Re-enchantment: Exploring Oneism, Paganism, and Myth

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Background of Carl Tai Crib
3. The Book "Game of Gods"
4. Primary Desires: Being as God, Masters of Meaning and Destiny, Building Heaven on Earth
5. Historical Perspective: From Christendom to Modernity to Post-Modernity
6. The Movement Towards Post-Post-Modernity
7. Rian Chapman: The Longing for Mystery and Connection
8. Myths, Archetypes, and Continuity
9. The Role of Science and Technology in the Search for Transcendence
10. The Rise of Paganism and Techno-Spirituality in Events like Burning Man
11. Sacred Secularism and Mystical Materialism
12. The Difference Between New Age and Rian Chapman
13. The Shift towards Collective Beliefs and Human Destiny
14. Conclusion

🔍 Introduction

In this article, we explore the concept of global transformation and its impact on our understanding of the world. Our guest, Carl Tai Crib, shares his insights and experiences in researching this phenomenon since the early 1990s. He delves into the interconnectedness of philosophy, politics, society, and culture, and how these factors challenge the traditional Christian worldview. The central theme of his book, "Game of Gods," revolves around three primary human desires: to be as God, to be masters of meaning and destiny, and to build heaven on earth. We examine the historical progression from Christendom to modernity to post-modernity, and the current shift towards post-post-modernity or "Rian Chapman." This new worldview emphasizes the longing for mystery, connection, and a sense of oneness with the cosmos. We also analyze the role of myths, archetypes, and continuity in shaping our understanding of spirituality and the pursuit of transcendence. Additionally, we explore the influence of science and technology, particularly in events like Burning Man, where techno-paganism and techno-shamanism are explored. We discuss the concept of sacred secularism, where science and spirituality converge, and its implications for our culture. Finally, we differentiate between the New Age movement and Rian Chapman, highlighting the shift from individualistic pursuits to collective beliefs and the quest for human destiny.

🔍 Background of Carl Tai Crib

Carl Tai Crib has been immersed in researching and understanding global transformation since the early 1990s. His journey began when he was introduced to Freemasonry, which sparked his curiosity to delve deeper into the intersecting realms of philosophy, politics, society, and culture. Over time, his research expanded, leading him to explore the challenging questions posed by the Christian worldview within the context of global transformation. He worked alongside authors like Gary Carr as a director of research before embarking on his own freelance endeavors. In his book, "Game of Gods," Crib delves into three fundamental human desires: the desire to be as God, the desire to be masters of meaning and destiny, and the desire to build heaven on earth. These desires form the core of his exploration into the shifts from Christendom to modernity, post-modernity, and ultimately, post-post-modernity or Rian Chapman.

🔍 The Book "Game of Gods"

"Game of Gods" encapsulates Carl Tai Crib's extensive research on global transformation and its impact on worldview. Crib identifies three primary desires that drive human thought and behavior: the aspiration to be as God, the quest for mastery of meaning and destiny, and the inclination to construct heaven on earth. These desires encompass the fundamental human longing for purpose, transcendence, and a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves. Through a historical and ideological lens, Crib scrutinizes the progression from Christendom to modernity, post-modernity, and the emerging paradigm of Rian Chapman. This book explores how these desires intertwine with philosophy, theology, and practical matters such as politics. It examines the resurgence of paganism, the cultural implications of events like Burning Man, and the search for sacred transcendence in secular society.

🔍 Primary Desires: Being as God, Masters of Meaning and Destiny, Building Heaven on Earth

At the core of human existence lie three primary desires: the desire to be as God, the desire to be masters of meaning and destiny, and the desire to build heaven on earth. These desires, as explored in "Game of Gods," shape our understanding of ourselves, our purpose, and the world in which we live. The first desire, to be as God, reflects the innate human yearning for divinity and the aspiration to transcend our human limitations. The second desire, to be masters of meaning and destiny, represents the pursuit of personal agency and control over our individual narratives. The third desire, to build heaven on earth, embodies the desire for an ideal society where peace, harmony, and transcendence are realized. Understanding these desires allows us to navigate the complex landscape of global transformation and its impact on our collective consciousness.

