Before the Veil (1)

Jeanne -- Raise our fluttering banner upon the ramparts! -- Henry VI, Act IV.

"I have devoted my life to studying humans, their destiny, and happiness."

"From Outlines of Lectures on Anthropology, by Dr. J.R. Buchanan."

We are told that it has been since the pagan night was first banished by the sacred light of Christianity, and nearly 19 centuries have passed. And two and a half centuries have elapsed since the bright torch of modern science began to illuminate the darkness of ignorance for many generations. We are asked to believe that true moral and intellectual progress in humanity occurred during each of these periods. The philosophers of antiquity were, in their own time, sufficiently admirable, but compared to modern scientists, they were unlearned. Pagan ethics may have served the needs of primitive peoples in ancient times, but until the shining "Star of Bethlehem" appeared, neither the true path to moral perfection nor the way to salvation was revealed. In the past, bestial rudeness was commonplace, while virtue and spirituality were exceptional. Now, even the most dull-witted can discern God's revealed word and read His will within it. People are given every encouragement to be good, and they are constantly becoming better.

This is the premise. Now, what are the facts? On one hand, there are clergy who lack spirituality, are authoritarian, and often indulge in debauchery. There are countless denominations, and three major religions that compete with each other. Instead of unity, there is discord, doctrines without evidence, and preachers who prefer to attract public attention. And on the other hand, there is hypocrisy and narrow-mindedness among parishioners seeking wealth and pleasure – born from oppressive demands to maintain appearances – which has become a daily occurrence, while sincerity and true piety are exceptions. On the other hand, there are scientific hypotheses built on sand. Even when dealing with one problem, they do not agree, and there is hatred, conflict, and jealousy, all of which tend towards materialism as a whole. Science and theology wage a fierce battle over infallibility – "a struggle that spans the ages."

In Rome, which claims to be the center of Christianity, a person who is considered the successor to Peter's seat is undermining social order through invisible but pervasive networks of narrow-minded individuals, and seeks both spiritual dominance and secular power by inciting them to instigate revolutions in Europe. We see that this individual, who calls himself "Christ's representative," is allied with anti-Christian Muslims, opposing another Christian nation. For centuries, those who have resisted the claims of Christ's divinity espoused by this person have been openly praying for God's blessing on their weapons! On the other hand, in Berlin, one of the major centers of learning, professors of modern precise science are turning away from the achievements of the Enlightenment since Galileo, and secretly trying to extinguish that great Florentine light. In short, they are attempting to prove that the heliocentric theory, and even the Earth's rotation itself, were merely fantasies of misguided scientists, that Newton was a fantasist, and that all astronomers in the past and present are nothing more than people who skillfully calculate unverified problems. [4]

Between these two giants, science and theology, there is a bewildered public. The belief that humans are immortal as individuals, as well as any belief in God, is rapidly being lost, and people are quickly descending to a purely animalistic level of existence. This is the current state of Christianity and science, illuminated by the bright midday sun!

Is it strictly fair to punish someone, as an author who is extremely modest and reserved, simply by subjecting them to a barrage of critical stones for the mere act of completely rejecting the authority of both of these combatants? Rather, should we not consider Horace Greeley's declaration, "I accept no man's opinion, living or dead, unconditionally," as a true maxim of this century. [5] In any case, let us adopt this as our motto and make it the unwavering guiding principle throughout this book.

Among the many remarkable phenomena that have emerged this century, the strange beliefs of so-called spiritualists appeared amidst the crumbling ruins of religions claiming to be revelatory and materialistic philosophies. Moreover, it is precisely these beliefs that offer a potential last refuge for reconciling the two. It is not surprising that such unexpected ghosts from pre-Christian times are largely unwelcome in this rational and empirical century. The times have changed remarkably. Just recently, a famous preacher in Brooklyn sharply pointed out that if Jesus were to return and behave as he did on the streets of Jerusalem, he would be locked up in Tombs prison in New York City.[6] What kind of welcome can spiritualism expect then? Indeed, this strange outsider appears neither attractive nor promising at first glance. It is a misshapen, unrefined being, limping and wounded like an infant cared for by seven nurses. Its enemies are numerous, while its friends and protectors are few. But what does that matter? Has truth ever been accepted a priori? The fact that proponents of spiritualism may exaggerate its merits in their enthusiasm and turn a blind eye to its flaws is not a reason to doubt its existence. One cannot create counterfeits without a model. The very fervor of the spiritualists is evidence of the authenticity and potential of their phenomena. They offer not assertions that must be believed without proof, but facts that we can examine. It is unlikely that millions of rational men and women would so easily fall into collective hallucinations. Thus, while clergy adhere to their own interpretations of the 'Bible,' and science refuses to listen fairly to spiritualism's claims by following its self-imposed code regarding what is possible in nature, true science and true religion remain silent, solemnly awaiting further developments.

The overall problem surrounding these phenomena depends on correctly understanding ancient philosophy. In this confusion, where else can we turn besides the wisdom of the ancients? Modern people are refusing to provide explanations for us, citing it as superstition. Let's ask the wise men of antiquity what they know about true science and religion. Not just about minor details, but about the overall picture that encompasses these two truths – a whole that is so strong when unified, yet so weak when divided. Furthermore, by comparing this boastful modern science with ancient ignorance, and this advanced modern theology with the "secret doctrines" of ancient universal religions, we might gain something. Perhaps, in doing so, we can find a neutral position from which to approach both sides and learn from them.

Author's Notes

[4] Please refer to the final chapter of this volume, page 622.

[5] Recollections of a Busy Life, page 147.

[6] Henry Ward Beecher.