A Pursuit of the Divine: A Philosophical Approach to Spirituality and Scientific Understanding

By Damon Lee

A Pursuit of the Divine: A Philosophical Approach to Spirituality and Scientific Understanding engages in a serious examination of human life, exploring it from philosophical, historical, spiritual, and cognitive perspectives. The author, Damon Lee, brings to the conversation his wide-ranging education and experience, enabling him to engender in others an appreciation for the complex nature of the human creature.

In seventeen chapters that span five sections, A Pursuit of the Divine guides the reader along a path of exploration that touches on several key topics. Readers will explore, for instance, the distinctions among purpose, providence, and potential, the nature of the human heart, the interplay of mind, body, soul, and spirit, the task of perceiving Gods will, the comprehension of the transcendental nature of humanity, and the development of a vision for the next steps for human awareness.

A Pursuit of the Divine brings to bear the best tools of modern thought, the proven insights from the Christian tradition, and the honesty that comes from deliberate introspection. Using these tools, it fashions a compelling exploration of the human creature that pursues A Philosophical Approach to Spirituality and Scientific Understanding. For more information visit www.ALiteattheEnd.com.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Feb 5, 2016
• ISBN: 9781491785454

Damon Lee

Damon Lee, Christian philosopher and speaker, is the author of several books, including In the Face of Darkness and Eternity’s End. He is a student of philosophy, theology, psychology, and astronomy. When not writing, he teaches and works as a youth program director. He lives in upstate New York with his wife and kids.

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Copyright © 2016 Damon Lee.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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ISBN: 978-1-4917-8546-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4917-8545-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016901101

iUniverse rev. date: 2/4/2016

Contents

PART 1.   THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Chapter 1    A Philosophical Necessity

–   A Cultrual Observation

–   A Larger Perspective

Chapter 2    Understanding The Road

–   A Personal Revelation

–   The Historical Man

–   The Spiritual Man

Chapter 3    Purpose, Providence & Potential

–   Purpose

–   Providence

–   Potential

Chapter 4    A Conceptual Reality

–   The Nature Of Reality

–   The Metaphysical World

–   Cognitive Development

PART 2.   CROSSROADS

Chapter 5    The Nature Of Man’s Heart

–   Personality Psychology

–   The Dimensions Of Personality

–   Exploring Personality

–   Human Nature & Needs

Chapter 6    Obstruction Vs. Clarity

–   The Concept Of The Self

–   Defining Obstacles

–   Corporate Perception Of Reality

–   Subjective Reality

Chapter 7    Reconciling The Conscious Mind

–   The Mind

–   The Conscious Mind

Chapter 8    Mind And Body & Soul And Spirit

–   The Mind And Body

–   The Soul And Spirit

–   The Beauty In The Concept

PART 3.   FINDING THE WAY/WALKING THE PATH

Chapter 9    Rebirth Of Thought – Dreaming The Reality

–   Subjective Truth

–   Absolute Truth

Chapter 10    The Divine Concept

–   Divine Characteristics

–   Perceiving The Will Of God

–   The Divine Concept

Chapter 11    The Unending Path Towards Eternity

–   Temporal Mechanics

PART 4.   TRANSCENDENTAL NATURE OF HUMANITY

Chapter 12    The Mechanics Of Temporal Analysis

–   Personal Awareness

–   Temporal Analysis

Chapter 13    The Perceptive Man

–   A World Of Perception

Chapter 14    Historically Relevant / Human Civilization

–   Historically Relevant

–   Human Civilization

Chapter 15    Beyond The Scope Of Comprehension

–   Beyond Perceptual Reality

–   Beyond The Metaphysical And Physical

–   Beyond Knowledge & Intellect

Chapter 16    Over The Horizon

PART 5.   FINAL ANALYSIS

Chapter 17    Where Do We Go From Here?

–   The Analytical Process

–   Pursuing The Journey

Chapter 18    Final Thoughts

Acknowledgments

About The Author

I give thanks for my family

and for my friends.

Your support has been invaluable,

and your faith in me unwavering.

To everyone else that has

impacted my life; be blessed.

PREFACE

T HIS PROJECT FIRST BEGAN AS THE WAY OF THE Christian Philosopher which was a video series I worked on. The video series only covered a portion of the material that was developed and researched that helped create it. Realizing there was a lot of material leftover that I was passionate about I decided to put it into a book format.

Way of the Christian Philosopher was meant to be an illustration that faith and spirituality can be understood from a philosophical perspective. It was a project that sought to find balance between faith and spirituality. Between how and what we have learned about the nature of our world.

As I worked on this project, I realized that rather than simply illustrating the way or path towards spirituality and faith and scientific understanding, that there was a deeper question that needed to be answered. I found that at the heart of this endeavor was the question of why? Why was this pursuit necessary? Why was balance necessary?

