Glossary OOT Curriculum
Age of Aquarius:—A term for an astrological age lasting about 2,150 years. In the United States, the Age of Aquarius popularly refers to the New Age movement in the 1960s and 1970s.
Alchemy:— A science used in the Middle Ages purporting to change ordinary metals into gold; also, a power or process that transforms something in a mysterious or impressive way. For example, spiritual alchemy purports to transform the ordinary human soul into the pure gold of divinity through mystical means.
Anat:— A major northwest Semitic goddess, worshiped from Egypt to Syria and known as a violent war-goddess who fights on behalf of Baal.
Androgynous:— The state of being both male and female; hermaphroditic or having both masculine and feminine characteristics. In these lessons, the word is used to describe a Oneist blurring of the created distinctions between male and female.
Flew, Antony:— (1923 –2010) A British philosopher belonging to the analytic and evidentialist schools of thought, Flew was originally a determined atheist but became a deist toward the end of his life (though he kept some distance from orthodox Christianity).
Antithesis (antithetical, adj.):— Opposite, or in direct contrast.
Apostasy:— A total desertion of or departure from one's religion, principles, party, or cause.
Archetype:— In Jungian psychology, a collectively inherited unconscious idea, pattern of thought or image, universally present in individual psyches.
Avatar:— In Hindu Mythology, an avatar is the descent of a deity to the earth in an incarnate form or manifest shape; the incarnation of a god. More generally, the word can mean an embodiment or personification, as of a principle, attitude, or view of life. In today’s culture, it can mean creating a virtual identity.
Aymara:— An indigenous native nation in the Andes and Altiplano regions of South America with populations concentrated in Bolivia, Peru, and Chile.
Babylonia:— An ancient Akkadian-speaking Semitic nation state and cultural region based in central-southern Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq). In the Bible, “Babylon” took on a general representative meaning of all that is pagan.
Bailey, Alice Ann:— (1880 –1949) A writer and theosophist in occult teachings, "esoteric" psychology and healing, astrological and other philosophic and religious themes. She wrote twenty-four books under the guidance of “the Tibetan,” a member of “the Hierarchy” of ascended masters advancing “the Plan” to turn humanity away from Christianity to embrace the “Ageless Wisdom” of universal divinity under their spiritual control.
Bailey, Foster:— (1888 – 1977) Alice Bailey’s second husband, whom she married in 1921. He served as National Secretary of the Theosophical Society and co-founded, with Alice Bailey, Lucifer Publishing Company in 1922, later called Lucis Trust. He was a 32nd degree Freemason and his book The Spirit of Masonry was published by Lucis Trust in 1957.
Bakker, Jay:— An American pastor, author, speaker and theologian. He is the younger of two children born to televangelists Jim and Tammy Bakker. He has shocked the Christian world by denying the atonement and saying, among other heretical things, “I think that the idea of God somehow being separated from us was more man's idea.”
Berry, Thomas:— (1914 –2009) A Catholic priest of the Passionist order who called himself a geologian, or “Earth scholar.” He believed that the universe is the essence of reality and that we must learn our truths from its story. He was influenced by the work of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and took a great interest in Native American cultures and shamanism.
Bhagavad Gita:— (c. 5th to 2nd centuries BC) A 700-verse scripture that is part of the Hindu epic Mahabharata; a sacred text of the Hindus. The Gita is set on the battlefield where the warrior prince Arjuna struggles over going to battle against his family, friends and teachers in order to keep karma. His charioteer Krishna instructs him in his duty to the warrior caste (Kshatriya) to go to battle. The Gita is often interpreted allegorically as the internal battle toward liberation from all attachments. Krishna reveals his universal form to Arjuna and instructs him in the progressive steps from Karma Yoga (the duty to caste) to Bhakti Yoga (devotion to Krishna) to the self-realization that comes from Jnana Yoga (direct inner knowledge of union with Brahman), which brings liberation from the wheel of reincarnation (samsara).
Bimbo:— Slang for a foolish, stupid or inept person.
Blavatsky, Helena Petrovna:— (1831–1891) A Russian occultist who established a research and publishing institute called the Theosophical Society. She defined Theosophy as "the archaic Wisdom-Religion, the esoteric doctrine once known in every ancient country having claims to civilization." In 1897, she published the journal Lucifer, advancing the Luciferic “enlightenment” of universal, inter-religious harmony.
Bloom, Harold:— (1930–2013) Professor of Humanities at Yale University and former Professor at Harvard. Bloom wrote many controversial analyses of Christianity, as well as numerous books of literary criticism. He was intrigued by Gnosticism and rejected the Bible as God’s Word.
Böhme, Jacob:— (1575–1624) A peasant raised as a Lutheran, Böhme became a shoemaker by trade, but had mystical visions that led him to write religious treatises that were admired by many but resisted by theologians who felt his opinions were heretical— such as a belief that to reach God, man has to go through hell; the Fall was a necessary stage in the evolution of the universe; and the Trinity can be described as Fire (the Father), Light (the Son) and the Living Principle (the Holy Spirit).
Brahman:— In Hinduism, Brahman is “the unchanging reality amidst and beyond the world,” which “cannot be exactly defined.” It is sometimes described as “being-consciousness-bliss” or the highest reality. Brahman is universal, impersonal and unintelligible to the mind, known only by direct mystical experience.
Brewin, Kester:— Author of Signs of Emergence, one of the leaders of the Emergent Church tradition in the UK whom Brian McLaren considers to be “one of the leading public theologians for a new generation of thoughtful Christians.” Brewin rejects the immutability of God, insisting that the church must be “reincarnated” as it follows the “emergent Christ” who is “evolv[ing] a new faith from the ground up.”
Burke, Spencer:— A popular Christian author who left his position as a teaching pastor at the 10,000-member Mariner's Church when he could no longer endure evangelical doctrine. Burke is in the Emerging Church tradition and does not consider himself to be a “pastor” now. He no longer believes that God is a person, holding the panentheistic view that “God is ‘in all,’” that “God is the ocean and we are the fish in it.” His website, www.theooze.com, was influential among young emergent thinkers.
Campbell, Joseph:— (1904–1987) An American writer and lecturer known for his work in mythology and comparative religion. Campbell’s philosophy is summarized by his phrase “Follow your bliss.” He was influenced by Freud, Jung and many others, and himself had great influence on the work of George Lucas, who created the Star Wars series. Campbell’s thinking has been instrumental in elevating myth as over against trusting God’s Revelation.
Campolo, Tony:— (1935—) An influential leader of the Evangelical left. Campolo is a leader in the “Red-letter Christian” movement that wishes to emphasize Jesus’ teachings more than other sections of the Bible. His views have been controversial in the evangelical world, especially his statement that “Jesus is actually present in each other person.” Tony believes homosexuality to be sinful, but encourages homosexuals to be celibate rather than trying to change their sexual inclinations.
Campolo, Peggy:— Married to Tony Campolo, Peggy believes that any monogamous, faithful relationship, whether hetero- or homosexual should be dignified by the status of “marriage.”
Centering Prayer:— A meditative discipline developed by Father Thomas Keating in the 1970s that presents prayer as a relationship with God that goes beyond words, thoughts and affections. Centering prayer relies on repetition of a sacred word (mantra) to bypass the mind in order to experience direct, unmediated union with the divine. According to Keating, the goal of centering prayer is nondual consciousness; the ground that unites world religions in their shared mystical experiences. It has a place within a larger context of Contemplative practice, which often leads into a Oneist joining of the opposites.
