but that are outside of the world's control. We can apply this test: Any force that has an impact on this world, that shows evidence of being limited by nature or society, cannot be spiritual, but must be part of the earthly realm. Hence, the spirit must be a force that is above all worldly restraints.
Q. What kind of results should the individual seek in life?
We must seek unique results that come from the spirit. To achieve something great, one must produce a result that is not only enduring, but is stable, progressive and enriching. This result has a character which makes it quite distinct from accomplishments based on worldly resources alone. Every metaphysical belief system (religion) shows that acceptance and use of spiritual principles yields something better than money, health, worldly power. This does not mean that the results will be the very best, but that they are better than if spiritual principle were not utilised. Certain results (such as money, social position, healing) can be provided by society or spirit; if spirit does provide such things, they cannot be called uniquely 'spiritual'. One must therefore seek that which is uniquely the gift of the spirit, as there can be no dualism or confusion as to origin. Its fruits must be unlike anything gotten in this material world. This means that perfection must be sought, so that nothing can be added to or taken away from the accomplishment. The individual must determine what area is of interest to him, and what type of work he is best suited for. He then seeks out spiritual principles. It is the kind of thinking that emphasises prevention, not cures, that attempts to prevent failure, inefficiency, and corruption from happening in the first place. It looks to a world that does not need compensatory mechanisms, because the world functions correctly to begin with.
Q. What plan should the individual use to implement the goals that depend on spiritual principles?
A genuine philosophic system always insists that theories should not be formed unless they will lead to principles that can be practically applied. To convert theory to principle requires we isolate and distil the most important spiritual aspects of a situation into comprehensible form. Hence, the intellectually and aesthetically refined seriously and conscientiously seek to achieve great success by making the most of their opportunities by engaging in a thoroughly researched plan.
Life is an ongoing research project which seeks to isolate and distil the most important spiritual aspects, and to put forward the results for the edification of oneself and other people.
Q. Does an individual's social class, upbringing, or education impede an understanding and utilising spiritual principles?
Whether a person is born into impoverished, middle class or luxurious surroundings makes absolutely no difference as to whether they will accept the truth. The spirit can help to conquer all deficiencies. The personality of the person who seeks to achieve great things through acceptance and implementation of the truth is quite different from other people's, coming from the same social environment. Spiritual principles can only be grasped by strategic thinkers, who not only do not shun intricacy, but welcome it, as all enduring, stable, progressive and enriching outcomes are the result of careful, extensive planning.
Q. How much effort should we expend in understanding the principles of human society and nature?
It should be stressed that calling upon the spirit for assistance does not mean that we depend on the spirit entirely to deliver success to us. The key word is 'assistance'. We must understand the material world - its dynamics, attributes, history, changes, limitations - as well as understand the spiritual realm. To allow the spirit to do everything for us would mean that we would have no sense of fulfilment when the goal is accomplished. However, it is actually not possible for the spirit to do everything we want it to, because then it would mean that humans control the spirit. We have stated that this is impossible, as the spirit by definition cannot be controlled by anything in the material realm.
Q. Should we examine the lives of those who fail to accept the concept of spiritual principles?
In order to acquire information about spiritual principles, we must read the works of and learn about the lives of men and women who have made enduring, stable, progressive and enriching contributions. Whether society has recognised such achievements, by bestowing fame, fortune, awards, honours, titles, etc, is not important. What is important is that evidence exists that human beings have been able to do the 'impossible'. However, even those who have not made spirituality a priority, and who have consequently failed to do anything truly worthwhile with their lives, can provide us with useful information. We can, to a certain extent, learn from others' mistakes. There are obstacles that await all of us, those with an interest in spirituality and those without, and it is best to prepare for these obstacles, so that when they do appear we can capably deal with them. Many different areas are covered must be examined when investigating spiritual principles, using many different sources; the enlightened must construct the best path to reach their life goals and bypass the traps and pitfalls.
If we were to learn about investing money on stocks, we would likely be given examples involving people who made serious mistakes in judgement. For example: someone had listened to rumour and then lost money; someone had only cursorily gone over financial data and then lost money; someone had been seduced by a deceptive company profile without looking at product viability and then lost money. All of these are good warnings, in that they tell us about wrong paths to avoid; they strengthen and reinforce our resolve to ignore rumours, focus on a comprehensive analysis of factors, and be objective. But they do not tell us how to find the right path in order to invest wisely. Exactly how do we interpret the financial analyses? How much weight do we put on one factor over another? There is little authoritative discussion in about such approaches.
Nonetheless, it should be evident that we must focus on creating viable strategies for success, not simply avoidance of failure. 'The chess master succeeds because he persistently and intelligently pursues a viable strategy, losing pieces where necessary for the greater good of his plan'. Seek out stories of success, strategies that have worked, as well as stories of failure, and use all the information to create the plan that will lead you to success.
Q. Is seems so difficult to follow the good path in life - the one where the ideal will be made a reality. Can we really make it happen?
To accept the good path, and to openly reject the bad, requires courage. Yet, courage is not something innate, but must be built up, step by step. A man or woman of spiritual sophistication quickly learns about ineffective and wasteful solutions to problems. They see parents, siblings, relatives, teachers, government leaders, businessmen, clergymen makes such choices. The shock is in finding out that so very few make the right choices. Further, the spiritually enlightened become deeply dissatisfied with whatever social 'scene' they find themselves in. Afer all, in every culture, period, and nation the unenlightened, those who reject spiritual principles, determine the rules, laws, standards, aspirations and procedures of society. Those who are enlightened must have the ability and courage to correctly evaluate what they see around them, and to reject the cheap, ineffective, vulgar, amorphous, cowardly products of humanity they see around them. They stand prepared to dismiss all people and groups - even family, community, country - if they do not seek to realise the ideal through the assistance of the spirit. There is no question, however, that this rejection and separate demands bravery, fortitude and presence of mind. Yet, if the individual has attached himself to the ideal, then he will find the courage to pursue the good path, because the gratification he would receive would far outweigh the costs of criticism and derogation.
We call this worldview Christian Idealism, which is devoted to encouraging and facilitating the formation of high standards, paradigms, dreams, aspirations, great goals in people, in accordance with Biblical principles. This is accomplished by giving people relevant information that will allow them to ascertain with certainty the way the world operates, and so, inspire them to see what needs to be improved. This leads them to construct ideals, to bring about into reality what was envisioned in the mind. There is an art of living the must be consciously sought.
Christian Idealism is in essence five components, which work out in unfolding fashion:
1. GREATNESS REVELATION. The individual comes to realise that everyone has been destined for greatness by God, since all are made in His image.
2. IDEAL FORMATION. Greatness is accomplished through bringing about ideals, and so the individual must envision the ideal.
3. DISCRIMINATION DEVELOPMENT. In order to bring about ideals, a mission must be formed that is based on the use of a highly discriminating, objective analytical mind.
4. RESOURCE SEARCH. The individual understands that God gives the resources necessary for carrying out mission that brings about ideal, and thus the individual must search diligently for these resources.
5. OPTIMISATION. It is the responsibility of the individual to establish a constant attitude of seeking to make the best, most efficient use of resources, only using those that will yield the best return.
We see that different levels of thinking are called into play at each phase. The first requires only courage, the second requires imagination, the third requires specific, ongoing effort, the fourth requires a change in world view, and the fifth requires simple hard, repetitive, mundane work. The result, however, will surpass all expectations.
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