Pros:

• Provides a nuanced understanding of human desires and their influence on worldview.
• Offers a comprehensive analysis of the intersections between spiritual, philosophical, and societal aspects of global transformation.

Cons:

• May oversimplify the complexities of human desires and their motivations.
• Relies heavily on theoretical frameworks that may not fully capture the diversity of human experiences.

🔍 Historical Perspective: From Christendom to Modernity to Post-Modernity

The historical trajectory from Christendom to modernity to post-modernity has significantly shaped our worldview and understanding of global transformation. Christendom represented a time when Christianity held significant influence over society, providing a common framework for meaning and purpose. With the rise of modernity, there was a shift towards individualism, rationality, and a secular worldview. This period saw the questioning of traditional religious beliefs and the emphasis on scientific advancement as a means to comprehend the world. However, post-modernity brought forth a new set of challenges. While it acknowledged the limitations of rationality and absolute truth, it also left individuals with an existential void, grappling with the absence of clear answers. Post-modernity led to a fragmented worldview, where different narratives coexist without a unifying framework. This fragmentation and the ensuing search for new meaning and purpose form the backdrop for the emerging paradigm of post-post-modernity or Rian Chapman.

Pros:

• Provides a historical context to understand the evolution of human thought and its implications for the present.
• Highlights the tensions and contradictions inherent in transitioning between different epochs of human history.

Cons:

• May oversimplify the complexities and diversity of historical transitions and their impact on individual and collective beliefs.
• Could benefit from more extensive analysis of specific historical events and their role in shaping worldviews.

🔍 The Movement Towards Post-Post-Modernity

As we transition from post-modernity, there is a growing recognition that we are entering a new paradigm termed post-post-modernity or Rian Chapman. Rian Chapman embodies the longing for mystery, meaning, and connection in an increasingly secular and fragmented world. It represents the search for a sense of oneness with the cosmos, a yearning for something beyond the material realm. Rian Chapman offers an alternative to both traditional religious frameworks and the materialistic worldview of modernity. It embraces a more holistic understanding of spirituality, drawing elements from ancient myths, archetypes, and a sense of continuity. This emerging paradigm reflects the cultural transformation towards a communal search for transcendence and human interconnectedness.

Pros:

• Introduces the concept of Rian Chapman as a new paradigm in the search for spirituality and meaning.
• Acknowledges the limitations of both traditional religious frameworks and materialistic worldviews.

Cons:

• While intriguing, the concept of Rian Chapman may require further exploration and empirical evidence to solidify its place within the broader discourse on worldview and spirituality.
• Could benefit from a more detailed analysis of the forces driving the movement towards Rian Chapman.

🔍 Rian Chapman: The Longing for Mystery and Connection

Rian Chapman is an emerging concept that encapsulates the human longing for mystery, connection, and a sense of oneness with the cosmos. It represents a shift towards an ancient-future worldview, drawing inspiration from pagan beliefs and a desire for transcendent experiences. Rian Chapman acknowledges the limitations of post-modernism in providing satisfactory answers to our existential questions. It embraces the inherent interconnectedness of humanity, nature, and the divine, fostering a sense of continuity and unity. In this paradigm, individuals seek a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world, moving away from individualistic pursuits to a communal longing for something greater. Rian Chapman offers a framework through which individuals can explore and experience spiritual transcendence in the modern age.

Pros:

• Explores the significance of Rian Chapman as a response to the existential void left by post-modernity.
• Highlights the desire for mystery, connection, and continuity that drives the search for spirituality in contemporary society.

Cons:

• The concept of Rian Chapman may be seen as esoteric and unfamiliar to a general audience, requiring further explanation and clarification.
• Could benefit from more concrete examples and case studies to elucidate its practical implications in people's lives.

🔍 Myths, Archetypes, and Continuity

Myths, archetypes, and continuity play a significant role in shaping our understanding of spirituality and the pursuit of transcendence. Mythologies, both ancient and contemporary, offer narratives that communicate a sense of continuity and interdependence. Myths serve as frameworks for understanding our relationship with the cosmos, the divine, and ourselves. Archetypes, universal symbols and patterns found in myths and dreams, allow us to tap into the collective unconscious and explore the depths of human experience. They provide a shared language through which we can navigate our individual and collective journeys towards meaning and purpose. Continuity, as conveyed through myths and archetypes, reinforces the interconnectedness of all existence, fostering a sense of unity and transcendence.