Chopra, Deepak:— (1947–) An Aryuveda practitioner, author and popular religious figure, Chopra was given the title “Lord of Immortality” by the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, but fell out with him later. He has had great financial and business success in promoting his “holistic view of life that sees human beings as networks of energy and information, integrating body, mind and spirit.” Chopra is a classic Oneist.
cogito ergo sum:— “I think, therefore I am,” a famous quote from René Descartes.
Collier, Peter:— (1939–) A once left-leaning student, Collier, with his good friend David Horowitz, had “second thoughts” (the title of a conference they do for ex-leftists) about his political leanings during the 1960s and has become an outspoken critic of many leftist cultural influences.
Colson, Chuck:— (1931-2012) An advisor to President Nixon, Colson spent seven months in prison for his part in Watergate illegalities. He became a converted Christian believer and later worked very hard to promote the Christian gospel among the prison population. He was a valued public speaker, wrote thirty books and had a daily radio commentary for many years.
Contemplative Prayer:— A larger notion than “centering prayer,” contemplative prayer emphasizes a mystical relationship with God that often involves meditative exercises that are very like Eastern mystical practices and have a dangerous Oneist tendency. It is often also a vehicle for bringing practitioners of various religions into a sense of unity, due to the common mystical experience.
Cosmology:— One’s approach to and belief about the universe; a worldview.
Crème, Benjamin:— (1922-) Influenced by Helena Blavatsky and Alice Bailey, Crème experienced contact with one of the “Masters of Wisdom,” who told him that Maitreya, the “World Teacher” would soon return. His life is dedicated to improving his communication with this “Master,” and to spreading the Master’s message in the world. Christians might well assume that Crème actively sought demon possession.
Custance, John:— Custance was a manic-depressive who wrote about his experiences. One such quote is the following: “I feel so close to God, so inspired by His Spirit that in a sense I am God. I see the future, plan the Universe, save mankind; I am utterly and completely immortal; I am even male and female. The whole Universe, animate and inanimate, past, present and future, is within me.”
Cybele:— Originally an Anatolian mother goddess, Cybele later came to represent aspects of an Earth- or Harvest-goddess. The Greeks worshiped her as an exotic mystery-goddess with a disorderly, ecstatic following.
Dalai Lama:— The highest lama in Tibetan Buddhism, considered a reborn manifestation of the bodhisattva of compassion. The title “Dalai Lama” means Ocean of Wisdom, signifying that he is the embodiment of divine knowledge. The office is inherited by reincarnation and the reigning Dalai Lama holds absolute spiritual authority over Tibetans. In the 17th century, the 5th Dalai Lama also assumed political leadership over Tibet, a role passed down to the current Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatsu who resigned his political leadership in 2011 but continues in his role as spiritual head of Tibet. The Dalai Lama relies on guidance from the Nechung oracle, practices deity yoga and daily puja (worship) rituals envisioning himself as a succession of deities. He receives worship from his followers. With the rebirth of interest in Eastern spirituality, the Dalai Lama has also had untold influence over practitioners of many other religions.
Damascus:— The capital and second largest city of Syria, known in the Bible as the city to which the apostle Paul was traveling when he was met by the risen Christ and converted to faith in Jesus.
Dass, Ram:— (1931–) Born into a Jewish family, Richard Alpert attained success as a Harvard professor where he became a close associate of Timothy Leary. He was dismissed from Harvard in 1963 for giving psilocybin to an undergraduate. His experiences with psychedelics predisposed him to eastern mysticism and in 1967 he converted to Hinduism, receiving the name Ram Dass (meaning “servant of God”) from his guru, Neem Karoli Baba. Having become an influential spiritual teacher, his Oneist beliefs have been widely marketed since the 1971 publication of his book Be Here Now.
Death of God Theology:— A movement that claims that God has “died,” in the sense that no one needs belief in God anymore. It does not claim that people will no longer believe in the need for gods or spirituality, and so is chiefly a rejection of the Judeo-Christian God of the Bible.
Deep Shift:— A belief that contemporary history is on the verge of major positive changes to free the world of the Christian civilization, known as Christendom.
Dharma:— Ordered behaviors that make life and universe possible (Hinduism) or cosmic law and order (also Buddha’s teachings) in Buddhism.
Docetism:— the belief that Christ did not have a historical, bodily existence, but that his human form was just an appearance, without any reality.
Dowd, Michael:— (1958–) An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, Dowd considers himself a progressive Christian and eco-theologian. Having abandoned his early biblical worldview, he now promotes Evolutionary Christianity.
Ebionite:— A Jewish/Christian movement that rejected the divinity of Christ.
Ecclesia Gnostica:— A Gnostic church in San Francisco.
Eckhart, Meister:— (c. 1260–1327) The influential 13th century German mystic who taught the NeoPlatonist idea that God in his ebullience had overflowed into everyone as the inner Son, the inner Word, so that all of creation is infused with the divine essence (panentheism). His Oneism is notably expressed in his well-known saying, “The eye with which I see God is the same eye with which God sees me.”
Ecofeminist:— A movement that ties feminism and ecology together, drawing a parallel between the domination of women and our domination of the environment. It argues that there is a connection between women and nature.
Emergent Church Movement:— A loose, ill-defined movement among evangelical and mainline Christians of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries that emphasizes social justice and rejects much of the theological and ecclesiastical structures of traditional churches. The movement has branched into a variety of expressions, some more biblical than others. Theology often becomes “conversation,” and the movement is open to neo-liberalism and universalism.
Emergent Village:— A subset of the Emergent Church Movement with very loose connections to Christianity. They state that they have no statement of faith, but that they believe in “God, beauty, future and hope.”
Enneagram:— A nine-pointed esoteric star symbol, the Enneagram is used in business, psychology and spirituality. It has its roots in the teachings of Armenian/Russian occultist George Gurdjieff and has had immeasurable influence, through books, conferences and other educational outlets. It follows Gurdjieff’s Oneist paths to higher states of being through enlightenment and self-development.
Esoteric:— Understood by, or meant for, only the select few who have special knowledge or interest; secret. It also denotes something interior.
Exacerbated:— strengthened, made more intense.
Exoteric:— Suitable for or communicated to the general public. In the context of this course, truth and revelation coming from the outside or exterior, rather than from within.
Fellini, Frederico:— (1920–1993) One of the most influential filmmakers of the twentieth century. Influenced by Carl Jung, the I Ching, spiritism, séances, and hallucinogens, his surrealistic films blended earthiness and baroque imagery into unbridled sexuality fantasy.
Ferguson, Marilyn:— (1938–2008) An American author best known for her 1980 book The Aquarian Conspiracy, which is considered the primary source book for the New Age Movement. Inspired by the Oneist spirituality of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, she advanced the notion that world consciousness was evolving beyond the darkness of the Piscean Age of Christianity into the enlightened Age of Aquarius where consciousness would converge into a harmonious, universal mind. Her writings influenced Al Gore and Deepak Chopra among other prominent leaders of the new spirituality.
foie gras:— goose-liver pâté.