In my years working with families in crisis, I have come to understand that at the heart of many of us today lie the need for definition. We all want what we do to matter and for there to be significance in who we are. So many of the things that we do to define who we are, is in this pursuit of that significance.

What I have also come to see through my many years of ministry is that we seek more than what religion and Christianity (and what we are willing to accept about them) is willing to give. We seek something that is higher and greater than ourselves.

When we look at the world around us there seems to be too many contradictions in life that appear to pull apart what we feel, believe and understand about who we are and the significance we place on personal experience.

With this new insight, the way of the Christian Philosopher began to be reshaped. No longer was it confined to building a bridge between faith and intellect. It became a pursuit of the self. A pursuit that sought to redefine the nature of who we are through the examination of what we know and understand, what we believe and the taught ideas of our culture.

The way we do that begins by taking what we know, what we believe and what we have experienced to the next level. Then we must use that understanding to push ourselves to be more than we ever thought possible. This pursuit, I realized is a lifelong journey that is constantly changing and as we do this, we are seeking to live to the fullness of our potential.

Doing this meant that the road that we journey down or the way or path that we all follow is an exploration like no other, because it is a pursuit of the Divine. So as you read through this, may you find your way and discover all that you are looking for.

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INTRODUCTION

O FTEN I FIND MYSELF STARING AT THE MIRROR, AND looking at the reflection staring back at me. My mind becomes riddled with questions as I ponder my various life choices and my current state of being. Through tragedy and triumph I wonder. I realize that life is a series of perspectives that can either open one’s eyes to all of the marvelous possibilities of existence, or close one’s heart to the wonders of creation. Life can leave one devoid of a purpose; a life that I believe is meant to move us ever upward, toward true clarity and direction.

Through various research, surveys, statistical studies and opinion polls, along with my own life experience, I have found that the major component that hinders a person from even recognizing a fraction of their true potential is the person they see in the mirror. It is the self that gets too involved in social and societal norms and comforts or even cycles of degradation to see pass the surface of the material to the inner core of one’s very own existence.

Life has appeared to be reduced to a fight for mere survival or a game people play to convince themselves that their pursuits have importance and that they can leave a mark on the world that will be lasting. The self has conjoined with the larger consciousness to create an illusion of power and control that seems to dwell within each of us. All it does is clouds one’s desires. As we usher in a new age, a new century, the illusion is no longer suitable for the coming generations.

The time of exploration and discovery is now. Unfortunately as with every new first step, there is the certainty that we will fall and make mistakes and even take a few steps back. The time for change however is now. The time to look beyond the confines of the material worldview towards a progressive spiritual experience is now.

We are on the threshold of ascending to a higher level of spiritual effervescence that will lead us on a journey toward connecting our hearts, minds and souls with the Divine. As we look at the growing world around us we can sense the longing, the need and the desire for satisfaction and contentment that is deeper and more lasting than the hollow assurances of an uncaring, cold an often-cruel dream of a brighter tomorrow.

The first steps towards attaining that reality is by believing that it is an actual possibility. We have to know in our hearts and minds that we are more than just potential, that we are actualization ready to explode.

We look at our history and we see the fruits of our endeavors. Imagine if rather than the pursuit of a mechanical or technological or even religious worldview in which we could manipulate and control, we sought after one in which we could evolve and transcend the physical limitations of reality. Rather than pursue the creature comforts only some now enjoy, we aggressively sought out the boundaries of human existence and experience and tore them down?

Where would we as a culture be now if we strove for spiritual and transcendental experiences rather than manipulating brain and body chemistry to shortcut our way to an illusory euphoria?

This book is intended to look beyond the material and worldly limitations that we have for generations perceived as reality, and explore the possibilities of the potential that is God-breathed inside each and every individual today. The goal would be to pursue endeavors that embark on a journey of a great self-actualization by which the individual can impress upon the society a great transformation of mind and spirit; a change that can open the eyes and hearts of the whole man to greater clarity, purpose and creativity that will bring about a movement that will break the foundations of the current dogmas of society.

Let us rise beyond the self-motivated material and reach for the eternal transfiguration of spiritual and mental progress that can reveal the true nature of existence and bring us closer to the Divine. Each step we take as we interact with the world can either usher us toward the conformity of societal norms, or it can motivate us toward the progression of human understanding, by pushing the individual to evolve beyond the entrapments of current theology; for an opportunity to embrace the potential hidden within us all. The question we have to ask ourselves is the following; are we willing to take that journey?

PURSUIT OF THE DIVINE

HOW DO WE MEASURE THE FULLNESS OF LIFE AND OUR CONNECTIONS TO OTHERS?

