A Re-enchantment Project
Introduction
The rise of the extreme political right globally is a multifaceted phenomenon driven by a combination of economic insecurity, cultural backlash, political disillusionment, media dynamics, populist leadership, security concerns, and historical/regional contexts.
The extreme political right often emphasizes nationalism, traditionalism, and resistance to change. These characteristics align with preserving outdated political, cultural, and religious forms. By clinging to past ideals, the extreme right seeks to maintain structures that may no longer serve the collective good or promote right human relationships.
However, there is one “resistance to change” that, if redirected, may be aligned with a progressive spiritual ideal. While opposing outdated religious forms, progressives may blunt a main driver of the conservative agenda by redefining the secularization of modern society, restoring God to its midst. God is not dead, the conservatives claim. And they are right!
In contemporary society, the concept of secularism often denotes a separation between religious and state affairs, leading to a perceived dichotomy between spiritual and everyday life. Note the difference between religious and spiritual. The increasing disaffiliation of youth from traditional religions, while safeguarding their spirituality, corroborates this difference.
https://news.gallup.com/topic/religion-and-social-trends.aspx
A re-enchantment project would aim to restore a sense of divine presence to our daily existence, not through outdated religious conceptualizations, but as a living presence—an inner and outer divine essence. This essay explores the spiritualization of secularism, envisioning God as a living presence within each human being, akin to a fractal reflecting an outer holographic divine intelligence guiding humanity’s destiny, as foreseen by the Masonic Founding Fathers of the United States.
Secularism and Its Discontents
Secularism, in its traditional sense, advocates for the neutrality of the state in religious matters, ensuring freedom of belief and equal treatment of all religions. While this approach prevents religious dogmatism, it often leaves a spiritual void in daily life, reducing the sense of interconnectedness and higher purpose that many find in spirituality.
This principle is fundamental to democratic societies, as it protects individuals’ rights to practice their faith without state interference and prevents any single religion from dominating governmental affairs. By maintaining this separation, secularism aims to foster an inclusive environment where diverse beliefs can coexist peacefully.
Preventing Religious Dogmatism: One of the primary benefits of secularism is that it prevents the imposition of religious dogma on public policy and education, safeguarding personal freedoms and fostering a climate of tolerance. This neutrality allows for a pluralistic society where various religious and non-religious perspectives are respected and valued, promoting social harmony and reducing conflict driven by religious differences.
Creating a Spiritual Void: However, this focus on neutrality can also lead to unintended consequences. By relegating spirituality to the private sphere, traditional secularism may inadvertently strip public life of the deeper meanings and connections that many people derive from their spiritual practices. In doing so, it risks creating a spiritual void, where the sense of interconnectedness, higher purpose, and moral guidance that spirituality provides are diminished in everyday living.
Impact on Society: The absence of a spiritual dimension in public life can contribute to feelings of isolation, alienation, and existential insecurity. Without a shared sense of higher purpose or connection to something greater than oneself, individuals may struggle to find meaning and fulfillment. This can lead to social fragmentation and a weakening of the communal bonds that nurture collective well-being.
Integrating Spirituality into Secular Life: To address these limitations, there is a growing call for the re-enchantment of secularism—a project aimed at reintegrating spirituality into public life in a way that respects religious diversity and individual freedoms. This approach does not advocate for a return to religious dogmatism but rather seeks to recognize and cultivate the spiritual dimensions that enhance human experience and societal cohesion.
The Concept of God as a Living Presence
Traditional religious concepts of God often depict a distant, authoritarian figure, which can be alienating in an increasingly pluralistic world. Re-enchantment proposes a shift towards viewing God as a living presence—an omnipresent divine essence within and around us.
Traditional religious concepts of God may feel disconnected and alienating in today’s diverse and pluralistic world. This perception of God as remote can create barriers to spiritual connection and human relations, especially in a society embracing a wide array of beliefs and perspectives. In contrast, the concept of re-enchantment offers a transformative shift towards viewing God as a living presence—a dynamic and omnipresent divine essence that permeates both within and around us.