Foster, Richard:— (1942–) An American Quaker writer and spiritual leader, his popular 1978 book Celebration of Discipline introduced the contemplative practices of medieval mysticism to evangelicals. His works draw heavily from the influence of Thomas Merton, an early Catholic leader in the interfaith movement, medieval panentheist (God is within everything) Meister Eckhart, and the Medieval NeoPlatonist (a version of Oneism) work The Cloud of Unknowing. Foster emphasizes the mystical experience of divine presence attainted through contemplative techniques.
Freud, Sigmund:— (1856–1939) An Austrian neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis. In the 1890s, Freud developed psychoanalysis on the principle that hysterical neuroses were the result of repressed memories of sexual abuse in infancy or early childhood. He later argued that societal repression of sexual desire was to blame for these behaviors. His techniques of psychoanalysis used both hypnosis and the free association of thoughts, dreams and fantasies, dubbed the “talking cure,” to unlock repressed sexual memories and desires.
Gadarene Demoniac:— The demon-possessed man mentioned in Matthew 8:28 ESV; Mark 5:15 ESV; Luke 8:36 ESV, from whom Jesus cast out demons in a town to the east of the Sea of Galilee.
Gaia:— In Greek mythology, Gaia is the primordial Mother Goddess who personifies the earth and is considered the creator of the universe and the gods. Contemporary neopaganism returns to Gaia worship, using meditative techniques to achieve the enlightenment of the ancient Greeks in the mystical union of the earth and sky, which unveils the universal divinity (Oneism) believed to exist in all of nature. In current Western culture, interest in Gaia has arisen as the increasingly neopagan culture turns its worship from the true Creator God of the Bible to the earth as a kind of god in itself, from whom we learn our morals and our worldview.
Geering, Lloyd:— (1918–) A theologian from New Zealand who successfully fought off heresy charges in his denomination for claiming that Jesus never rose from the dead and that there is no supernatural God who created and maintains the world.
GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network):— A US organization whose goal is to stop school bullying of gays and lesbians. However, its real goal seems to be forcing an approval of homosexuality on schools and students, as well as ensuring that educational materials used in the schools are pro-homosexual.
Gnosticism, Gnostic:— The Gnostics were second-century heretics who believed that the God of the Old Testament was a tyrannical fool and that Jesus did not really die on the cross. They taught that oneness with the real god was to be found in secret knowledge and personal experience. Sexual deviation was also a part of many of their practices. The body was seen as either evil or of no import, thus some Gnostics were ascetic (trying to deny the evil body) while others were profligate (if the body is of no import, one can do whatever one wishes with it). Gnosticism has been on the rise in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Although it sometimes appears as Twoism, Gnosticism is a thoroughly Oneist system because it has a monistic underlying foundation.
Gould, Stephen Jay:— (1941–2002) American paleontologist and historian of science, who posited the theory of punctuated equilibrium, which suggests that most evolution is marked by long periods of evolutionary stability, punctuated by rare instances of branching evolution.
Grey, Alex:— (1953–) An American artist of spiritual, psychedelic art associated with the New Age (Oneism) movement. Grey was transformed from agnosticism to radical transcendentalism through the use of LSD. He practices Tantric Buddhism, awakening the serpent power of Kundalini in the body and mind to experience enlightenment of universal divinity. Grey founded the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors to house his artwork, give lectures, and host interfaith events.
Grof, Stanislav:— (1931–) A founder of transpersonal psychology and a psychiatrist who encourages altered states of consciousness in order to help people heal, grow, and find insights into their own being. He is profoundly Oneist.
GSA:— The Gay Straight Alliance: An organization in American high schools, colleges and universities that encourages gays and straights to work together to create a “safe” environment for gays. Though its purposes seem good, it often becomes a means of pressuring straights to approve of homosexuality and a means of pressuring those who would like to be rid of homosexual tendencies not to seek help or counseling.
Hay, Harry:— (1912–2002) A radical gay rights activist, Hay, with his partner, founded a group known as Radical Faeries. In his later years, he became a devotee of Native American Spirituality, which often emphasizes the role of the homosexual shaman as mediator of Oneness with the androgynous spirit world.
Heaven’s Gate Cult:— A San Diego-based millennial group that believed the world would soon be wiped clean (recycled) and that the only way to survive was to leave it. In 1997, when the comet Hale-Bopp was at its brightest, thirty-nine cult members committed mass suicide in order to reach a space craft they thought was following the comet. By this means, they believed they could evolve to the next level above humanity.
Hephaestion:— A highly respected military leader and member of Alexander’s bodyguard, who had a long-time homosexual relationship with him.
Heretical:— A word describing a person or doctrine that contradicts the accepted beliefs of a religion.
Hermetica:— Second and third century Egyptian and Greek wisdom texts in dialogue form that are the basis of Hermeticism, a belief system that has elements in common with Gnosticism and NeoPlatonism. They believed, for example, that a demi-urge created the world, not the Creator God of the Bible and that one can have an experience of the “rebirth” of the mind. They also believed in reincarnation. Their ideas have been used extensively in certain ages of history, such as in fifteenth century alchemy, astrology and theurgy (magic rituals invoking the divine). The Emerald Tablet tract of the Hermetica teaches the principle of “As above, so below,” a foundational precept of occultism, in which it is believed that humanity is turned into divinity.
Heterocosmology:— A term created by Dr. Peter Jones to describe a worldview that believes in the major distinction between all that exists: there is nothing other than the Creator God or his creation. Belief in this major distinction then leads to a respect for the distinctions and roles that God has created for us in the world.
Hoeller, Stephan:— Author and scholar of Gnosticism and Jungian psychology, Bishop of Ecclesia Gnostica, Director of Studies for the Gnostic Society and speaker for the Theosophical Society of America. Hoeller was originally ordained as a Catholic priest.
Homocosmology:— A term created by Dr. Peter Jones to describe a worldview that believes there is no distinction between God and the creation, and which therefore seeks to erase the God-created distinctions in the world, such as the difference between animal and human, male and female, etc.
Horowitz, David:— (1939–) Raised by Marxist communists, David Horowitz spent his early years as a convinced leftist, but later turned against such positions, a journey he explained in his 1996 publication Radical Son: A Generational Odyssey. He is a close friend and colleague of Peter Collier, with whom he has collaborated in defending academic freedom from leftist coercion and pressure.
Houston, Jean:— (1937–) Known as one of the founders of the Human Potential Movement, Jean Houston has had influence on many national and international leaders, including the Dalai Lama, and several US presidential couples, including Bill and Hillary Clinton. Her message is thoroughly Oneist as can be seen in this statement: “It is the time where we partner with Creation in the creation of ourselves, in the restoration of the biosphere, the regenesis of society and in the assuming of a new type of culture.”
Hubbard, Barbara Marx:— (1929–) A Futurist and co-founder of the World Future Society. The by-line on her website Foundation for Conscious Evolution is “Evolution by choice, not by chance.” She claims that this is the first moment in a 13 billion year existence that humanity is aware that it is evolving. In 2012, she and other Human Potential leaders presented the Birth 2012 gathering, “Calling all Conscious Change Agents to Celebrate the Birth of a New Era.” We now have a choice as to whether we will destroy ourselves or co-create ourselves through realization of universal Christ-consciousness into something marvelous for the future. Hubbard warns that all who will not conform (Christians) must be cut out of the human body (killed) as cancer cells. Hubbard’s Oneism reveals a radical hatred for the body of Christ.
