Religion, Authority, and the Bible

Introduction: The Nature of Authority

Alan Watts begins by recounting an interaction where he was asked if a benevolent and intelligent God would provide an infallible guide to behavior. He responded that such a guide would inhibit human thought, causing the mind to atrophy. He argues that without thinking for ourselves, our intellectual capacities would weaken.

Watts discusses the importance of examining the meaning of Jesus’ life and teachings by addressing the issue of religious authority, particularly the authority of the Bible. He critiques the common belief that the Bible descended directly from heaven and points out that historical context is essential to understanding its authority.

The Bible as a Historical Document

Watts explains that the Bible, especially the King James Version, was not a divine manuscript but a product of history.

He humorously recounts the belief of a family member who took every word, including the marginal notes, as literal truth until finding a passage that led him to question the Bible.

Watts addresses the historical accuracy of the Bible, noting that although some take the miracles in the Bible seriously, miracles themselves are not exceptional in various religious traditions.

He remarks that technological advancements, such as nuclear power, are far more impressive than any recorded miracles, and that humanity should focus on understanding rather than obsessing over miraculous powers.

The Question of Miracles

Watts argues that miracles are possible but not particularly meaningful in the grand scheme. He suggests that if people had the power to control reality completely, life would become dull without surprises. According to Watts, the Bible’s deeper meanings, such as the resurrection of Christ, are what early theologians focused on, rather than debating the factual occurrence of miracles.

The Development of the Bible

Watts emphasizes that the Catholic Church was responsible for compiling the Bible.

Watts explains that the canon of the Old Testament was finalized by Jewish scholars around 100 CE, while the books of the New Testament were not decided until 382 CE by the Synod of Rome. The Bible, therefore, is presented by the Church’s authority, not as an independent divine creation.

Interpretation of Religious Texts

Watts points out that religious texts from other traditions, such as the Vedas, the Quran, and Buddhist sutras, are considered divinely inspired by their followers just as the Bible is by Christians. He notes the challenge of determining which text holds the truth since all depend on the traditions they come from.

He states that divine inspiration does not necessarily come through dictation, but can manifest through deeper, ineffable experiences. These experiences are subject to distortion by the limitations of human language and understanding.

Mystical Experiences and Cosmic Consciousness

Watts proposes that Jesus, like other spiritual leaders such as Buddha, may have experienced what is known as “cosmic consciousness.”

This experience is not confined to any specific religion and can happen to anyone. He argues that people from different cultures describe similar spiritual awakenings, but their interpretations are shaped by their religious and cultural contexts.

Watts suggests that Jesus, having been raised in a specific religious environment, expressed his spiritual insights in the language and framework of his time. However, his teachings, according to Watts, can be understood in a broader sense, emphasizing the divine nature within every individual.

The Limitation of Jesus’ Teachings

Watts asserts that Jesus’ teachings were limited by his cultural context, particularly his lack of exposure to religious ideas from India or China. Watts interprets certain biblical passages, such as Philippians 2:6-8, to suggest that Jesus voluntarily renounced his divine powers to live as a human being. This concept, known as “kenosis,” reflects the belief that Jesus experienced human limitations.

The Pedestalization of Jesus

Watts critiques how the Christian tradition has “pedestalized” Jesus, positioning him as a unique figure and suppressing the message that all individuals share a divine nature.

He believes that by elevating Jesus to an unattainable level, the church has stifled the deeper meaning of his teachings and prevented people from realizing their own spiritual potential.

The Gospel’s Good News

According to Watts, the true message of the gospel is not that Jesus alone was the Son of God, but that all people share in this divine nature. He refers to passages such as John 10:30 and Psalm 82:6 to support this idea. Watts argues that this message has been consistently repressed by institutionalized Christianity.

The Historical Impact of Christianity

Watts explains that Christianity’s development as a “celestial monarchy” has hindered spiritual democracy and personal enlightenment.

Watts highlights movements such as the Anabaptists, Quakers, and others that sought to reclaim the mystical teachings of Christ, which emphasize individual spiritual experiences rather than adherence to hierarchical religious structures.

The Future of Christianity

Watts calls for a transformation in Christian practice, suggesting that churches should become centers of contemplation rather than places of endless preaching. He believes that the true message of Christianity lies in recognizing the divine in all people and living in a state of spiritual awareness and love.

Conclusion: The Message of Christ

Watts concludes by emphasizing that the essence of Christ’s message is the realization of one’s union with the divine. He believes that this message, often overshadowed by theological dogma, holds the key to revitalizing religious experience and personal transformation.