The Advent of Dionysus / The Church / 1.01

The Christian Church

Now it's a wonder why the Christian Church was established in Greece, instead of Judea, where Christ Himself was born. For indeed a precedent was set, and the Greeks, more than any other gentile people, were prepared to receive the new Christian faith. Why? Because they had a very structured inner-world—of the psyche—personified by their relationship with their gods: such divine models or archetypes, upheld as patterns for human behavior.

They had Zeus, whom they made their supreme god, father of gods and men, whom by the name Jove (Roman form), bears a striking resemblance to Jehovah, our supreme god. And they had Dionysus, god of wine and ecstasy, who in many ways portrayed Christ: he was a forerunner or prototype to Christ. The son of Zeus and born of Semele, a mortal virgin mother, Dionysus was an essential structure to the Greek psyche and, became the fulfillment of their religion, as Christ became the fulfillment of Judaism. Indeed, much was borrowed from Dionysus.

Twelve in number, the Greek gods were a pantheon of gods, who resided on Mount Olympus. Each represented a specific aspect of the human condition, and came together as one composite, to form the structure of heaven. Similarly, Christ had twelve disciples, who represented various aspects of the same structure, much as Dionysus, the twelfth and last god added to Mount Olympus, replaced Hestia, the goddess of the hearth: who, according to some, may not have stepped down at all, making Dionysus the thirteenth and central figure (like Christ). And though not as clearly defined as the Greek deities—being more central to the figure of Christ—the disciples ascend to Mount Zion, with Christ, to reign in heaven. Thus equating with Mount Olympus: the walls of the New Jerusalem and its twelve foundations, one for each disciple.

Revelation 21:10-14

Originally people, "or saints," the deities were so elemental to the Greek viewpoint, that they were elevated to the status of godhood. As is the case with most religions, where the central figure is elevated, it's acceptable so long as it's understood they represent The Divine—i.e., "Man was created in God's image"—and man doesn't lose sight of a supreme being who rules above all, like Zeus. Thus when properly perceived, the first commandment which speaks of this, "Thou shalt have no gods before me," remains inviolate. And so the Greeks, with a well developed system of beliefs, were a very creative and imaginative people: who strove to the heights of objectivity! And being the most receptive to new ideas and beliefs, with them, the Christian faith was implanted.

The New Church became established on the west coast of Asia Minor, on the outskirts of Greek domain. It was east of Ionia, a region of Greece, and more or less central to the kingdom of Lydia: which are the seven churches of Asia—Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea—to which St. John makes his address in

Revelation 1-3. He was on the Island of Patmos, off the coast of Ionia when receiving this revelation. Thus I'm referring to the Byzantine Empire or Eastern Orthodox Church (the Greek Orthodox Church being an autonomous part of this).

That which is noteworthy about Lydia, is that it was an ancient trading partner and major cultural influence to the mainland of Greece, a gateway to the east, between Europe and Asia. What's more, Lydia was central to the region where the cult of Dionysus was known to have its origins, and thence imported overseas. Hence it's no real wonder that the Christian Church was established here, for the inroads were already provided into Greece, through the previous incursion of Dionysus. Thus it wouldn't be far off to assume that Dionysus was Christ's predecessor and, that the Christian Church was a "lay over" of what Dionysus accomplished earlier: the Greeks and their religion being a "diced version" of what the Christian religion became a consolidation of.

Today's Church

Having made such an important distinction above, it lays the groundwork for what I'm about to present, the New Church—of our day—which has been instituted on earth. And, while it's generally not understood, the Christian Church is part of a lineage of churches throughout history called The Church or, Church of Man (i.e., the title for religion in general, but more specifically the Western Church.) Nor is it necessry to look any further than the Bible to understand what this means. For who hasn't heard of the Church of Adam, the Church of Noah (i.e., both Adam and Noah aren't typically portrayed in this way but, that's the whole point), and the Israelite Church which, culminated into the Christian Church? Doesn't it only stand to reason, since the Bible is a religious document containing our religious heritage beginning with Adam? So, why not portray it in the overall terms of a church?