Hubris:— Excessive pride, haughtiness or arrogance.
Huxley, Aldous:— (1894–1963) Author of Brave New World and other well-known pieces, Huxley, a pacifist, became intrigued with mysticism and parapsychology later in life. He lectured at the Esalen Institute on “Human Potentiality, lectures that would be foundational in the Human Potential Movement.
Iconic:— A sign or symbol used to represent a particular idea or philosophy.
Immanent:— Inner; taking place within the mind. In theology, a non-transcendent god who indwells the universe.
Imminent:— Near at hand, about to happen.
Istar:— Assyrian and Babylonian goddess of fertility, love, war, and sex, also known as Astarte.
Johnson, Toby:— (1945–) An American novelist focusing on gay spirituality. He studied at the California Institute of Integral Studies (a center for Oneist spirituality), was mentored by American mythologist Joseph Campbell and has authored numerous books advancing gay spirituality. He believes homosexuality plays a transformative role in evolution of consciousness and in the advancement of ecology, spirituality, and mysticism.
Jones, Tony:— A leader in the Emergent Church movement, an adjunct professor at Fuller Theological Seminary and Theologian-in-Residence at Solomon’s Porch, pastored by Doug Pagitt. He admires Phyllis Tickle and encourages such contemplative practices as lectio divina, walking labyrinths, centering prayer (a form of mantra meditation) and the Enneagram. He is also a strong supporter of gay marriage.
Julian the Apostate:— (AD 331–363) Raised by a secretly pagan philosopher, Nicocles, Julian was enamored of NeoPlatonic thought, magic and mysteries. A successful military and political leader, he maintained a pretense of Christianity, but his secret goal was to overturn Christianity in the Roman Empire, a task he felt he failed to complete, as evidenced by his dying words, “You have conquered, O Galilean [Jesus].”
Jung, Carl Gustav:— (1875–1961) One of Jung’s major theories is that of “individuation,” which involves integrating the opposites— a very Oneist notion. In later life, he became highly involved in mysticism and occultism. He has had a powerful influence over many aspects of modern culture, especially in psychology and religion, but also in the education system.
Kaballah:— Esoteric theories arising within Judaism that explore the relationship between the unchanging and eternal (about which nothing can be known) and the universe. The system is highly mystical and Oneist. Divine emanations can be known, however, through a mystical encounter with concealed mysteries. Kabbalah has a long, complex history and has seen many transformations throughout the ages.
Keating,Thomas:— (1923–) In the 1970s, abbot Thomas Keating along with fellow Trappist monks Basil Pennington and William Meninger, developed the practice of Centering Prayer based on the heretical fourteenth century writing, The Cloud of Unknowing, a Christianized version of NeoPlatonist Oneism. Since that time, Keating has been a leader in the interfaith movement, recognizing that mystics within every religion experience nondual consciousness through contemplative techniques. He has collaborated with Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, founder of Naropa University, dedicated to advancing Tibetan Buddhism in America, with Sufi mystic Lewellyn Vaughan-Lee and with integral (All-Is-One) philosopher Ken Wilber. Keating, Pennington and Meninger co-founded Contemplative Outreach, an organization dedicated to advancing contemplative practices such as Centering Prayer and lectio divina.
Krishnamurti:— (1895–1986) As a youngster, Krishnamurti was discovered by Charles Webster Leadbeater, a leader in the Theosophical movement, who introduced him to Annie Besant. He was taken in by Besant and groomed to become the next World Teacher, a role he later declined to follow. His own mystical spiritual experiences later in life became the foundation of his teachings, which emphasized the whole as distinct from the part.
Labyrinth:— Originally a part of a Greek myth, the labyrinth is a circular maze often used for spiritual contemplation and a mystical experience of centering and discovering the divine within. This use of a labyrinth was popularized among Christians by Episcopal priest Lauren Artress as a path to experiencing God, but it borrows from pagan ideas about spirituality, and finding God within. According to Lauren Artress, the labyrinth is “an ancient symbol for the Divine Mother, the God within, the Goddess, the Holy in all of creation.”
Leary, Timothy:— (1920–1996) A fellow Harvard professor and colleague of Richard Alpert (Ram Dass) in the development of the Harvard psilocybin, Leary advocated the use of psychedelic drugs and became famous for phrases such as, “Tune in, turn on, drop out” and “Question Authority.” Interested in yoga, meditation and transhumanism, he also developed an eight-circuit theory of consciousness in a book called Exo-Psychology.
lectio divina:— A practice of Christian meditation on Scripture that eliminates logical analysis in an attempt to experience the Word directly. Though this practice can be presented as if it is a very godly way of going deeper into the Scriptures, it is deceptive and Oneist in theory, depending on such exercises as emptying the mind and repeating a word at length until a certain experience occurs.
Levitical Priests:— Priests in Israel were chosen only from the descendants of Aaron (who was a descendant of Levi). Other descendants of Levi were given the job of helping the priests in the temple.
LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender):— A term used to designate homosexuals, lesbians and other sexually aberrant identities. This terminology has come to represent a lobbying block that is forcing the acceptance of homosexuality as normal in many areas of the culture.
Liberalism:— When used in relation to Christian theology, this term implies a departure from a solid respect, love for and belief in the Scriptures and the gospel contained in them as the unshakeable foundation of the Christian gospel.
Lloyd-Jones, Martyn:— (1899–1981) The Welsh medical doctor who sensed God’s call to ministry, serving under G. Campbell Morgan at Westminster Chapel in London. Upon Campbell’s retirement, Lloyd-Jones became the sole pastor of Westminster Chapel, serving for twenty-nine years. His brilliant expository preaching drew thousands to his sermons and Bible studies. An evangelical in the Reformed tradition, he is known for his strong opposition to liberal Christianity.
Lucis Trust:— Founded by Foster and Alice Bailey in 1922, the original name was Lucifer Publishing. The name was changed to Lucis Trust in 1925. This organization was formed chiefly to publish the esoteric philosophical writings of the Theosophist Alice Bailey. The group emphasizes the nonsectarian multifaith cooperation in both thought and action, especially the relief of poverty and suffering, to unite the religions, influencing mass human consciousness to follow the “Plan” of a “spiritual Hierachy” headed by the “Maitreya” or “Christ” who will rule over a “new world order.”
Machen, J. Gresham:— (1881–1937) Once professor of New Testament at Princeton Seminary, Machen was among those who saw and decried the seminary’s move into liberalism and eventually left Princeton to begin a new, biblically faithful seminary, Westminster Theological Seminary. His book Christianity and Liberalism offended liberals, since it implied that to be liberal meant that one was no longer Christian. This book takes exactly the same position Dr. Peter Jones explains, in holding that there are only two religions—worship of the Creator or worship of the creature. Of course, both these men and all others who hold to this belief, learned it from the Scriptures themselves. This course focuses on one clear expression of the difference, as found in Romans 1 ESV.
MacLaine, Shirley:— (1934–) A well-known and successful actress, Shirley MacLaine has also influenced many in the culture by her belief in reincarnation, past lives, and a Oneist “going within” spirituality. In her 1987 television miniseries, Out on a Limb, she proclaimed, “I Am God.”
