11 - A Pluralistic Model in the Making

Summary

The considerations outlined in earlier parts of the book are recalled in order to emphasize the importance of unconscious processes in the development of religious cognition. In this context, the importance of mythological aspects of religious texts is stressed, since the archetypal resonances of these texts – especially when reflected in liturgical usage or used in contemplative exercises – are of considerable importance in relation to noetic apprehension of the divine reality. In this context, the five theses set out in in Chapter 1 are discussed in more detail. In addition, problems of elitism and its suppression are discussed, as well as the position of those who claim to be spiritual but not religious. It is suggested that these people may, in fact, need one of the ‘doctrinal religions’ that they shun if they are to make progress on the spiritual path on which they find themselves.