Free of both hippy platitudes and creepy cultish pyramid schemes, the path to spiritual development on the path of Love is one of balance, integration of experience, and the uptake of personal/communal responsibility. Fans of Jordan Peterson will find a resonant message. The beginning reads like an awkward Kardec-spritist sci-fi novel (think History channel crazy hair “aliens” meme). New readers should treat the text like fiction at first, and consider the factual nature of the text later, in order to consider the moral messages.
Edit: Christians will also find a resonant message, as the cosmology elevates the teachings of Jesus. Although, not everything is roses. As in Dante, hell is a place of our own making.
All you need is the Bible. Anything else slides into Satan's games.
Baltimore Catechism. Contrast what you think Catholic's believe against what we actually believe (and against what the modernists teach)
I can send you a link to the Summa, but I don’t think even that can accurately constitute “what [Catholics] actually believe.” What Catholics believe can only be accurately described in a historical context, starting with the Nicene Creed, evolving onwards in Church history, Papal Bulls, etc. Right now there are great factions within the Church, as there have been throughout history, arguing over theological issues such as Papal authority and the question of infallibility, etc. I don’t presume anyone can speak with authority on “what Catholics actually believe”. There seems to be no better example of a “no true-scotman” argument.
Understand, but the Baltimore Catechism is the basis for Catholic teaching. Yes, there is an overwhelming about of text - beyond the DR Bible - and tradition, but the essence of Catholic teaching is in the Catechism.
Fair enough. Let me be clear: if you believe this text I recommend is factually true...you’re a heretic by Catholic standards. No way around it. Just like if you believe that Tolkien’s anthology is factually true, you’d be a heretic. Is there moral value in reading Tolkien? Yeah I think so. Are there Christian themes in Tolkien? Yes, and that’s clear from Tolkien’s own Catholic background. Should Catholics read Tolkien? Hey that’s up to you. Maybe the devil is speaking through Tolkien. I personally doubt it. I know my own sins enough to know what evil looks like. Should you believe the text I recommend is factually true? Again, that’s up to your discretion. Anything you believe requires a leap of faith. Anyone who tells you differently is trying to sell you a cult membership. Do I think the text is dangerous? Some people will, as you can see in this thread. I honestly don’t. I see the message as a force for good. The focus is on the Creator.
Jesus could be wrathful, but he was never insincere.