Mahdi:— The Mahdi is considered the redeemer of Islam who will rule the world before the Day of Judgment. Belief in the Mahdi is predominantly held by Shi’ite Muslims who believe he will manifest as the twelfth and final imam in the last days. Sunni Muslims believe he is the successor of Mohammad who will reestablish righteousness at the end of time.
Maitreya:— In Buddhism, the Maitreya will appear on earth to restore the teachings of Buddha at a time when most have been forgotten. In Theosophy, the Maitreya will appear in fulfillment of every religion. He is thus considered as the World Teacher, the Planetary Buddha, the Imam Mahdi, Krishna, and the Cosmic Christ. The appearance of the Maitreya is expected to usher in an age of peace and brotherly kindness on earth.
Marx, Karl:— (1818–1883) The influential 19th century socialist thinker and revolutionary who, together with Friedrich Engels, penned The Communist Manifesto, calling the workers of the world to unite in order to overthrow capitalist governments. An ardent atheist and adversary of Christianity, his social, economic and political activism inspired Communist revolutions ultimately entrapping close to half the world’s population under repressive Marxist regimes by the middle of the 20th century.
Masonic Order:— An esoteric secret society based on the “universal fatherhood of God and the universal brotherhood of man.” The religious goal of Freemasonry is uniting men from all religions in universal worship. Freemasonry claims descent from the builders of Solomon’s temple, but historical evidence dates Masonry to early 18th century Britain. Within the Lodge, men advance by degree through rituals and vows in sworn secrecy as they climb the mystical ladder to enlightenment and immortality. In the public view, Freemasons are known for their charitable works. The rituals and vows of Freemasonry are based in pagan thinking and are in conflict with Christian devotion and loyalty to Jesus Christ.
Matthews, Caitlín:— (1952–) Caitlín and her husband John are prolific English writers working to revive the Western Mystery traditions of European witchcraft. Matthews is the archpriestess in the Order of Isis and her book Sophia Goddess of Wisdom presents the divine feminine as the spirit of the emerging “world-soul.” The Matthews speak at New Age conferences, where Caitlín teaches on Celtic mysteries, shamanism and other occult mystical traditions.
McLaren, Brian:— (1956–) As the most prominent leader in the Emergent Church Movement, McLaren reinterprets the Bible through the lens of Postmodernity, insisting that salvation is not found in propositional truths about Jesus but by experiencing “Jesus” mystically, apart from doctrinal context. Having discarded sound doctrine and the substitutionary atonement, McLaren rejects the need for conversion to Jesus, insisting that people of other faiths such as Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims simply need to “experience life to the full in the way of Jesus” (A Generous Orthodoxy, 264). McLaren equates his understanding of “emergent” thinking with Ken Wilber’s Oneist term “integral” (http://www.brianmclaren.net/archives/000030.html), by which he means that all is experienced as One in the state of nondual consciousness. Not surprisingly, McLaren is steadily emerging as a universalist mystic who embraces all religions as of equal value.
McTaggart, Lynne:— (1951–) An advocate of alternative medicine known for her controversial book, What Doctors Don’t Tell You.
Meditation:— The biblical idea of meditation involves carefully studying, pondering and deeply thinking through Scripture to increase our knowledge of God and to gain instruction in his ways, which motivates and encourages us in godly living so that our lives are “transformed by the renewing of our minds” as we take “every thought captive in obedience to Christ.” Biblical (Twoist) meditation looks outside ourselves to the Creator and Redeemer and stands by faith upon the sure foundation of the Scriptures. The popular understanding of meditation is influenced, however, by Eastern Mysticism’s Oneist practice of turning within the self, silencing the thinking mind into a state of nondual consciousness in order to awaken mystical enlightenment of inner divinity and cosmic unity: All is One; All is Divine.
Medieval Monasticism:— A practice based on withdrawal from society and the world in order to perfect the soul through ascetic practices and thus to experience mystical union with God (a very Oneist notion). Rigorous and often torturous ascetic practices such as self-flagellation, sleep deprivation and near starvation were practiced to overcome all earthly desires, believing this freed the soul to pursue the mystical experience of God alone. Considered the father of Christian monasticism, Anthony of Egypt (c. 251-356) lived in complete solitude and silence in the desert for years at a time, inspiring the movement known as the Desert Fathers as many followed his example of asceticism. The Apostle Paul warned against asceticism and mysticism in his letter to the Colossians, “These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence (Colossians 2:23 ESV).
Merton, Thomas:— (1915–1968) A Catholic monk and mystic whose huge influence encouraged interfaith cooperation. His most famous book is probably the Seven Storey Mountain, an autobiography written early in his monastic life. He studied many other religions, finding that the Eastern religions especially offered similar inner, wordless experiences to the Catholic mysticism he endorsed. In 1968 he participated in an interfaith spirituality gathering presented by the Temple of Understanding in India, promoting the harmonizing of all religions on the ground of shared mystical experience.
Metanarrative:— An overarching worldview that explains life and the world. Postmodernism has said that there is no such overarching viewpoint, particularly denigrating the Biblical metanarrative as oppressive and outdated.
Mollenkott, Virginia:— (1982–) Once an evangelical Christian, Mollenkott turned away from her earlier beliefs as she became more interested in feminist, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender theology. Though she would still consider herself a Christian, she has abandoned the major doctrines taught in the Scripture. In their place, she integrates sexuality and spirituality, describing the theme of her work as “oneness,” “a transcendental integrative vision.” (http://www.virginiamollenkott.com/)
NAMBLA (North American Man-Boy Love Association):— An association that promotes consensual sexual relationships between adult males and boys. They argue that it is natural and should be as accepted as other forms of homosexuality or heterosexuality. They often point to earlier cultures, such as Greek culture, in which this practice was widely accepted.
Nebuchadnezzar:— King of the Babylonian Empire from 605 BC – 562 BC, in whose service Daniel was given great authority. The king was humbled by God and seems to have had a conversion to faith in Jehovah (see Daniel 4:37 ESV).
Neopagans:— Modern pagans who have often borrowed from a variety of pagan sources to create their own individualized paganism.
Nietzsche, Friedrich:— (1844–1900) A German philosopher and professor of philology, Nietzsche posited theories embracing this world rather than looking to a world to come. He believed that rather than clinging to notions of absolute truth the individual needed to use his creativity to rise above cultural norms of morality and other such structures. His thinking had immense influence on twentieth and twenty-first century movements such as existentialism, postmodernism, and post-structuralism. Famous for his declaration, “God is dead,” he proposed that humanity operates by the raw “will to power” alone. Hitler found his concept of the Übermensch (a superman rising above humanity) inspirational.
Ochs, Bob:— A Jesuit priest who received instruction on the Enneagram from Oscar Ichazo, who learned it, in turn from George Gurdjieff. Ochs “taught this ‘secret wisdom’ at the Loyola Seminary, from which it spread heavily within the Roman Catholic and Anglican communities” (see http:—//edhird.com/2010/08/28/gurdjieff-and-the-enigmatic-enneagram/).
Pagitt, Doug:— (1966–) Head pastor of Solomon’s Porch, an emergent church in Minneapolis, MN, Pagitt was among the major leaders of the emerging church movement. He is also among the most radically unorthodox within the movement, denying such foundational doctrines as the reality of heaven and hell and the exclusivity of Christianity for salvation.
