Many of our mainstream religions seem to be evident that a major change
is occurring, they appear
to be journeying
in two varied and opposite directions.
The first progression, which consists of many
internalized observant fundamentalist groups within Christianity,
Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, as well as other religions seeking a return
to their original religious roots.
The second progression, externalized
observant, has been a resultant in neglect of the religious creed in
general and of religious dogmas in particular.
Many people
are no longer satisfied to remain on the fringe, of a system of
beliefs, even though a particular religion is said to be.
They now wish to place themselves in the
centre of a system of thought springing from their own experiences. The
Rosicrucian belief fulfils people’s desire to delve
deeper into the mystic arts and self enlightenment.
In that respect, the acceptance of
religious dogmas is no longer automatic. The believers have acquired a
certain analytical sense regarding religious questions, and the basis
of their convictions corresponds increasingly to a self-
endorsement.
Where as in the past the need for spirituality
consummated forth a few religions having an arborescent form (namely,
that of a tree well rooted in its socio-cultural soil) to the
enrichment of which they have also contributed, today it takes the form
of a tuberose structure, composed of many and varied small shrubs.
The Spirit seems to now blow where it wishes?
What we have found today, on the fringe or in
place of the immense religions, are smaller groups of like minded,
religious and esoteric communities sharing similar ideas, or flow of
thought within which doctrines, more proposed than imposed, are
accepted through unbidden membership.
Regardless of the intrinsic nature
of these religious communities, groups, or movements, their expansion
indicates a metamorphosis of the spiritual quest. Generally speaking,
we feel that this metamorphosis has come about because the great
religions, which we used to respect as such, no longer have a monopoly
on faith.
They display increasing difficulties in
answering many people’s questions and can no longer appease, them inwardly.
Moreover, people may be estranged because
these religions have alienated themselves from spirituality.
But spirituality, although invariable, in essence,
constantly seeks to express itself through channels increasingly suited
to the evolution of humanity.
The survival of the colossal religions depends
more than ever upon their ability to abandon the most dogmatic moral
and doctrinal beliefs and positions they have embraced through the
generations.
If
the mainstream religions wish to endure, it is essential
that they adapt to society.
If they do not take into account
either the evolution of human consciousness or the ascension of modern
science, which means yielding in the face of evolution they thereby
condemn themselves to a progressive disappearance, but not without
causing further ethnic-socio-religious conflicts.
Nevertheless, we presume that their evaporation, is inevitable
and that under the influence of the worldwide development of
consciousness, they will give birth to a universal science based
religion that will integrate the best that the major religions have to
offer humanity for its transmogrification.
Furthermore,
we affirm that the desire to know
the divine laws, namely, natural, universal, and spiritual laws, will
eventually supplant the need just to believe in a God. We assume, that
one day belief will give way to knowledge.