This perspective emphasizes a sense of interconnectedness, spirituality, and unity, fostering a deeper understanding of the divine that transcends traditional boundaries and welcomes individuals of all backgrounds into a shared experience of the sacred. By recognizing the divine as a pervasive and accessible presence, re-enchantment opens the door to a more intimate, personal, and inclusive relationship with the divine, nurturing a sense of harmony, interconnectedness, and spiritual fulfillment in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
Fractal and Holographic Divine Intelligence
This new paradigm envisions each human being as a reflection of a higher divine intelligence, akin to a fractal pattern where each part contains and mirrors the whole. In fractal geometry, intricate patterns are repeated at every scale, suggesting that the entirety of the divine essence is encapsulated within every individual. This concept resonates with the idea that every person carries within them a spark of the divine, embodying the infinite complexity and beauty of the greater whole.
The Holographic Universe
Similarly, the holographic principle posits that each fragment of a hologram contains the complete image of the whole, regardless of how it is divided. Applying this to spirituality, the holographic concept suggests that the divine is not an external and separate entity but is intrinsically woven into the very fabric of reality. Each human being, therefore, is a microcosm of the universal divine intelligence, reflecting its qualities and participating in its continuous unfolding.
Interconnected Web of Consciousness
This paradigm shift redefines our understanding of divinity and our relationship to it. By seeing the divine intelligence as pervading all existence, we acknowledge that our actions, thoughts, and intentions are interlinked with the broader web of consciousness. This interconnectedness implies that our personal growth and spiritual development contribute to the collective evolution of humanity. It fosters a sense of responsibility and unity, as we recognize that the divine essence within us is part of a larger, coherent, and purposeful design.
Implications for Human Destiny
Viewing the divine intelligence in this fractal and holographic manner offers profound implications for how we perceive human destiny. It suggests that our individual paths are not isolated but intricately connected to the overarching trajectory of humanity. Each person’s journey is a vital strand in the tapestry of collective progress, guided by a shared divine intelligence that orchestrates harmony, balance, and growth. This perspective can inspire a deeper sense of purpose, encouraging individuals to align their lives with the greater good and contribute positively to the world around them.
Spiritual Practice and Development
In practical terms, this paradigm encourages spiritual practices that foster awareness of our interconnectedness and divine nature. Meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative practices can help individuals attune to the presence of the divine within and around them. This holistic view also promotes values such as empathy, compassion, and cooperation, as recognizing the divine in others reinforces the importance of treating each person with dignity and respect.
The fractal and holographic concept of divine intelligence revolutionizes our understanding of spirituality and our place within the cosmos. By envisioning each human being as a reflection of a larger divine intelligence, we embrace a more inclusive, interconnected, and dynamic view of the divine. This paradigm not only enriches individual spiritual practice but also fosters a collective sense of purpose and unity, guiding humanity towards a more harmonious and enlightened future.
The Vision of the Masonic Founding Fathers
The Masonic Founding Fathers of the United States, including notable figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, held a vision of a nation guided by principles of enlightenment and higher wisdom. Their belief in a divine intelligence shaping human destiny aligns with the idea of a re-enchanted secularism.
God as a Guiding Presence
For the Masonic Founding Fathers, God was seen as an omnipresent force guiding human progress and the unfolding of a just society. This view promotes a secularism that acknowledges and integrates spiritual insights, fostering a balanced approach to governance and societal development.
Masonic teachings emphasize the pursuit of knowledge, moral integrity, and the recognition of a grand architect of the universe. Central to Freemasonry is the belief that through education, self-improvement, and ethical conduct, individuals can achieve a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. The Masonic dedication to lifelong learning and intellectual growth champions the idea that enlightenment is an ongoing journey, not a destination. This aligns with the Enlightenment principles that informed the development of modern democratic societies, where reason and empirical inquiry are highly valued.
Moral Integrity and Ethical Conduct
Moral integrity stands as another cornerstone of Masonic philosophy. Freemasons are encouraged to cultivate virtues such as honesty, fairness, and benevolence. These values underpin a vision of society where individuals act responsibly and justly, contributing to the collective well-being. By promoting ethical behavior, Masonry seeks to build a community grounded in trust and mutual respect, where the actions of each person reflect a commitment to the greater good.
Recognition of a Grand Architect
The concept of the grand architect of the universe serves as a unifying principle within Masonry, symbolizing a higher order and intelligence that governs the cosmos. This recognition does not adhere to a specific religious doctrine but rather embraces a broad and inclusive understanding of divinity. It acknowledges that there is a profound and sacred structure to existence, which can inspire awe, humility, and reverence. This spiritual dimension enriches the Masonic approach to secularism by infusing it with a sense of higher purpose and meaning.
