My Opinion. Jestor's Lie

There is a lot of stuff and no two people are the same. So not everyone studies, or is taught the same stuff or the same thing. Most of it is about the personal journey and the material covered is not as important as what you get from it.

There is a lot of “stuff” to study in the library and there is always the degree scheme should one just not feel challenged enough or need something more stimulating. Lining it all out just so that someone can satisfy their urge for instant gratification is not really “cup of tea.”

And in all honesty, there is an entire internet out there with stuff to learn and study. Most people just search out the things that interest them… who’s to say that wouldn’t happen if all the material was just laid out for everyone?

See, it is all part of the Master Plan! Lure people in with no promises and no guaranties telling them that they will only get out of it all what they put in. I know right!?!??! Devious!

I can lay my lesson plan out for all to see if they want to study it! First, there are a set of core principles and ideals I’d like to convey covering honor, duty and privilege. Then each apprentice is given assignments that seem to be more relevant to where they are in their path at this point in their life and what may help them along the way. Easy!
Material I use to help people along with that… anything relevant at TotJO, anything I might have run across over the last four decades that might be relevant and listening to that little voice inside that leads me.

Br. John wrote: The vast majority of our teaching and training is only available after one becomes an apprentice.

I love ya, Br. John, but I feel like that is a slight to those that aren't looking for a Knighthood, but just a place to belong. Yeah, your apprenticeships are open to everyone with the time and inclination to go through the IP, but some people aren't after that here, and if all the stuff that makes Jediism what it is stands behind locked doors, then we're an initiatory religion, and we either need to start charging like Scientology or showing people the door because they aren't serious enough.

Otherwise, at least a bit of basic doctrinal teaching (not list-making) needs to be accessible to the membership at large, and to the public so it can't be said we hide our teachings.

Is there something wrong with the "Light" side? It's the way most people would strive to live their lives.

I have yet to read anything by anyone about so called dark philosophy that didn't sound either like an emo/goth kid learning to write crappy poetry, or someone who just discovered Nietzsche for the first time.



On another note, I have sort of come to terms with the fact that Jediism as an organized religion won't really ever have laypeople. It's part of the whole self betterment thing.

Also: the inclusion of Derpy and Rainbow Dash made this thread 200% cooler.

Ty wrote: Is there something wrong with the "Light" side? It's the way most people would strive to live their lives.

I have yet to read anything by anyone about so called dark philosophy that didn't sound either like an emo/goth kid learning to write crappy poetry, or someone who just discovered Nietzsche for the first time.

Patience, it's coming....

Star forge, you made no headway there. Write your book. Just do it. IF it helps at all, make it available and I promise i will read it.

scott777ab wrote:

Br. John wrote: The vast majority of our teaching and training is only available after one becomes an apprentice.

Thank you for bringing that up Br. John. I have been wanting to write about that, but was waiting for someone else to mention it first. Now that you have I have some questions and concerns.

My Questions:
1. One thing that help main interest for me in something is being able to view in the least the table of contents. Basically knowing something of what is to come. What I am saying, is that the most of the stuff within the IP I have already self-studied years ago, not all of it, but most of it. What I mean I the ideologies. The information on Campbell was fun, Watts was a bore but still good information, the field was a retelling of stuff I have already heard studied before. Likewise with the religion exercises. So my question is this: would you all(the council) consider providing a basic table of contents of what is to come. The reason I say this, is the table of contents for the IP holds very little interest for me, but if I had some idea of what was to come, I would know whether or not to spend my time finishing the IP.

Guess it was just one question. LOL

There is no table of contents basic or otherwise. It will depend on the teacher and the way you complete the IP (among other things). The IP tells so much, even if you already know everything in it.

I'll list three lessons I've assigned more than once that are likely to be of general interest though.

Watch the movie Being There (1979).

Read Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness http://quantumenigma.com/ .

Read the short story A Saucer of Loneliness by Theodore Sturgeon.

rugadd wrote: Star forge, you made no headway there. Write your book. Just do it. IF it helps at all, make it available and I promise i will read it.

I wasn't trying to bring any converts. Offensive and blunt as I am, I have no intention of going to a religious institution (even if it's online) and converting people there.

I'm honored that you would read my book, but I still don't think I'll write it. A lot of work, so little time, for no reason.

I just read "The Saucer of Loneliness" and... okay, the world of men is focused on creating weapons to fight invisible enemies; a culture forged in war and conflict. The message of the saucer was for the woman and she never told the many who asked her, only the one who saved her life. Is this a story that is supposed to bring hope? To tell each who reads it that no matter what despair is suffered or how alone someone might think they are, always there are others in the same position. That by sharing this personal grief, a more complete image and feeling of humanity in all of its aspects can be known? Like the beauty of suffering and the need to share emotion? The need to give out such messages which might fall on deaf ears but are needed for even just one to find this hope? Healing... To bring light is to share the most tender moments of life?

steamboat28 wrote:

Br. John wrote: The vast majority of our teaching and training is only available after one becomes an apprentice.

I love ya, Br. John, but I feel like that is a slight to those that aren't looking for a Knighthood, but just a place to belong. Yeah, your apprenticeships are open to everyone with the time and inclination to go through the IP, but some people aren't after that here, and if all the stuff that makes Jediism what it is stands behind locked doors, then we're an initiatory religion, and we either need to start charging like Scientology or showing people the door because they aren't serious enough.

Otherwise, at least a bit of basic doctrinal teaching (not list-making) needs to be accessible to the membership at large, and to the public so it can't be said we hide our teachings.