Thus being fourth and, similar to the front cover, where the color white is the medium (as shown by the Menorah), the Christian Church is the Universal Church—if indeed Christ was who He claimed to be! Yet who's to say that the lineage should end here? Just as there are seven branches on the Menorah, it does not conclude with the fourth branch. We have yet to explore the fifth, sixth and seventh branches. So, could it be that the Christian Church, as portrayed in the Bible, has already come to close and, that a fifth church has been instituted? Indeed, this is the contention I plan to make. Not only that, I intend to provide the basis, and further contend, that the fifth church has already drawn to a close and, that a sixth church has been instituted!

It seems most of us tend to think of the Christian Church as the final word, in terms of the True Church, and for obvious reasons. Yet given how much humanity has changed, although it isn't completely wrong to view it this way, this is simply too shortsighted in its approach. Times change, people change, and so must religion, in order to accommodate a more current perspective. At the very least we must take into account the Age of Enlightenment and, the advances of modern science, lest we bypass the last 300 years of human development (and discover we are still living in the dark ages). Hence this is what I've ascribed to the advent of the fifth church below. (See Emanuel Swedenborg.) And, in the way that the Christian Church is portrayed by the main stem of the Menorah, from which all other branches proceed, it suggests that all other churches are somehow tied this way: where the Christian Church remains the central idea.

And so brings me to what I'm about to present, The Sixth Church—of today—which was instituted in 1987. And, with its distinct ties to the Christian Church, it will be illustrated in accord with Dionysus. (Note the blue highlight around the star and rings on the front cover.) And, while my claim may seem speculative, i.e., a voice didn't come out of heaven and say this was so, not blatantly anyway, it will soon be apparent that this has happened. Or, at the very least, it will testify to a higher, spiritual power, the purpose of any true religious work. If you refer to chapter 5, I recount the experience that I draw my conclusion from; while in chapter 12, I refer to the New Church in Southern Oregon, with its unique similarity to the Seven Churches of Asia.

Now I did hear a voice while meditating one day. It was clear and distinct and said, "Points of permission beyond cultivation." And while I didn't quite understand it initially, it refers to that which has happened after the fact, and so coincides with my ideas of the fifth church below (while fitting in well with my idea of the bride to be and engagement period elsewhere). So in that sense, it could be said I heard a voice from up above which, I believe is where it was from. However, since I had already given it considerable thought, it was more of a corroboration, regarding the establishment of the sixth church, with specific details about the fifth church. In effect it was saying the book of Revelation had already been fulfilled (with the establishment of the fifth church) and, that it signified the second coming of Jesus. It was also the only formalized instruction I had received in this regard.

I should also say I'm not the scholar, in that I draw from my own experiences and make my own conclusions, and only later (typically) will something "crop up" to corroborate the idea, meaning I've had to do very little research. Yet if you read the material, you'd have to attest to how correct it is, and hence the good fortune of being blessed with an original idea. In other words the material was revealed to me. (See chapter 5.) So tell me, who spoke to the biblical prophets of old? They must have had some way of communing with a supreme being. While you might be interested to know I've studied very little about Carl Jung, or even Joseph Campbell, yet I've clearly identified the many modern-day archetypes associated with the Dionysian myth; making it all the more valid in terms of religious experience. But, enough said for now. Thus far I've only tried to illustrate the plausibility of this lineage of churches, rather than explain what the sixth church is all about. That's what the rest of the book is about. And so brings up the fifth church below:

Emanuel Swedenborg

Contrary to popular belief, The Last Judgment, as foretold in the book of Revelation, occurred in the year 1757, and under the auspices of Emanuel Swedenborg, a gifted scientist, theologian—and, mystic. All of which has been thoroughly detailed in his work, The Apocalypse Revealed, a verse for verse account to the book of Revelation. (He refers to the date in chapter XX, verse 11.) It's also detailed in his work, The Last Judgment and Babylon Destroyed, as well as in, The True Christian Religion (chapter XIV, articles I-X; reference to the preceding churches is given in articles III and X).

