Glenn,
Howdy. Taking two points, in turn:
> Are there any Gnostic Christians still around?
I don't think I've run into anyone in my travels who is self- described as a
Gnostic. Elaine Pagels has written a nice book about the Gnostic gospels,
though
But there are "CONTEMPLATIVE" Christians around, and these regularly get into
trouble with the Roman Church, and maybe other churches. Their practice is
influenced by Zen practice methods, and by Thomas Merton ("Father Louie", who
was himself influenced by his own epoch of Zen practice).
And "Centering-Prayer", you know, has caused as much uproar in some quarters as
it has caused peace, calm, and love in other quarters. ;-)
> Why would people be more interested in being told what to believe, as opposed
> to exploring Truth for themselves?
I think that for some it's not a matter of "interest", or being interested, as
it is a sense or feeling of safety or even compulsion in trusting the received
understanding of scripture(s). Also, there's the matter of trusting or
addressing "Authority", and not wishing to run afoul of it, whatever "afoul"
would entail. In olden times -- not too long ago? -- afoul would entail death,
usually a horrible death, at that.
A Revealed tradition is different from a Mystical tradition. A revealed
tradition is simply the codification and "doctrine-ification" of a founder's
mystical- (direct-) experience. Scripture versus Experience seem to be the
poles of religious life. Of course, in Buddhism, we are urged to have the
experience of the Founder. The Zen tradition *really* emphasizes this, and
even hints that we should KILL the Buddha, should we ever meet such a One. ;-)
So, say, Buddha!: this Zen-planet is not safe for you; keep off. Or, remain
incognito. ;-)
Best we can do is practice. Thankfully, there are ways to do so, and much
help, and many friends, available. Whew.
--Joe
> "Glenn Rogers" <rgthiessen@...> wrote:
>
> In my Shangha searching, I have found many Buddhists who pray/chant to
> Buddah, and they seem to view him as a god, rather than their own nature.
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