what  does a mystical sect teaches?
823866
Good start: asking questions. I wish more folks would, instead of just condemning others.\n\nI am a Master Mason (and a Mark Mason) of an esoteric branch of Freemasonry called Co-Masonry. We admit women and men of all races, all religions, as long as they are tolerant of faiths other than their own, at least 21 years of age, and good folk. \n\nOur ultimate goal is to take ourselves and improve ourselves -- only person you can change is yourself. Why? To make ourselves "more fitting vessels for The Light, smoother stones to be used to build the Temple of Solomon." Metaphors for beings who are shining beacons of goodness who can work well together.\n\nFunny thing, we learn without dogma, without folks preaching to us. The lessons are subtle. Many come in the door, but few stay. Each degree teaches more but it takes awhile to learn each degree. \n\nYou get where you trust your Brothers (yep, we call women in our Craft "Brother," too) to do what they say they are going to do. You also give them help and give help to other charities that need it. Why? Because you realize we are all here by the help of others. We need to be able to trust each other. \n\nCo-Masonry is more than just a fraternal organization, we are part of the mystery schools of old. We nourish the spirit of mankind but do not tell you how to worship God. We do not tell you what comes after this life, just what works best in this one. Thus, we are not a religion, just a system of morality. Make sense? Sometimes it does to me, sometimes not.\n\nIf you want to talk more about it, feel free to write to me. There are things I cannot discuss but I will tell you what I can. You can also click on the link below. No salesmen will call. *grin*\n\nA Master Mason\nAmerican Co-Masonry\nHiram Lodge (Santa Cruz, CA)\nAmon Ra Lodge (Los Angeles, CA)\nSapientia Lodge of Research (Larkspur, CO)\nAdamant Mark Lodge (Santa Cruz, CA)
1152109
probly the best answer is Fear.  They are afraid of your wisdom and of the potential influence your beliefs may have on them.  On another side... they are speaking from what they know... but from the example you've shown,, that person simply is closed-minded and isn't willing to accept any faith but their own.\nSadly, many people are like that.  It is one thing to speak from experience, but it is truly another to speak with judgement. The spiritual path you choose to take is your choice alone.  There is nothing wrong with advice, provided it is given without judgement and spite.\n\nThat is My take on it, anyway...
635770
The Hermit's Lamp is Wisdom, and Yod is the flame of that lamp.\n\nYod is:\n\nAn open hand\nThe Flame of Wisdom\nThe Fire of God\nThe Supreme Godhead\nThe mature male principle\nGod the Father
1102737
ATTENTION MUSLIMS: This sect is not recognised by mainstream Islam. It is considered deviant. This practice IS MAJOR SHIRIK (Association of God), and it is the greatest evil. PLEASE DON'T DO THIS THING.
808696
the kabbalah differs markedly from other Jewish teaching , it has a more mytical nature , there is no specific book called the Kabbalah it is a systematic form of philosphy used to interepret and undersatnd the relatinships between various aspects of our existence Israel Regardie and , Crowley are probably two of the best aurthors you could use to research the topic although a simple search on amazon will show you that there's thousands of books by thousannds of aurthors on the subject . \n\nNot being reagrded as accepted truth by manyy orthodox jews who followq the talmud I don't think there is a restriction on your learning of this information, those who have made the greatest and most advanced studies of this philosphical system have been non-jewish.\n\nNo it is not bad to combine teachings from othere relgions , some of the most prominent magickal socities have done this and been very successful in their attempts and what they have achievedf by doing so , the underlying pupose of all religion is tro create an orderly structure for society to function under so all Gods and systems of beliefs have intercahngable aspects if you have a look atg a book titlled 777 by Crowley , there correspondences are outlined clearly
660128
I just did a quick search to try to get some grasp of what Ayyavazhi is, because I had not heard of it.  Thank you for introducing to me this religion or sect.  From what I can tell, it seems like a fine religion for those who wish to follow it, and I have no problem with it as long as it does not insist that those who follow another way are wrong.  For example, from what I was able to discern, it advocates no murtis and discourages ritual.  That is fine if that is the way which best leads a particular person to God.  However, if murtis and rituals help another person attain God more quickly, then they ought to be entitled to use them.  So I say it is an acceptable path so long as it is not condemning of those who do not wish to follow it as the best way for them.
128785
You can start looking in Deut.28:  It will tell you some things, and if you have a study Bible, should give you more scriptures to go too.  Seeking a Spirit Guide is not a good thing.  First of all, that will open doors for evil spirits to come and deceive you.  Remember, satan comes as a angel of light.  He is the Father of Lies, and it is his job to deceive you in all ways.  Even if you do find a spirit guide, then you are in really big spiritual trouble.  They are not what they appear to be, or what you may think they are.  They are demon spirits!!!!!!  The only Spirit Guide you need is The Holy Spirit, He will guide you into all truth.  Any other spirit is not of God.  Please, do not go into that realm.  Seek Jesus, He is The Way, The Truth, and the Live.  God Bless You
778565
There are some Daemonolators who actually worship the Djinn (The Goetic Hierarchy of Solomon) as Daemons (divine intelligences, replete with wisdom). They're essentially revered as gods.