Therefore when the Bible speaks of Christ's second coming, it's actually referring to Emanuel Swedenborg and his work—as Swedenborg claims. And, while it may sound a bit farfetched, it's all there. Much as Emanuel is another name for Jesus and means, "God with us"

Matthew 1:23 with its familiar ring to John the Baptist: who wasn't really Elija (Elias), yet this was who he signified.

Matthew 11:7-14 Even so, I'm not here to elaborate so much on Swedenborg's role (albeit it provides a necessary springboard), for the book is based more upon my own experience and its original nature, and shall therefore reflect upon this (pertaining to dreams, visions, symbols and phenomena). Albeit I do mention Swedenborg throughout the book and, for anyone interested, his materials are obtainable through the Swedenborg Foundation of West Chester, Pennsylvania (previously out of New York).

Hence through all its upheavals, disasters and restitution, the book of Revelation seems to foretell the end of the world, specifically in

chapter 21. Yet it really portrays the end of an age which, can be viewed in terms of a church. And so refers to the Christian or fourth church, as it draws to a close. Similarly, a form of Last Judgment—or Apocalypse—is performed at the end of every church, at which point the hells are subjugated and, a new heaven and earth is formed. And, while more of a spiritual phenomenon that occurs in the spiritual world, it does coincide with events in the natural world. For example, a Last Judgment was performed at the end of the first church or Church of Adam, and was signified by the great flood. (I'll speak more of the six churches shortly.)

What Swedenborg calls The Church of Man (as detailed throughout his work), the western church is the embodiment of religion as a whole, to become its ultimate vessel: much in the way a large vessel holds water. The orthodox aspect itself, it's indicative to its more formal lineage, and charts the development of Man and Church throughout history, and is essentially the final say so in how it's to be presented, in its ultimate or exterior sense.

Which by no means invalidates eastern religion: i.e., "All true religions lead to God . . ." It only means that western religion is more concerned with cultivating the truth, much in the way western civilization has built itself, in every conceivable way, upon what is rational and comprehensible. As a whole, religion can be compared to the construction of a house: where western religion constitutes its exteriors and general structure (viewed more in a masculine sense), and eastern religion constitutes its interiors and ornamental aspects (viewed more in a feminine sense).

Six States of Mind

As we're speaking of the human condition here, specifically, the six churches can be ascribed to the various states of mind depicting different stages of human development (as detailed in chapter 6). And being a relationship typically portrayed between God and The Church, what Swedenborg ascribes to the Heavenly Marriage, they can be ascribed to the six elements of marriage (as detailed in chapter 3). While there's a curious similarity to Jung's work, particularly to the first four states, which he describes as opposing pairs—hence a cross of opposites. These six states are now described below:

17a

The Church of Adam is ascribed to the speculative mind, which is akin to the thinking process or, what is theoretical. Therefore who was Adam? Where did he come from? Indeed there are many theories. Hence being the first aspect (typically) developed in our culture, it corresponds to the top segment of the cross. While in accord with the front cover, where red is the first color that proceeds from the sun, the name Adam means, red earth.

17b

While opposite of the thinking process is the feeling process (the bottom or second segment of the cross), which is akin to the developmental mind or, the science or research initiated through what's speculated on (or thought about). Hence the idea of Noah, who was born of earthly parents, seems more substantial, and through his science he built the ark, the first known handiwork of man. But, was there really a flood? And when did it occur? It seems we're still "fishing around" (i.e., in a "sea of emotions?"). As these first two churches included everyone, they can be viewed as the general church: i.e., we're all the progeny of Adam and Noah.