Paglia, Camille:— (1947–) An American Professor of Humanities and Media Studies at the University of Arts in Pittsburg, Paglia is an atheist social critic who describes herself as a “dissident feminist” because of her contrarian view toward mainstream feminism. A lesbian herself, Paglia is known for her controversial critique of gay activists, whom she considers hateful. Radically libertarian, she advocates pornography, abortion, prostitution, drugs and suicide.
Pansexuality:— Sexual attraction to all sexual “identities,” sometimes known as “gender-blind.”
Parliament of the World’s Religions:— The original Parliament was held at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, as a dialogue between global faiths. Swami Vivikenanda was the star of the event, opening Western hearts to Eastern spirituality. The hundredth anniversary of the Parliament was held in 1993 and a handful of Parliaments have been held since then. Orthodox Christianity is specifically not invited and would not fit in if it were.
Pennington, Basil:— (1931–2005) A Trappist monk (a cloistered contemplative monastic), Pennington was one of the major proponents of the Centering Prayer movement that had its beginnings at St. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts, during the 1970s. His book, Centering Prayer (1980) and his many worldwide lectures on the topic were a great part of the movement’s success.
Perennial Philosophy:— Said to be the oldest of all philosophies, predating Christianity as the source from which all religious thought evolved. Of course, the Bible sees a kind of “perennial philosophy” (Oneism) in the devil’s suggestion to Adam and Eve that they try to “become like God” in ways that God never intended. But there is a true philosophy from God himself which, of course, pre-dates pagan philosophy, since it existed before time began.
Piscean Age:— In astrology, the Age of Pisces (Fish), which gave way to the Age of Aquarius (the water carrier). In spiritual symbolism it has been taken to mean the passing of the Christian era (Pisces), which has supposedly outlived its usefulness for humanity. The arrival of the Age of Aquarius is seen as the end of a Christian “interlude” in history and the awakening of universal consciousness in its place.
Polysexuality:— Someone attracted to more than one sexual “identity.” They do not like the term “bi-sexual,” because it implies that there are only two sexual identities, namely male and female. This term would differ from pansexuality presumably, by admitting that a polysexual person could be attracted to more than one but less than “all” sexual “identities.” (Welcome to the messy world of sexual semantics!)
Polytheism:— The belief that there are many gods (often seen as aspects of nature).
Postmodernism (Postmodern Deconstructionism):— Postmodernism argues that Secular Humanism must rely on reason to argue that reason can be supreme and has the power to change society. Postmodernism believes that truth is only a social structure and an expression of power exercised by one group of people over another. In this sense, it has deconstructed both secular humanism and the notion of a Twoist world with a transcendent Creator. By doing so, it asserts authority over the Creator to claim that all “truth” is relative to community context. This disallows for any external criteria to determine what is right and wrong and it has nothing to offer in the place of the Creator’s structures of morality except individual experience. It is another example of humanity’s predilection to follow the serpent’s call to cast off the authority of God in order to become our own gods.
Pseudo Dionysius:— A Christian NeoPlatonist (late fifth and early sixth centuries AD) who brought Pagan ideas from Plotinus and Proclus into Christianity, creating a hybrid that is no longer a true expression of the Christian faith. He is thoroughly Oneist in his mystical ideas about spirituality, about which he taught that we approach God by silencing the mind and becoming one with the divine, which will bring about “the brilliant darkness of a hidden silence.”
Pythagoras:— (570-490 BC) Known for his connection with mathematics, Pythagoras was actually better known in his day for his belief in reincarnation, his expertise on religious rites, his magical ability to be in two places at once, and his emphasis on self-denial in his religious exercises. (See http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/pythagoras).
Quantum Spirituality:— A spirituality that takes its name from Quantum Physics and uses the fact that light is both a particle and a wave to make a spiritual parallel with the joining of the opposites and argues that since all is physically related, all is spiritually one.
Rapture:— The belief held by some Christians that when Jesus returns, Christians will be taken out of the world, while all unbelievers will remain for a time of sifting and testing. This view is held because of 1 Thessalonians 4:17 ESV. It has sometimes led in evangelical circles to withdraw from social issues, since Christians would be taken out of the world before the final period of suffering and trial.
Religious Institute (The):— According to their website, “The Religious Institute is a multifaith organization dedicated to advocating for sexual health, education, and justice in faith communities and society” (http:—//www.religiousinstitute.org/). Their goal is to advance “sexual and reproductive health” (i.e., gay marriage and abortion on demand) by providing “lifelong, age-appropriate sexuality education in schools, seminaries and community settings.” Framing homosexuality and abortion as “social justice,” their Oneist worldview redefines the meaning of “sexual morality, justice, and healing” in accord with the LGBT agenda. They would obviously consider those who stand up for biblical morality to be immoral, unjust, and unhealthy.
Religious Naturalism:— Worship of the earth; making Nature divine and assuming that Nature itself controls all things.
René Guyon Society:— An elusive sexual society founded upon the principles of sexual license advanced by René Guyon in the late 19th to mid 20th centuries. Guyon was a French jurist who wrote ten volumes arguing for the legitimacy of sexual freedom against what he termed the “anti-sexual” repression of the Judeo-Christian moral ethic. The society named in his honor is said to have emphasized sex with children and their motto was purported to have been, “Sex before eight, or else it’s too late.”
Rhea:— In Greek mythology, she is the daughter of the earth goddess Gaia and the sky god Uranus. She is sometimes known as "the mother of gods.”
Rhetorical Questions:— A question whose answer is so obvious that the answer is almost embodied in the question itself.
Robbins, Tom (1936–):— An American novelist who rose to popularity in the late 1960s. Robbins was influenced by Joseph Campbell’s interpretation of the Bible as myth and by his experiences on LSD with his friend Timothy Leary to reject Christianity in exchange for a Oneist, transcendental worldview. His works have a steadily irreverent undercurrent intended to debunk faith in Jesus Christ as the savior who died for sinners and rose from the dead. In his first novel Another Roadside Attraction, a character discovers the mummified body of Jesus Christ in the Vatican and puts it on display in a traveling zoo. Rejecting the resurrection, ascension and second coming of Jesus Christ, Robbins asserts that the whole of Christianity is a hoax.
Robinson, Gene:— (1947–) Robinson was the first openly practicing homosexual to be ordained Bishop in the Episcopal Church USA. He and his partner divorced in 2014.
Rohr, Richard:— A Catholic priest (Franciscan), Rohr is the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation. He is a popular speaker and highly influential, even in many evangelical circles. However, he is a thorough Oneist, as this statement from his website shows: “Drawing upon Christianity's place within the Perennial Tradition, the mission of the Rohr Institute is to produce compassionate and powerfully learned individuals who will work for positive change in the world based on awareness of our common union with God and all beings.” This course has shown you that the Perennial Tradition is pure paganism, and that “union with God and all beings” is the heart of Oneism.
Ruether, Rosemary Radford:— (1936–) A Catholic theologian who has gutted the true gospel by turning it into a means of advocating for feminism and spiritual paganism.
Ruse, Michael:— (1940–) A philosopher of science interested in the relationship between science and religion, Ruse teaches at Florida State University. He believes that Christianity and evolution can be brought together and regularly debates against proponents of “intelligent design.”
