Part II: Systematic Theology
Prolegomena
Chapter 1: Theology Proper
Chapter 2: Hierology
Chapter 3: Cosmology
Chapter 4: Anthropology
Chapter 5: Soteriology
Chapter 6: Ecclesiology
Chapter 7: Teleology
Chapter 8: Eschatology
Teleology
[introduction needed]
Four Paths of Religious Expression
This section may need to be moved elsewhere more appropriate.
At this time there is no specific hierological support for this approach to Thelemic Religion. It merely appears to be logical based on the varieties of human nature in relation to the four overarching spiritual paths: philosophy, gnosis, magick, and mysticism.
Liberty — Cognitive path of philosophy — The Warrior
...
Light — Expressive path of gnosis — The Teacher
...
Love — Communitarian path of magick — The Builder
...
Life — Contemplative path of mysticism — The Adept
While any individual can process the two crises of personal initiation—what is colloquially (and metaphorically) known as The Angel and The Abyss—the path is best suited for those drawn to the path of mysticism and contemplation. Of course, we understand from the Prophet that the path of the Angel, or the interior journey, is the "next step for humanity." Encouraging all individuals to pursue such a goal is worthy but also accessible from any path or by merely an adherence and furtherance of the Law of Thelema itself.
Noting what these metaphors represent is difficult at best. So many have ideas[1] of how these journeys are processed by initiates that a whole book could be written discussing the differences. Suffice to say, the interior journey is the unveiling of True Will that is an influence on all exterior behaviour and thoughts. Conversely, the exterior journey is the alignment of the exterior to the interior through "a permanent and fundamental revolution in the whole of one's being."[2]
The Four Ordeals
What does this journey look like? Using the Book of the Law as the guide, we find there is a specific path that is offered.
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Canons of Thelemic Philosophy & Religion © 1996-2024 by Qui Vident.
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What we can dismiss out of hand immediately are two approaches to the first crisis (the Holy Guardian Angel) that come from Jerry Cornelius ("Dueling Banjos") and Daniel Gunther ("Planet of the HGAs"). Both approaches are entirely unsupported by Crowley's material even if we were to grant some physical and external presence of the Angel. ↩︎
Crowley, A. (1998). Magick without tears. I. Regardie (Ed.). Tempe, AZ: New Falcon. ↩︎