830518
The Sufis are fascinating but as far as I understand it, they are Muslim mystics. Mystics come in many different varieties but the Sufis are the Muslim kind.
1089849
the school of life has the most interesting lessons,\n\nthe soul will learn even if the mind cant understand it
646547
That line, 'once saved always saved' is an incorrect teaching. One can lose their salvation by turning away from God and denying Him, which many people who have tasted both baptisms of fire and water have done because the occult draws them back to their old behaviors. But one does not have to be in the occult to have this experience. If you look at the parable of the five soils, it demonstrates how the word of God flourishes or not in the Christian. It depends on how one is cultivated and nurtured with the things of God. Comes down to obedience. We are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling and not sit back and believe that one is safe completely without further growth. A tree must grow and bear fruit so must a Christian.
581850
They fear what they do NOT understand, and in that FEAR they attempt to discredit and/or destroy that which they lack the knowledge of; it is a human nature, and it is what mystics attempt to overcome.  Little do the Mainstream Christians know that, the Christian Mysticism is the very core of Christianity: Jesus was a Mystic of the Essene Sect.\n\nMany Christians will use the First and Second Laws of Moses as their reason to condemn mysticism; however, they are greatly in error because: Christian Mystics do NOT worship any deities except God, and use NO carved images in reference to God.  Again, all the accusations are from the ignorance and biased views.\n\n-- Mysticism: The Path of Light which focus on the Method of Feeling the Divine Grace (Feeling God).\n\n-- Gnosticism: The Path of Light which focus on the Method of Understanding the Divine Grace (Knowing God).\n\nPax et Amore Christi vobiscum.\nLux Mithrai ex Tenebras Crucis.
1012724
They are too diverse to list their beliefs though they exists within the possibilities that Protestants believe in.  They tend to be very ahistorical (especially the charismatic sects) and that makes it impossible to track exact beliefs from community to community.  \n\nHowever, a good starter would be to check this site and scroll to the Pentecostal section.\n\nhttp://www.creeds.net
709495
Dear Mitchell:  Actually, the dictionary states that cults have the stigma attached to them of being "misguided and unorthodox."\n\nI think we need to consider main stream religions and doctrines as not falling into that category.  Perhaps, spirituality or non-denominational traditions could be called that by some people, but as long as it is not Occult, the above should not be a stigma attached to these traditions, either.  The great prophets of the ages have been mystics meaning they delve into the Truths of soul or spirit-mind (which is what God Created).  Spiritual experiences come from strengthening the position of our souls within us, and bringing the soul to the Center of Mind.  These spiritual experiences bring God to us more potently, as in the Prophets, and are thought of as Mystical experience.  Perhaps not main-stream, but not Occult.  Certainly not misguided, either.  \n\nThis is why I find it difficult to think of most all religions as cults.  \nI think Interpretations have fragmented the original Church Jesus had in His Mind; and,  that would take the word of a singular God out into a Pagan world.  He aimed to teach the Nature of that God and to demonstrate that the physical world of matter and brain is a type of reality that can be overcome by the Ultimate Reality.  The fragmentations of His Church are so numerous as to divide mankind more greatly than the babbling of different languages confused mankind's ability to communicate - at the Tower of Babel.  Interpretations led to the adding and subtracting from what Jesus had taught.  So religion contains impurities ; for mankind's Intellect has turned His beloved singular Church into a literal Tower of Babel, itself.\n\nIn all religions there are certain unalterable truths.  Perhaps, the wording sounds a bit different; but, when examined more closely, at least some of the basics that Jesus taught are present.  The soul recognizes those Truths and witnesses to them despite the human Intellect's logic and deductions.  \n\nBest regards, Lana
9105
The Buddhist faith has many sects, as Christianity does, i.e., Catholics, Baptists (some sub-groups in that one), Latter Day Saints, etc.  Just as there are many "types" of bibles, such is true for Buddhism as well.  I belong to and practice Zen Buddhism, and Zen practitioners do not read some texts that say, Tibetan Buddhists do.\n\nJust my two cents...
398241
Alright... welcome tony_copeland to Theos Mart! Here, we have a large selection of religions for you to believe in. Personally, my favorite would have to be the Pagan Religion. Now, with this religious group, you have a lot of choices! You could be a Druid, a Shaman, a Voodoo practicioner, a Witch, a Priestess, a Priest, or any number of other things! You have the freedom to pick and choose your Gods and Goddesses at will, though, they might not always get along. Should you join this religion, there will be a need for intensive study, such as reading books and finding things out on your own. I suggest that you find a spirit guide, should you choose Paganism. A spirit guide -- whether it be a fae, an animal, a dragon, a unicorn, a demon, an angel, a God, a Goddess, Buddha, whatever -- will help you through life and help you make the right choices! But wait, there's more! If you choose Paganism, you get a one-way ticket AWAY from Hell because they don't believe in it! So, what will it be?
975477
Raised Catholic, became an Evangelical, ran away from radicalism and the hypocrisy explored Native American, Celtic, Hindu, Shamanism, learned the true history of all religions, rejected the B.S. Read Suzuki, studied Zen, practiced bohemian Buddhism up to present. Buddhism does not require the belief in a supreme being, or personal god, allows me to grow spiritually without putting my brain on hold, teaches that it all is just a moment and is really impermanent.