Enriched Secularism
These Masonic ideals support a form of secularism that is not devoid of spirituality but enriched by a sense of higher purpose and divine guidance. In this framework, secularism does not mean the absence of spirituality but rather the inclusion of spiritual insights that transcend specific religious boundaries. It allows for a public sphere where diverse spiritual perspectives are respected and integrated into the broader dialogue about human values and societal goals.
Higher Purpose and Divine Guidance
By integrating the pursuit of knowledge, moral integrity, and the recognition of a grand architect, Masonic teachings advocate for a society where individuals are inspired by higher ideals and guided by a sense of divine purpose. This enriched secularism fosters an environment where people are motivated to seek truth, practice virtue, and contribute to the common good, all while acknowledging a transcendent order that imbues life with meaning.
Practical Implications
In practical terms, this vision of secularism encourages policies and practices that reflect ethical and spiritual values. Educational systems, for instance, can be designed to promote critical thinking and moral development, preparing individuals to become thoughtful and responsible citizens. Governance can be guided by principles of justice, compassion, and stewardship, ensuring that decisions are made with consideration for both present and future generations.
The Masonic emphasis on knowledge, moral integrity, and the recognition of a grand architect offers a compelling model for an enriched secularism. This approach harmonizes the rational and the spiritual, fostering a society where individuals are inspired by higher ideals and guided by a sense of divine purpose. By embracing these Masonic principles — without endorsing any particular Lodge, or even Masonry as an institution — we can cultivate a public life that is both deeply ethical and spiritually fulfilling, paving the way for a more enlightened and cohesive society.
Practical Implications of Re-enchanted Secularism
Personal Transformation
Viewing God as a living presence encourages individuals to recognize their divine essence, fostering a sense of personal responsibility and interconnectedness. This perspective can inspire moral behavior, compassion, and a commitment to the common good.
Societal Integration
A re-enchanted secularism supports policies and practices that reflect spiritual values, such as justice, compassion, and cooperation. It promotes an inclusive society where diverse spiritual beliefs are respected and integrated into the public discourse.
Global Impact
On a global scale, re-enchanting secularism can contribute to addressing existential challenges, such as climate change and social inequality, by inspiring collective action grounded in a sense of shared destiny and divine stewardship.
Conclusion
The spiritualization of secularism, through a re-enchantment project, offers a transformative approach to modern life. By restoring a concept of God as a living presence—an inner and outer divine essence reflected in each human being—we can bridge the gap between the secular and the spiritual. This vision, rooted in the ideals of the Masonic Founding Fathers, guides humanity towards a future where right human relationships and economic stability are based on sharing and goodwill. Embracing this holistic perspective can foster a more meaningful, compassionate, and interconnected world, aligned with the divine intelligence shaping our destiny.
“Spiritual Values To Live By” – Revisited
[see: Project 2025]
To build a new world order where nations and individuals contribute selflessly to the collective good, promoting right human relationships and economic stability based on sharing and goodwill, the following top five spiritual values would be essential:
- Spirit of Cooperation: Cooperation is fundamental for fostering right human relationships and achieving collective goals. It encourages active goodwill, mutual support, and collaboration among individuals and nations.
- Serving the Common Good: This value emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the welfare of the community over individual interests. It involves the sacrifice of selfishness and the recognition that what benefits all ultimately benefits each person.
- A Sense of Justice: Justice ensures that the rights and needs of all individuals are recognized and respected. It is crucial for creating a fair and inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
- Compassion: Compassion drives humanitarian efforts and promotes understanding and empathy towards others. It is essential for addressing the suffering of others and taking actions to alleviate it, thereby creating a more caring and supportive global community.
- Humility: Humility, an adjusted sense of proportion, allows individuals and nations to recognize their role in a (non-authoritarian) hierarchical democracy. It reduces ego-driven conflicts and fosters an environment of mutual respect and cooperation.
These values, when embraced collectively, can help build a world where economic stability, social harmony, and right human relationships are prioritized, leading to a more just and cooperative global society.
The Love of Truth (Truthfulness) is a fundamental spiritual value and can be seen as integral to several of the top values listed.
- Spirit of Cooperation: Truthfulness is essential for genuine cooperation. Honest communication builds trust among individuals and nations, making collaboration more effective.
