description: One in a very long while a book like this comes along. Stirringly original, and supported by twelve pages of illustrations, "Psychology, Symbolism, and the Sacred" is a dynamic and entertaining read that offers some truly original insights on issues that concern us all. By exploring the literal and symbolic meanings of light and color in relation to science, history, and religion, Manning has uncovered a startling array of dramatic and intriguing parallels that pose thought-provoking questions about who we are as individuals, and where we are going as societies. Based upon personal experiences in education, psychology, and religious ministry, Manning tackles the world’s ongoing ‘religious problem’ (as he sees it) with courage, tenacity, and forthrightness. Opening the book with an exposé of classic religious dysfunctions Manning argues that religion’s position in an increasingly global society needs to be urgently reevaluated. Citing the dramatic evidence of archetypal themes and motifs in history, Manning shows how today’s authoritarian institutions are the disturbing remnants of a Dark-Ages mentality that still pervade the world’s most popular religions. Terrorism, so-called ‘holy wars’, and pernicious ecclesiastic abuses for example, are each born of a general credulity; a sometimes-willing state of collective ignorance; and a disturbing tendency on the part of far too many religionists towards sectarian elitism. Such attitudes have no place in an increasingly integrated and better-educated world. In discussions exploring the differences between education and indoctrination, Manning shows how no other social institution presumes the right to indoctrinate the young and credulous in ideologies that not only fly in the face of scientific facts, but all too often fuel the divisions and animosities that nurture some of society’s most pernicious evils. Relying on the evidence of history, Manning explains how inhumane beliefs inevitably produce inhumane institutions. Promoting a theory of ‘universal humanism’ and using psychotherapy as a model, he explains that before we can address the religious problem we first have to understand it in more than abstract terms. In uncomplicated language Manning shows that the fundamental principles that govern light and energy are, and always have been present in all of our social institutions; both in actual and symbolic forms. If true, then this indeed is a discovery of monumental significance to philosophers, scientists, and religionists everywhere. Arguing that an understanding of the universal symbolism reflected there is a very important step in evaluating the cosmic ‘health’ of any particular individual, institution, or agency, Manning outlines a ‘cosmic blueprint’ of universal values based upon the dynamics of the electromagnetic spectrum, and displays intriguing evidence from fields as far apart as (i) psychology and holy scripture, (ii) quantum physics and art, and (iii) politics and religion. The book culminates with a challenge to each of us to honestly review our own belief systems in light of the evidence presented, and urges a genuine ‘Golden Rule’ attitude of radical reform both within ourselves as individuals and especially within authoritarian religious institutions which, Manning argues, only continue to thrive at an immense cost to human society and to any True God. This is a captivating piece of research and courageous writing that will undoubtedly challenge many, especially those who harbor any sense of pious elitism or other forms of partisan exclusiveness. Perhaps most intriguing of all however is Manning’s brief documentation of what he calls ‘the triadic archetype’; a systematic, color-based triad, universal in character, that, unbeknownst to us has apparently affected all aspects of history and society. Promised in an upcoming work entitled "The Color of Truth" the exposition of that theory promises to be another very interesting read indeed.
language: English
title: Psychology, Symbolism, and the Sacred: Confronting Religious Dysfunction in a Changing World
titlecomplete: Psychology, Symbolism, and the Sacred: Confronting Religious Dysfunction in a Changing World
publisher: Pagefree Pub Inc