Schuon, Frithjof:— (1907–1998) a philosopher, metaphysicist and author of books on religion and spirituality. He advocates belief in the perennial philosophy, the belief that all religions have within them the same unifying principle. This is a purely Oneist thesis.
Secular Humanism:— A movement growing out of the Enlightenment that assumes there is no god and that human beings can make the world a better place through their own intellect and goodness.
SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) This organization was founded to see if humans could perceive any communication from life other than that on earth. Its goal, however, is larger than that, as evidenced by this quote from their website:— “We believe we are conducting the most profound search in human history — to know our beginnings and our place among the stars.” The organization now also seems interested in cyborgs and avatars—mixing human life and robotic or mechanical elements.
Shamans:— Pagan spiritual leaders or gurus who are often homosexuals in pagan indigenous religions. Shamans serve as mediators of spirituality within their communities and are thought to have special powers and insights from the spirit world.
Shaw, George Bernard:— (1856–1950) A self-made playwright and author, Shaw was first a socialist, then a communist, who took an interest in eugenics. He believed that the human goal was to better the race by whatever means, including eugenics.
Siddha Yoga:— This statement is taken from the website, http://www.siddhayoga.org/teachings and shows the Oneist nature of Siddha Yoga:“The Siddha Yoga teachings assert that this attainment is not only possible, it is our birthright. The goal of the Siddha Yoga path is Self-realization—the unceasing experience of yoga, or unity with God. Within each of us, behind the mind, the body, the ego, is a divine power. We practice yoga to recognize this divine power, the Self, and harmonize all our actions, thoughts, and words with it.” Of course, this also shows the real goal of the practice of yoga.
Singer, June:— (1920–2004) A Jungian psychiatrist, Singer was a member of the Jung Institute in San Francisco. Jung’s theories are Oneist to the core, as this quote from June Singer shows: "In Jungian analysis you learn how to deal with your own power, or rather the power that comes through you, and live your life in such a way that it's harmonious with that power which is above and beyond and all around."
Smith, Huston:— (1919–) While studying at MIT, Smith participated in the psychedelic experiences of Richard Alpert (Ram Dass) and Timothy Leary at Harvard. He later became a professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies. He practiced Vedanta, Buddhism and Islam for about ten years each during his lifetime, yet claims to be a practicing Christian. He seems content with this Oneist syncretism, as evidenced in this quote:— “"If we take the world's enduring religions at their best, we discover the distilled wisdom of the human race" (see http://www.sinclair.edu/academics/lcs/departments/rel/).
Sodomy:— Another name for male homosexuality, taken from the biblical story of Sodom, a town in which a violent homosexual rape gang threatened Lot and the angels who came to rescue him from God’s judgment on the town.
Sophianic Millennium:— a period of earthly bliss when the world will be united in the worship of the Goddess Sophia
Soul Care:— The term “soul care” broadly refers to contemplative disciplines, meant to facilitate inner transformation of the soul. Although Christians must, of course, pay attention to our doctrine and practice, many expressions of “soul care” emphasize mystical experience above biblical knowledge. Focus is placed on the inner journey of the soul rather than looking outside one’s self to God through his Word. In 1998, Mindy Caliguire founded the ministry called Soul Care to facilitate the inner health of the soul and transform the world “one soul at a time.” A quote by Dallas Willard on her website reveals the emphasis on the interior life of the soul that leans strongly toward Oneism: “Our soul is like an inner stream of water, which gives strength, direction, and harmony to every other element of our life. When that stream is as it should be, we are constantly refreshed and exuberant in all we do, because our soul itself is profusely rooted in the vastness of God and his kingdom, including nature; and all else within us is enlivened and directed by that stream.” We do not draw strength from our inner soul, but rather, we look up and depend upon the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ as revealed in his Word.
Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Formation:— Terms used in both Christian and non-Christian contexts. It is important to discover what is meant by these terms in any given situation. Unfortunately, many good Christian churches are borrowing this terminology, which is confusing. In the pagan world such “formation” or “direction” can be done by shamans or under the influence of “spirit guides.” In solid Christian churches, it may only mean a program of encouragement and spiritual growth through study of the Scriptures, prayer and fellowship. Christians should ask many questions before engaging in any course calling itself by these terms, in order to see if the material and exercises offered are biblical (Twoist) or pagan (Oneist). Is the Scripture taught and understood through Christ’s accomplishments, both Old and New? Are Christians encouraged to think about the Scriptures and to use their minds in worship? Are the Apostle Paul and other New Testament writers respected and are their commands about church life obeyed and honored? Are male and female roles and distinctions respected? Is prayer a corporate and verbal activity and not just a personal, inward-focused experience? Are relationships in the body of Christ important? If you can answer “yes” to these questions, then your church may have just chosen a confusing name for its instruction on sanctification. If the answer is “no,” then avoid this program and perhaps the church as well.
Sporus:— A young boy castrated and then taken as a wife by the Roman Emperor Nero, who ruled at the time of the Apostle Paul.
Steiner, George— (1929–) The French-born American literary critic who is credited with developing the academic discipline of literary criticism. Of Austrian Jewish descent, his father moved the family to Paris and then to New York to escape the threat of Nazism. The Holocaust and the problem of human cruelty have been central to his often controversial ideas as he questions how it was possible for German high culture to produce both the brilliance of Bach and the cruelty of the Holocaust. What he fails to recognize is the cultural exchange of the biblical worldview (Twoism) from which Bach arose for the Nazi pagan worldview (Oneism) that produced the Holocaust.
Sufism:— A mystical branch of Islam that some consider another expression of the perennial philosophy, which supposedly “pre-dates” religion. Of course, there never was a moment in the world’s existence when there was no religion, because even the trees and animals were created to bring glory to God and Adam and Eve were created to worship the true God, even before the Fall. Sufism is looked down on by some branches of Islam, but it shows the true Oneist nature of Islam, which offers no real communion with God, no love from God, no mercy, no means of salvation. In Islam, God is an impersonal force, since he is not seen as Trinity. Sufism seeks to find a way of communing with God, but then falls into the problem of destroying his transcendence by making God something within creation, something within ourselves.
Syncretism:— The belief that two ideas or religions can be brought together in some compromised way, even if they are contradictory. In religion, this means the belief that one can borrow freely from a variety of religious traditions and create a personalized religious blend.
Tacitus:— (AD 56–117) A Roman historian and senator who recorded Roman history from AD 14 to 70. Here is a section that Tacitus wrote about the persecution of Christians after the fire in Rome: “Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judæa, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired.” (for the original Latin version, see http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.02.0077:book=15:chapter=44)
Tantra:— Arising in India in the 5th century AD, Tantra requires initiation by a guru into its esoteric secrets. Through animal sacrifice, the practice of yoga, chanting mantras, meditation on mandalas, visualization and identification with inner deities and performance of sexual ritual, Tantra seeks to awaken the serpent Kundalini within the body to bring illumination of cosmic consciousness (Oneism). Tantra centers on the worship of Shiva and Shakti (Kundalini), representative of the channeling of male and female sexual energies to unite in liberated consciousness. The popular practice of Hatha Yoga emerged from the union of the classical yoga of Patanjali and Tantra around the 15th century. The original Sanskrit text of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Light on Hatha Yoga), give instruction in the sexual aspects of Hatha Yoga, which have been expunged from the English translations.