Having two sides to the human brain, the left side which is rational, and the right side which is intuitive, the Israelite Church is ascribed more to the left brain (the left or third segment of the cross), which is akin to the substantial mind or, process of substantiation. And, similar to what Jung ascribes to the sensational mind (sensate perception of one's physical surroundings, to determine whether something exists or not), it involves finalizing one's ideas before putting them into use. Much in the way a triangle, which is completed by three sides, might suggest: everything as to truth. And here, the idea of monotheism is substantiated through The Word or holy writ (the Bible), with its procession throughout the western world with the instituting of the fourth, fifth and sixth churches; it's what western religion is specifically focused on.

Defined by the area within the triangle, thus signifying everything as to good, the Christian Church is ascribed to the intuitive mind: the fruit of the substantial mind or Israelite Church (i.e., the right or fourth segment of the cross). And here, once we substantiate an idea, the framework remains, and it's no longer necessary to dwell on it, consciously. It's then reallocated to our subconscious memory, and lingers there, to prompt us later as flashes of insight. The actual filling of the vessel or, the sensation it has on our minds, we don't quite understand why we know, that is, until it resurfaces. Thus Christianity was born of, and became the fulfillment of, the Israelite Church.

The Swedenborg Church is ascribed to one's understanding, the culmination of one's experience, brought to bear on a situation, which is akin to the process of making decisions. It therefore becomes the balance or, focal point of the aforementioned qualities—i.e., crux of the matter. Essentially reflective of the third church, it's to be viewed in broader terms, as it encompasses the whole of one's experience. As the Christian Church is the filling of the vessel, i.e., with water, making it the universal church, the Israelite Church becomes the vessel itself. In which way the Swedenborg Church becomes the vessel's ultimate use or, ultimate realization. (For which reason I won't go into extensive detail about the Spiritual World, as it's thoroughly detailed in Swedenborg's work.)

Beyond this, Today's Church is ascribed to the life developed in accord with the fifth church: i.e., one's will or, liberty.The actual reciprocal of the understanding, it's to work in concert with it—i.e., the ultimate act, proceeding from the understanding. Essentially reflective of the fourth church, like the fifth, it's to be viewed in broader terms: regarding ESP or, the sixth sense (as opposed to one's intuition). It's probably best expressed by the term popularized by Carl Jung—synchronicity—which should soon become apparent. Thus having established the first five churches, the first four of which culminate into a symmetrical cross, and the fifth being the crux of the matter, it's time now to form the extension, and ground it at its base.

Two Walnut Trees

To carry things further, the fifth and sixth churches can be ascribed to a tree, more specifically an English walnut. And here, the fifth church became established in Northern Europe, more specifically Great Britain, with its strong Protestant ties. And having roots in the soil of the Christian Church, or Greece, it was transplanted as a seedling from Judea, i.e., The Root of David, with its initial seed corresponding to The Word and, the Israelite Church. It was a tree that grew to such a height, to extend its boughs unto Great Britain, and drop its fruit on the soil below. (And, although he was from Sweden, one of Swedenborg's early ambitions was to complete his studies in England, in his much awaited promised land.)

The tree was later transplanted to North America, or the United States, as the sixth church. And is typified by the grafting of the English walnut, to the black walnut, a tree indigenous to North America: the only instance I know of where two trees are joined this way, and conveys what I'm trying to do here, exclusively! And here, the English walnut, its foliage signifying the crown of the tree, branches out throughout the British Empire, its culture the desired fruit. So, is it any wonder that English is the most common language spoken in the western world and, the most common second language spoken elsewhere, highly esteemed for its scientific applications? While the black walnut, a hardy and more disease-resistant tree, signifies the trunk of the tree, as it broadens and becomes the support of the rest of the tree: the role the United States has played (although it concerns the tree more as it approaches maturity, regarding the year 1987). I give more detail of this, and the ties between Great Britain and the United States, in chapter 10.