THE TRUE VALUE OF LIFE IS REFLECTED IN THE RELATIONSHIPS WE SHARE WITH OTHERS. THE DEPTHS TO WHICH WE SHARE IN EACH OTHER’S JOYS AND TRIUMPHS, ACCEPTING WHO WE SEE AT OUR LOWEST AND HIGHEST POINTS, MEASURE THE NATURE OF OUR RELATIONSHIPS.

WHEN WE MEASURE EXPERIENCE BY OUR ABILITY TO IMPACT AND INFLUENCE THE RELATIONSHIPS WE SHARE WITH THOSE AROUND US IN A WAY THAT PUSHES THEM TO THEIR DEPTHS AND REACHING THEIR HEIGHTS, THEN WE HAVE UNDERSTOOD IN PART, THE EXPRESSION OF THE DIVINE THAT DWELLS WITHIN US ALL.

PART ONE

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

PHILOSOPHY

THE RATIONAL INVESTIGATION OF THE TRUTHS AND

PRINCIPLES OF BEING, KNOWLEDGE OR CONDUCT

CHAPTER ONE

A PHILOSOPHICAL NECESSITY

A LTHOUGH WE MAY LOOK AT OUR LIVES AND THINK that as individuals and as a society, that for the most part, we are quite capable, quite knowing, and mature logical beings. We can even confirm this idea when we look at our society and the feats of our civilized world.

However when looking at the scope of human civilization today in respect to human potential, it would appear that it is our arrogance that demonstrates our immaturity and our pride that illustrates our childish nature and proves that we are not yet as ready and capable as we first thought we were. We have an understanding of a great many things, yet for all that knowledge, we have not attained the wisdom to apply it in a way that is the most beneficial to society as a whole. This is in part due to the unique elements that shape our various cultural and personal worldviews.

There must be something that is deeper than cultural ideas and beliefs and faith, something that will still be relevant and transcends the boundaries of intellect and belief to incorporate experience. One of the only things that seem to have the ability to do this is a pursuit of personal and transcendental growth as we endeavor to find a purpose for humanity that elevates us all.

Looking at our culture today it seems that in order to incorporate our scientific understanding about the nature of reality that we were forced to abandon the possibility of spiritual truth, growth and gaining access to the transcendental man. This was a result of our dependence of Religious idioms and ideology to regulate spiritual identity and then to have experiences reveal to us the flaws of that dependency.

The idea of the transcendental man is an awareness of personal identity and purpose, living in an intentional manner that seeks to move beyond the limitations (perceived and actual) of experience and circumstances to benefit not just himself, but the larger environment to which he is apart. There is no state or level at which one attains or achieves this, but it is a process that we must intentionally engage in because it focuses our lens of experience, helping us to take into consideration past, present and future as we interact with the world around us.

Examining human civilization, both past and present with a lens that filters both objective and subjective realities, if we are looking at it from holistic perspectives we find that our collective conscious evolution took a back seat to technological and mechanical progress. This was because as we began to understand the nature of the natural world, the true nature of the human condition began to reveal itself. It began to show us the flaws in relying on a system of religiosity to guide that which cannot be seen.

The universe outside and around us became more exciting than the inner being and even the wellbeing of body and soul. The pursuit to tame this outer universe through mechanical and technological means seemed more attainable than the evolution of the human consciousness.

As we found ways to manipulate and tame the world, we became confident in our ability to be masters of our domain. In a very real sense we saw ourselves as on the brink of godhood, having dominion over the earth.

A CULTRUAL OBSERVATION

When one looks though at the real everyday lives of the average individual, there is no feeling of security, of power and dominion over anything. In a very real sense the pursuit of this ideology divided us into those who control and those being controlled.

The proper term would be those who govern and those who are governed. Policies and procedures, laws and regulations were established to maintain the worldview that had been established.

At one point, the Church held all the roadmaps toward salvation and spiritual truth and access to God. Over the generations people began to want more then what they were given, expecting that life was something more and began to demand answers; things the church could not readily give.

The mechanical and technological world that we were creating, the dream of security and prosperity that was promised seemed more alluring and feasible. Spiritual attainment began to fade and almost disappear.

Today when we look at the individual, we see lives that is filled with the pursuit of mediocrity; that there is no room to discipline the self to begin the process of self-actualization. We see in our world many people offering many different avenues towards enlightenment, hope and salvation.

The individual then pursues these endeavors in the hope to attain that which the soul longs for, but can never fully grasp because the lifestyle in which we live demands that we keep feeding it, in order to survive. In the end we are helping it to grow, helping to sustain the very mechanism that is slowly devouring us like a slow corrosive acid.

