21 levels of Self-Deception: THIRD EDITION by Tom Wallace - HTML preview
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T W E N T Y - O N E L E V E L S
civilisation. Contrast this (point by point) with his Sarah’s circle thinking:
1. In/Out. (This may best be understood as
horizontal relations, as opposed to the Up/Down of Jacob’s ladder.)
2. Global village (recognising and embracing
diversity).
3. Dancing, celebrating.
4. Satisfying.
5. Shared ecstasies.
6. Welcoming, non-elitist (survival of all). 7. Democratic.
8. Strong and gentle.
9. Earth-orientated.
10. Interdependent.
11. Pride-producing, non-judgmental. 12. Nurturing and sensual. 13. Curved, circle-like.
14. Panentheistic (transparent). 15. Love of neighbour is love of God.
Some of these points will be explored in future chapters. In particular the meaning of panentheism is of relevance to our discussion, as is the contrasting points 15 in the two scenarios Fox presents.
Any desire for ‘spiritual growth’ (or what I’d prefer to call ‘nourishing the soul’) is always something of an ambiguous one. There is a sense in which this is real and possible — people can change and develop over time — people can grow as individuals. Our minds and our egos look for progress in spiritual matters just as in many other aspects of life — career, relationships and so on. Different faiths and traditions have their various ways of describing the process for us — some more palatable than others. The words of course can only take us at
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