Mysticism and Its Discontents: Does Spiritual Illumination Create Its Own Intrinsic Blindness?
Publication information:
Phipps, Carter. 2023. “Mysticism and Its Discontents: Does Spiritual Illumination Create Its Own Intrinsic Blindness?.” in Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
Abstract
Abstract: This paper will explore four essential questions and conundrums that confront us as we consider the way in which mystical illumination is presented in many new religious movements or alternative spiritualities. It will suggest that by more fully exploring the answers to these questions, we can better ameliorate the imbalances of power and the potential for abuse that is more often than not characteristic of alternative spiritual movements. Is mystical attainment seen as an end state? Does mystical awakening both illuminate and blind? To what extent does awakening select for psychological instability? Is domain creep inevitable?
Given insights derived from these four areas of inquiry, this paper will offer suggestions for how we might optimize the important benefits of alternative spiritual communities while still managing and mitigating the potential downsides."
Presenter bio: Carter Phipps has been at the forefront of contemporary spirituality for three decades, as executive editor of What Is Enlightenment? magazine; bestselling author of Evolutionaries and co-author of Conscious Leadership; cofounder of the Institute for Cultural Evolution; and as practitioner, participant, and former leader within an alternative spiritual community. He is also the host of the Thinking Ahead Podcast.
Presenter affiliation: Institute for Cultural Evolution
Given insights derived from these four areas of inquiry, this paper will offer suggestions for how we might optimize the important benefits of alternative spiritual communities while still managing and mitigating the potential downsides."
Presenter bio: Carter Phipps has been at the forefront of contemporary spirituality for three decades, as executive editor of What Is Enlightenment? magazine; bestselling author of Evolutionaries and co-author of Conscious Leadership; cofounder of the Institute for Cultural Evolution; and as practitioner, participant, and former leader within an alternative spiritual community. He is also the host of the Thinking Ahead Podcast.
Presenter affiliation: Institute for Cultural Evolution