Pros:

• Highlights the transformative power of myths and archetypes in shaping our worldview and understanding of spirituality.
• Explores the importance of continuity and interdependence in fostering a sense of connectedness to the cosmos.

Cons:

• May require further elaboration and specific examples to illustrate how myths, archetypes, and continuity are relevant in contemporary society.
• Could benefit from highlighting potential criticisms or alternative perspectives on the role of myths and archetypes.

🔍 The Role of Science and Technology in the Search for Transcendence

Science and technology have assumed a prominent role in our collective pursuit of transcendence and meaning. While traditionally seen as separate from spirituality, science now intersects with the search for something beyond the material world. Scientific advancements, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence and transhumanism, prompt us to contemplate the mysteries of existence and our place in the universe. Technological events like Burning Man provide a setting where concepts such as techno-paganism and techno-shamanism are explored, blending spirituality with cutting-edge technology. Science and technology offer tools through which we can explore the mysteries of the cosmos and our own consciousness, bridging the gap between the scientific and the spiritual realms.

Pros:

• Explores the convergence of science and spirituality in the search for transcendence.
• Highlights the role of technology-centric events like Burning Man in exploring techno-spirituality.

Cons:

• Could benefit from a more detailed analysis of the potential conflicts and tensions between scientific materialism and spiritual transcendence.
• Requires greater exploration of the ethical considerations surrounding the fusion of science, technology, and spirituality.

🔍 The Rise of Paganism and Techno-Spirituality in Events like Burning Man

Events like Burning Man serve as cultural manifestations of the rise of paganism and techno-spirituality within contemporary society. Burning Man, often associated with debauchery and hedonism, has evolved into a gathering that explores new forms of spirituality and community. Many participants, including influential figures from the technology sector, partake in workshops on techno paganism, techno shamanism, and the interplay between technology and spirituality. Burning Man exemplifies the blending of ancient rituals, alternative belief systems, and cutting-edge technology, all within a communal setting. It reflects the cultural transformation towards a broader acceptance of spirituality, one that transcends traditional religious frameworks and embraces new expressions of connection to the transcendent.

Pros:

• Sheds light on the transformative nature of events like Burning Man in fostering alternative forms of spirituality.
• Explores the intersections between ancient pagan beliefs, technological advancements, and communal experiences.

Cons:

• Requires additional examination of the potential pitfalls and criticisms associated with the rise of paganism and techno-spirituality.
• Could benefit from a more balanced perspective on the outcomes and impact of events like Burning Man.

🔍 Sacred Secularism and Mystical Materialism

The concept of sacred secularism characterizes the convergence of science, secularism, and spirituality in modern society. Traditional dichotomies between the sacred and the secular, the material and the mystical, are blurred in this paradigm. Sacred secularism acknowledges the spiritual yearnings of individuals within a predominantly secular culture. It recognizes that spirituality can find expression through scientific and technological means. This phenomenon, also referred to as mystical materialism, challenges conventional notions of spirituality being separate from scientific inquiry. It reflects a cultural shift towards embracing spirituality within a secular framework, thereby redefining our understanding of the sacred and the material.

Pros:

• Discusses the changing dynamics between spirituality, secularism, and scientific inquiry.
• Highlights the transformative potential of recognizing spirituality within a predominantly secular culture.

Cons:

• May require further exploration and analysis of the potential conflicts and tensions arising from the convergence of spirituality and secularism.
• Could benefit from addressing potential criticisms and ethical considerations associated with sacred secularism.

🔍 The Difference Between New Age and Rian Chapman

While there is an overlap between the New Age movement and the emerging paradigm of Rian Chapman, there are distinct differences in their ideologies and aspirations. The New Age movement, prominent in the 80s and 90s, focused on individualistic pursuits of spirituality and self-improvement. It embraced a consumerist mindset, offering a diverse range of spiritual practices and beliefs for personal fulfillment. In contrast, Rian Chapman emphasizes the communal aspect of spirituality and the interconnectedness of all existence. It draws heavily from ancient myths, archetypes, and a sense of continuity. Rian Chapman encapsulates a longing for something greater beyond individual desires, while the New Age movement primarily caters to personal needs and self-actualization.

