The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall) · 530 of 530
Conclusionj
The great institution of materiality has failed.
The false civilization built by man has turned, and like the monster of Frankenstein, is destroying its creator.
Religion wanders aimlessly in the maze of theological speculation.
Science batters itself impotently against the barriers of the unknown.
Only transcendental philosophy knows the path.
Only the illumined reason can carry the understanding part of man upward to the light.
Only philosophy can teach man to be born well, to live well, to die well, and in perfect measure be born again.
Into this band of the elect--those who have chosen the life of knowledge, of virtue, and of utility--the philosophers of the ages invite YOU.
Themes
◆Gnosis Direct Knowledgesoteriology
Salvation through direct experiential knowledge of the divine nature, not through faith, ritual, or moral works alone.
Salvation is linked to 'illumined reason' and 'philosophy' rather than faith or ritual alone.
All passages →◆Pneumatic Electsoteriology
A spiritual elite who possess the divine spark and are predestined for salvation, contrasted with psychic (faithful) and hylic (material) persons.
A 'band of the elect' is described who have chosen the life of knowledge and virtue.
All passages →◆Spiritual Ascentpraxis
A staged journey of the soul upward through heavenly realms or levels of being toward the divine source.
The passage explicitly describes carrying the understanding part of man 'upward to the light'.
All passages →