This transplanting of one culture over another typifies what happened to the American Indian. Essentially cut off at the base, he had his heaven removed, to be replaced by the European sky god, Jehovah. Which may have been an appropriate thing, for the crown of the tree signifies the marriage to heaven: with the leaves drawing sustenance through photosynthesis. And, as American Indian culture is based more upon a relationship with mother earth, it signifies a marriage to the earth: with the trunk drawing sustenance from the soil through the roots. Thus by transplanting European culture to North America, the marriage of both heaven and earth is fully realized: where the European assumes the qualities of the husband or, the understanding, hence Father Sky; and the American Indian assumes the qualities of the wife or, the will, hence Mother Earth. And here I should note the founders of the United States were inspired by the Native American's form of government—the Iroquois.

I haven't read the Book of Mormon yet, which claims the American Indians descended from the House of Israel and, that Christ appeared with His Mission in ancient America. Which for all I know is fictitious, but it at least sews the seeds in people's minds, to give it a spiritual tangibility. Hence the Church of Mormon was founded, which I believe is a legitimate Christian sect. (I personally don't subscribe to formalized religion though.) This in itself, even if false, nearly substantiates what I'm trying to present: transplanting The Church to North America.

Indeed it seems fitting that these cultures be joined, for it's time western man stood up and took a good hard look, and accounted for the heap of intellectual waste he's wrought on a world he now mistakes for home. It's time Apollo went back to Apollyon—for now—and stepped aside for his younger brother Dionysus, to allow him to resurface and see what he can do. Again, western man needs to rediscover his ties with mother earth, which have become so vital now: where the American Indian comes in; thus comparing with Dionysus, whose worship was held in close communion with mother nature. While western civilization in recent times has effectively suppressed Dionysus, almost a direct parallel of the way the American Indian has been scapegoated (a primary symbol of Dionysus). And here, I relate the experience I had with American Indians in chapter 9.

As our tree approaches maturity, we need to reconcile ourselves to the American Indian—in some capacity—it being our best chance to accomplish a change in outlook. And, with the recent resurgence of American Indian culture in the late twentieth century, it seems to substantiate its development—and, the development of the sixth church. And yet if we don't address our environment, and soon, and continue to deplete the topsoil, or pollute it, our tree may topple! Isn't it time we stopped taking so much for granted?

The Marriage

Finally, by joining the fifth and sixth churches it joins the two minds: the understanding and the will. Which is indicative to their completion or marriage, and suggests a seventh and final state of, The Church: what I believe will be developed in accord with Russia or the former Soviet Union. If you refer to chapter 5, I relate the experience that occurred along the Russian River in Northern California that partly confirms this (with the early Russian settlement near the river's mouth, Fort Ross, explaining how the river got its name).

All of which brings up

Revelation 12: the woman clothed with the sun in verse 1, and the great red dragon who persecutes her in verse 3. Which refers to The Advent of the New Church, and could easily apply to the Soviet Union. (I speak more of the woman's significance in chapter 4.) The red dragon signifies the Communist System itself, or its dogma; while in

verses 7-9, it speaks of Michael who goes to war with the dragon, and defeats him. Hence it's easy to see the correlation to Mikhail Gorbechev, and the critical role he's played in derailing Soviet Ideology (1985 to 1991): with the recent fall of the Iron Curtain and attempts to go to a free market economy.

Indeed it seems to correlate with Today's Church. And, while Russia could be viewed as the bride to be, her true reconciliation or marriage—to the west—won't occur until the year 2010, just like in the movie, 2010: The Year We Make Contact. I suspect it will take this long for appropriate measures to be put in place. Then there's the book, Russia 2010, published in 1993 by Daniel Yergin and Thane Gustafson, which speaks of this. While I speak more of the relationship between Russia, the United States and Great Britain in chapter 10, and refer to the date in the next chapter.