Yeah, we really have two problems (the same two problems with MANY subjects).
First, the subject itself states different things in different places about the SAME thing!
Second, you can take 1000 people and they will each interpret the SAME thing in MANY different ways!
What is one to do???? :confused2:
BOTH occur extensively in Scientology. The fact of number two is well hidden though, because Scientology participants are NOT ALLOWED to discuss case, or "discuss" LRH data outside of a courseroom, qual or ethics (No Verbal Data rule). So, most Church members never discover just how differently he or she considers so much of the "data" from other Church members. Differences in viewpoints are masked in this way. Also, NOBODY dare brings up the examples where Hubbard contradicts himself, or states things in a vague or metaphorical manner.
That is made all the worse by endless enforced
"rituals of agreement" (the details of the indoctrination process) such as events, briefings, musters, staff meetings, weekly graduations, mandatory success stories, Chinese School, word clearing, drills, "correction", checksheets, etc.
And, yep, I agree, the Kabbalah IS fascinating. Remember how we talked about the whole "tentacle" thing with beings as related to God? Well, that whole thing of the the various levels of creation and the EMANATIONS of/from God may/can tie in to THAT!
You know Gadfly, the concept was so big I had to take a break to think about it and get back to you.
Everyone interprets things differently and so communication is flawed no matter what. Perfect communication means being someone or something else. That's an oxymoron in itself - have to be separate to even have a need to communicate.
Our interpretations and concepts of things are always different because our individual paths are all UNIQUE. Which is very cool, considering all the things we have in common.
So back to the Kabbalah. I studied heaps when I was doing Bible study just to get a better understanding of the Bible. Don't remember all of it, but come to think of it, "7" meant completion. Like the 7 days of creation of the world. 12 and 13 had meanings, too. Like the 12 apostles (13 counting Jesus).
It helped my understanding at the time, but I can imagine Jesus' frustration. Here is the Biblical quote for what we spoke of, about the tentacles:
Jesus: "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." John 15:4
1st Apostle: What happens in the winter? Do we all die?
Jesus: That's not what I meant...
2nd Apostle: What do you mean abide in you and you in me? That sounds like sex. I'm not gay.
Jesus: That's not what I meant...
3rd Apostle: What do you mean...
Jesus: OKAY THAT'S IT. I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS. LET ME MAKE THIS VERY EASY FOR YOU. JUST ONE RULE:
Love one another, as I have loved you.
1st Apostle: I don't get it.
Jesus: Never mind. Maybe they'll get it in a couple of thousand years...