It is important that we understand where we are and identify the binds that hinder us from achieving the right frame of mind to move toward a higher personal revelation. Our daily pursuits and personal agendas, our hopes and dreams that are embedded in a society meant only to perpetuate itself, is what creates the majority of obstacles for us.

The system of daily life has us focused on maintaining the monotony that hinders us from what our core being is meant to achieve. As a culture we only pursue the things that will give us the kind of security, fulfillment and status that is acceptable within the confinements of the society in which we live. The things we desire in effect help to sustain and feed the monster that in the end will be our downfall.

As we begin to forfeit our spiritual self for the security and comforts of the physical self, we are in essence dooming future generations from ever knowing the possibilities of human potential, outside the realm of the mechanical and technological.

That fact that there is an entire worldview, and a varied perspective that is beyond comprehension left untapped and unexplored is an atrocity. We have to look beyond the selfishness of the me attitude (which only seeks to satisfy the self in the immediate sense) and peer into the deeper realm of the I, (which incorporates the needs of others and looks for lasting connections) which can transcend the natural and give us access to the supernatural.

Of course this is easier said than done, but we have to begin with peeling off the concepts of our daily-taught behaviors and ready ourselves for a journey of a lifetime. The possibilities are endless as we seek to uncover the truth of who we are and maximize the potential that lies dormant in us all.

A LARGER PERSPECTIVE

Before looking at the whole, we are going to begin by examining the self. As infants we have to first crawl before we can walk, so let us take those first steps toward illumination. By no means do I proclaim to have the answers.

I am not that bright. I do believe though, that through my experiences and pursuits for spiritual and physical clarity and balance that I have recognized the need for change. This need for change has allowed me to see that the philosophical necessity to ask and seek understanding, not for the sake of finding one’s place in society alone, must once again shape my worldview.

The hope is that the journey itself will force me to recognize perceived truths about the world and myself. The goal then would be to find a balance and to incorporate this understanding into a belief that will allow me to achieve the true ideal meant for all.

The idea is to find a bridge that incorporates what I believe to be the trinity of truth. This is a melding of philosophical principles with scientific understanding and experiential reality. I have found throughout my life and ministry that an understanding and acceptance of these three ideas can help to shed away the burden placed upon us by a religious or theological mindset.

This can help us to take what we experience as a relevant component in our spiritual growth without always relying on the doctrine or theology of religiosity dictate what is necessary for the individual.

When we add our experiences within the context of what we understand about the functionality of the world in which we live, it adds value and validity to those experiences. Finally, when we take those experiences and focus them through the lens of the philosophical pursuit of truth, then we open ourselves up to true and lasting growth.

I am not trying to deny the importance and role that religion and theology plays in the maturity and honing of one’s faith and beliefs. I do understand though that personal spiritual growth cannot be attained by merely following the theological principles, doctrines or beliefs set forth by any person or group, no matter how honest the intent maybe.

Spiritual growth is achieved by a choice that allows one to accept what they have experienced as a relevant aspect of their faith that is part of their journey towards revelation.

This work is not meant to be a dissemination of religious ideology and practice. It is meant to open the mind and heart to seeing that there is more to faith and belief and relationship to God than what we have been taught to believe.

If I am to accept that God created the universe, and that there is a divine will embedded with intent and purpose in all things, and that Jesus Christ came to the earth to show how relationship and reliance on God is the way, truth and the life that leads to true freedom; then I must not ignore my heart and the experiences of my life when it reveals to me that there is more.

That God and spiritual truth and growth is more than what we have understood it to be is both a reward and a curse.

A reliance on Church doctrine, theology and practice alone has fallen short in giving people the spiritual truth and growth that they desire. This book is intended for both the Christian and the non-Christian.

It is intended for those who seek fulfillment by examining who they are in light of whom they are capable of becoming. Whether you are a person of faith or not when we both look at the world, we see people in need. The need is more than a physical one; the need is for more than material things.

There should be no denying that we all seem to lack something we cannot put our finger on. No matter what we accomplish or achieve and no matter what we attain, that which we lack seems to always make itself known.

I am a Christian, and for me it has always been difficult to live up to the expectations of the Church, even as I became a leader and more committed to my faith. I learned a lot and grew in my understanding of biblical theology, and its applications to my life moved me in a very positive direction.

However there did come a point where I was forced to realize that my faith had become defined by the Church and guided by the doctrine of my denomination. That was very limiting and the moment I realized it and accepted it, being a leader in the Church no longer held the same importance.

I needed to be defined by my faith, and by my relationship to God as I pursued spiritual truth and growth. The way I was able to recognize the path I needed to take was by starting over.

I have always had a passion for philosophy, which is why I pursued it