Teasdale, Wayne:— (1945–2004) A Catholic monk, Teasdale is known for his term “interspirituality,” which expressed his approval of a syncretist, interfaith approach to religion. He also expended great energy for the cause of social justice.
Theism:— The belief in one, unique, transcendent God.
Theosophical Society:— A society founded by Helena Blavatsky. One of its main purposes was "to form a nucleus of the Universal Brotherhood of Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or color." Blavatsky saw herself as a missionary of this ancient knowledge.
Theosophy:— An esoteric Oneist system that seeks occult knowledge or wisdom for individual enlightenment and salvation. According to Theosophy, the solar angel Lucifer (light-bearer) descended from Venus to earth at great personal sacrifice to advance the evolutionary emergence of human beings from animals through impartation of his mind and light.
Tibetan Master:— From 1919 to 1949, a spirit claiming to be a Tibetan Master of Wisdom called Djwhal Khul (also called The Tibetan and Master DK) dictated twenty-four occult books to Theosophist Alice Bailey, in which the Plan of a spiritual Hierarchy directing the destiny of mankind was revealed. The Plan calls for uniting the religions into a universal spirituality within a New World Order of global governance. Within this Oneist system, humanity would be fully realized as divine through occult meditation and yoga techniques. As individuals yield to the Plan, the Hierarchy will overshadow (possess) them until individual personality disappears. The Hierarchy will not tolerate “separative” groups like Jews and Christians, who must be eliminated. The Tibetan revealed the Great Invocation, which replaces the Lord’s Prayer as humanity unites to invoke the Maitreya, or false “Christ,” of the Hierarchy to rule on earth.
Tickle, Phyllis:— (1984–) An advocate of the Emerging Christianity movement and a highly-recognized writer on religion. Her language is very confusing, but shows a deep Oneist tendency. Here is an example of a confusing and unorthodox statement about the Trinity:— “The Trinity comes now near to the promised realization of Its intention. It comes, as It said It would. And What we saw and feared in the image of Father, What we saw and embraced as Savior-Brother, we now know as Spirit and cling to as Advocate, even as It has said of Itself from our beginning. Now, without need of image or flesh, It comes, and we receive It, as in the last of creation’s ages.” (See http://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithforward/2014/03/welcoming-the-age-of-the-spirit-happy-birthday-phyllis.)
Toffler, Alvin:— (1928–) A futurist, who posits that we are into a third wave of human history. After the agrarian came the industrial and now we have entered the post-industrial wave of the information age in which the Marxist appeal to the proletariat is replaced by the Futurist appeal to the cognitariat empowered through technology. Toffler asserts that we have moved beyond the relevance of the constitution, which must die to make way for a new kind of globalist government for the 21st century.
Transpersonal Psychology:— This practice, sometimes known as “spiritual psychology,” encourages those who use it to extend their identity to include the entire cosmos. It includes a wide variety of mystical experiences, trances and altered states of consciousness, promising to advance human evolution toward realization in divinity. Names associated with the beginning of this movement are Abraham Maslow, Stanislav Grof and Anthony Sutich. It is a practice to be avoided by Christians at all costs and is thoroughly Oneist in nature.
Underhill, Evelyn:— (1875–1941) An English writer, whose book Mysticism held sway until 1945, when Aldous Huxley’s Perennial Philosophy took readers even farther into Oneism.
Unitarian Universalist:— The Unitarian Church believes that all religions lead to God. It is a church with no creed or doctrine and draws members interested in “spiritual growth,” which, of course, must be Oneist if it is not Christian.
Utopian:— Anything that offers an ideal hope for future society. Most utopias that have been attempted in history have been miserable failures. See Joseph Boot’s lecture at the 2013 truthXchange Think Tank http://truthxchange.com/articles/blog/2013/02/12/think-tank-2013-audio-lectures/
Vajrayana Buddhism:— The fifth, or final period of Indian Buddhism; one of three complex Buddhist systems.
Veda, Vedic:— A large body of texts from ancient India; the oldest Hindu sacred texts.
Vipassana Buddhism:— Sometimes called the Insight Meditation Movement, Vipassana is a subset of modern Theravada Buddhism that emphasizes three “marks of existence,” which that help the practitioner reach Nirvana. This school is represented by a good number of American Buddhist teachers.
Walsch, Neale Donald (1943–) A New Thought leader and author of the Conversations with God book series, which presents the pantheistic view that we are all God and that we create our own reality with our thoughts. Walsch blames “outmoded religious beliefs” that have not kept up with the times for the problems in the world. His solution is to jettison traditional religious views for new spiritual revelations, which he claims to receive directly from God. Walsch believes that if only three percent of the world’s population would realize that we are all God that a critical mass would change global consciousness, bringing peace and prosperity for all. Yet peace can never exist where the boundaries between good and evil are blurred, as illustrated by the new revelations given by Walsch’s “God” that Adolph Hitler is in heaven, having done nothing harmful because death is the doorway to eternal joy. So he really did the Jews and the millions of others he slaughtered a favor by liberating them from this life. Walsch’s Oneism reveals itself as a dangerous system of thought in rebellion against the True God who sets clear boundaries between good and evil.
Wesley, John:— A famous Christian who was converted while still in the slave trade, transporting African slaves to the New World. His dramatic conversion had a huge influence throughout the British isles and in the New World. He preached thousands of sermons through all kinds of weather and, with his brother, Charles, was at the roots of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.
Wicca:— The modern practice of witchcraft.
Wilber, Ken:— (1949–) An integral philosopher, prolific author and lecturer, Wilber has created numerous extremely complex charts, graphs, levels and systems trying to integrate all of life and consciousness into One. This life’s work he calls Integral Theory and has founded an Integral Institute to propagate his ideas. Wilber practices Buddhist meditation as well as tantric yoga, viewing sexuality as a means to integrate spirit and matter into the bliss of enlightenment. His influence has reached into a great variety of areas: business, psychology, spiritual practice and ecology, to name a few. His work is clearly Oneist.
Williamson, Marianne:— (1952–) A famous spiritual teacher and author, she bases her thinking on A Course in Miracles, which was penned by Helen Shucman, through a Spirit Guide and claims to be a message from Jesus. Williamson concentrates much of her energy to social justice issues and to encouraging women to run for office. Her thinking is Oneist.
Woodstock:— A 1969 music festival in Bethel, New York, which marked a key moment in US history, for music, spirituality and sexuality. The invocation for Woodstock was given by Swami Satchidananda, the founder of Integral Yoga, who called the 500,000 youth in attendance to be “yoga-minded,” uniting East and West as one through yoga. Woodstock has been hailed as the arrival of the Age of Aquarius.
Yellow Submarine:— A famous song written and performed by the Beatles of Liverpool, England.
Youth Specialties:— A forty-year old ministry for young people that grew out of the Jesus People movement. Though Youth Specialties maintains the apostle’s creed as its basic creed, it seems more interested in community than creed and has had associations with a variety of Oneist-leaning teachers and programs.
Zen Buddhism:— A stream of Mahayana Buddhism that came out of China in the 6th century. It is perhaps one of the better known varieties of Buddhism in the US. The name Zen means “absorption,” which reflects the very Oneist enlightenment process common to all Buddhist thinking.