Pros:

• Clarifies the distinctions between the New Age movement and Rian Chapman in terms of individualism versus communal spirituality.
• Offers insights into the shifting aspirations and values within the realm of spirituality.

Cons:

• May oversimplify the diversity within the New Age movement and Rian Chapman, potentially overlooking nuanced perspectives.
• Requires further exploration of the potential tensions and overlaps between these two paradigms.

🔍 The Shift towards Collective Beliefs and Human Destiny

In today's cultural landscape, there is a noticeable shift towards collective beliefs and the pursuit of human destiny. As traditional religious frameworks wane in influence, individuals are searching for alternative sources of meaning and purpose. This quest transcends individual desires and extends to the collective consciousness. The rise of Rian Chapman and the longing for mystery, connection, and continuity reflect this shift towards communal spirituality. A shared narrative emerges, one that encompasses a broader understanding of human interconnectedness and our role in shaping our collective destiny. This shift highlights the inherent desire within individuals to be part of something larger than themselves, to contribute to the creation of a better world.

Pros:

• Explores the transition from individualistic pursuits to collective aspirations in contemporary spirituality.
• Recognizes the innate human longing to be part of a meaningful collective and contribute to shaping the future.

Cons:

• Requires additional analysis and evidence to support the claim of a significant shift towards collective beliefs and the pursuit of human destiny.
• Could benefit from addressing potential criticisms and challenges associated with the collective aspirations in spirituality.

🔍 Conclusion

In conclusion, global transformation has shaped our understanding of the world and our place within it. Carl Tai Crib's research delves into the desires that drive human thought and behavior, the historical progression of worldviews, and the emerging paradigm of Rian Chapman. We have explored the intertwining of myths, archetypes, and continuity in constructing our understanding of spirituality. Science and technology have played significant roles in the pursuit of transcendence, as seen in events like Burning Man. Additionally, the rise of paganism, sacred secularism, and the shift towards collective beliefs reflect our ongoing search for meaning and purpose. The distinctions between the New Age movement and Rian Chapman highlight the changing aspirations and values within contemporary spirituality. Ultimately, this exploration invites us to reflect on our own desires, beliefs, and the potential for collective transformation in shaping our common human destiny.

Highlights:

• Carl Tai Crib's extensive research on global transformation and its impact on worldview.
• The three primary desires: to be as God, masters of meaning and destiny, and to build heaven on earth.
• The historical progression from Christendom to modernity to post-modernity.
• The emergence of post-post-modernity or Rian Chapman.
• The significance of myths, archetypes, and continuity in shaping our understanding of spirituality.
• The role of science and technology in the pursuit of transcendence.
• The rise of paganism and techno-spirituality in events like Burning Man.
• The convergence of science, secularism, and spirituality in sacred secularism.
• The difference between the New Age movement and Rian Chapman.
• The shift towards collective beliefs and the quest for human destiny.

FAQs

Q: What is the significance of Rian Chapman? A: Rian Chapman represents the emerging paradigm in the search for spirituality and meaning. It embodies the longing for mystery, connection, and a sense of oneness with the cosmos in a secular world.

Q: How does science intersect with spirituality? A: Science offers new tools and insights that prompt us to contemplate the mysteries of existence and our place in the universe. It blurs traditional boundaries between the scientific and the spiritual realms.

Q: What distinguishes the New Age movement from Rian Chapman? A: The New Age movement primarily focuses on individualistic spirituality, self-improvement, and personal fulfillment. Rian Chapman, on the other hand, emphasizes communal spirituality and the interconnectedness of all existence.

Q: How does mythology shape our understanding of spirituality? A: Myths provide narratives and archetypes that communicate a sense of continuity, interdependence, and a shared language through which we explore our individual and collective journeys towards meaning and purpose.

Q: How does the shift towards collective beliefs impact spirituality? A: The shift towards collective beliefs reflects a longing to be part of something larger than ourselves and contribute to the creation of a better world. It encompasses a broader understanding of human interconnectedness and our role in shaping our collective destiny.