- Serving the Common Good: A love of truth ensures transparency and integrity in actions aimed at benefiting the community. It helps in making informed decisions that genuinely serve the common good.
- A Sense of Justice: Justice relies on truth. Recognizing and upholding what is true is necessary for fair treatment and addressing the rights and needs of all individuals.
- Compassion: Compassionate actions are more meaningful when they are based on truth. Understanding the true nature of others’ suffering allows for appropriate and effective responses.
- Humility: An adjusted sense of proportion (humility) includes an honest assessment of oneself, one’s responsibilities, and one’s life work. A truthful self-assessment prevents arrogance and promotes a balanced viewpoint.
These values, enriched with truthfulness, provide a robust foundation for creating a just, cooperative, and stable world.
Personal Responsibility is another critical value that can be integrated into the definitions of the top five spiritual values. Personal responsibility involves taking ownership of one’s actions and their impact on the community and the world.
- Spirit of Cooperation: Personal responsibility ensures that each individual actively contributes to collaborative efforts and upholds their part in cooperative endeavors. It means being accountable for one’s role within the group.
- Serving the Common Good: This value inherently requires individuals to take personal responsibility for their actions, recognizing that their contributions (or lack thereof) impact the collective well-being.
- A Sense of Justice: Justice is maintained when individuals acknowledge their responsibilities towards others’ rights and needs. Personal responsibility ensures that everyone acts fairly and justly in their interactions.
- Compassion: True compassion involves a sense of personal responsibility to take action to alleviate others’ suffering. It’s not just about feeling empathy but also about being accountable for contributing positively.
- Humility: An adjusted sense of right proportion (humility) includes recognizing one’s responsibilities and being accountable for one’s actions and their effects on others and society.
These values, enriched with both truthfulness and personal responsibility, establish a strong ethical framework for building a just, cooperative, and stable new world order.
Therefore, both Truthfulness and Personal Responsibility can be seamlessly integrated into a revised definitions of the top five spiritual values to live by. Each value becomes more robust and comprehensive when these two aspects are included.
Five Spiritual Values To Live By
- Spirit of Cooperation
- Definition: Fostering mutual support and collaboration among individuals and nations through open communication and shared efforts.
- Integration of Truthfulness: Cooperation thrives on honest communication, which builds trust and ensures clear understanding among all parties involved.
- Integration of Personal Responsibility: Each individual is accountable for their contributions to cooperative efforts, recognizing that their actions impact the collective success.
- Serving the Common Good
- Definition: Prioritizing the welfare of the community over individual interests, ensuring that actions benefit the collective.
- Integration of Truthfulness: Transparency and integrity are crucial for actions aimed at the common good; truthfulness ensures that decisions are made based on honest assessments.
- Integration of Personal Responsibility: Individuals must take ownership of their actions and decisions, understanding that their personal contributions are vital to the common welfare.
- A Sense of Justice
- Definition: Ensuring fair treatment and the recognition of everyone’s rights and needs, fostering an inclusive society.
- Integration of Truthfulness: Justice is rooted in truth; recognizing and upholding what is true is essential for fair treatment and addressing everyone’s needs.
- Integration of Personal Responsibility: Individuals are responsible for acting justly, holding themselves accountable for treating others fairly and upholding justice in all interactions.
- Compassion
- Definition: Empathy and concern for the suffering of others, coupled with actions aimed at alleviating it.
- Integration of Truthfulness: Compassionate actions are more effective when based on a truthful understanding of others’ experiences and needs.
- Integration of Personal Responsibility: True compassion involves taking responsibility to act on one’s empathy, ensuring that efforts to help others are genuine and impactful.
- Humility
- Definition: An adjusted sense of right proportion, providing a balanced view of oneself, one’s responsibilities, and life work.
- Integration of Truthfulness: Humility includes a truthful self-assessment, preventing arrogance and promoting genuine self-awareness.
- Integration of Personal Responsibility: Recognizing and accepting one’s responsibilities, being accountable for actions and their impacts on others, reflects true humility.
Summary
These definitions, incorporating both truthfulness and personal responsibility, create a comprehensive framework for living by spiritual values that support the building of a just, cooperative, and stable new world order. This approach ensures that actions are grounded in integrity and accountability, fostering a global culture of trust, fairness, empathy, and balanced self-awareness.
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