Hermitage of St. Michael the Archangel

Br. Pier-Giorgio- I’ve also found it difficu...

2009-09-09T09:21:48.146-07:00

Br. Pier-Giorgio-

I’ve also found it difficult to discuss these things with friends and family. I don’t have many atheist friends, most of mine are at least nominal Christians of varying denominations. I seem to have the opposite problem where many of them would rather proselytize regarding some of their more orthodox beliefs. This always rubs me the wrong way, in that this somewhat intractable position, I believe, leads to both external and internal conflict in the world.

There’s also the issue of the way in which our personalities are structured. I just recently completed the Meyers-Briggs personality profile. After doing a little research into the 16 different personality profiles it is easy to see that many people may not be predisposed to thinking much about an afterlife. Many folk seem to be much more likely to be oft thinking of their material existence and opportunities. While I in no way judge this, it is certainly not me, and I become moderately frustrated at the somewhat muted relationships this chasm produces.

I regularly turn to the ideas and writings of the Gnostic stream to find hope and inspiration. Aspiring toward a future where this philosophical religious stream portends an expectation that we may all achieve reunification in ourselves, and are then free to return to our true Home.

Paz,
Mike

Hello Brother, I empathise with your increasing i...

2009-09-08T18:52:42.779-07:00

Hello Brother,

I empathise with your increasing isoloation as you walk the Gnostic path. My partner, although supportive & respectful of my path, is not somebody with whom I can discuss Gnosticism. As far as I can tell she is one of those people who belief that there is nothing beyond this life.

Like you, I think that if there is nothing beyond this life, then it is not worth remaining in an archon-ruled world. In fact, I almost did abandon this world. If I had not taken up Gnosticism, then I think I can safely say that I would now be dead.

I think your points about our knowledge of the world always being limited, & the question of 'right and wrong' are very interesting, & ultimately boil down to one question: Would (or could) you choose to live another way?

May Sophia comfort you on your path,

Stephen

Thanks for the nice note. :) Maybe you'll f...

2009-09-05T13:33:21.400-07:00

Thanks for the nice note. :)

Maybe you'll find an order that suits you one day.. one where you don't have to give up what you know is true!

Brother Pier- I am inspired by your blog...

2009-09-04T08:07:08.096-07:00

Brother Pier-
I am inspired by your blog and monastic endeavor. Long ago I would have joined a mainstream monastic order, if it were not for my gnostic philosophical sympathies. I'm with you in spirit, as I'm sure are many others who are not willing to 'accept death in the realm of the wrong god'. Peace to you brother.

Thanks! :) I wish I knew how it looked printed.. ...

2009-02-11T13:15:00.000-08:00

Thanks! :) I wish I knew how it looked printed.. not sure if the resolution's gonna be good enough.

I do so love it. I'd like to have it printed on la...

2009-02-10T20:38:00.000-08:00

I do so love it. I'd like to have it printed on large poster size paper.

Rev. Mother Marsha+