----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, March 31, 2003 3:29
PM
Subject: Re: Challenging
Beliefs
Gerald,
I think I
may have read some of Arthur Guirdham's work - was he involved in the
Cathar reincarnation hypnosis exercises? I have a difficulty
accepting that the 'hearing voices' phenomena is linked to repressed
psychic abilities, but therein is the crux of my dilemma.
Psychic phenomena are a given part of your belief and world view; if I
think your beliefs are not rooted in reality, should I
consider them psychologically suspect?
I have a
slightly different view of why theist belief is so widespread (for any
Jungians out there, I have come accidentally stumbled
over this question from five different sources in the last two
weeks - synchronicity rules!).
Thought
is best seen in terms of Gestalt Psychology: we seek patterns
everywhere, we deduce and predict from patterns and we need to create
them even if they are not there. Since the world is is manifestly
unjust we have a deep need to balance this - somehow our loved dead are
not lost to us, good is rewarded, evil is resolved, all aspirations are
met, all love found. The need for this to be possible is deep and
to give it up is heart-rending.
Ian