08-29-2014 a

what "intellectuals" do you esteem and what historical and/or philosophical publications do you
suggest
There are a lot to be included here, covering a lot of subjects. First, I have probably been initially
influenced by Carl Gustav Jung, a junior contemporary of Sigmund Freud. Jung explored a lot of territory
rejected by Freud, and has had an influence on intellectual thought and scientific investigation for over
the last century. I could go into a lot about him, but I think as you explore things yourself, youll get what
you need. Any questions, just ask. Bart
Joseph Campbells research into myth was in direct influence and relation to Jungs teaching. George
Lucas Star Wars is directly an influence of Joseph Campbell. The motion picture the Matrix has an
undeniable connection to Gnostic thought as rediscovered by Carl G. Jung. Many other films and works
of art (including those of JRR Tolkien) express Gnostic teaching, very close to Christian thought, though
most Christians, not knowing Orthodox or divergent theology would never recognize this.
From these two it has led to the recognition of a great number of intellectuals and teachers some of
these maintaining a Christian allegiance, others unashamedly atheist or agnostic. William James, is a
must read in the areas of psychology and philosophy.
Of the more contemporary intellectuals Noam Chomsky is probably the foremost, but that does not
mean that I do accept everything he says without question.
There are a lot of professors I gravitate toward from the college/university lectures I have collected.
Robert Solomon, Univ of Texas at Austin, the Passions, Philosophy. Daniel Robinson, Philosophy, Oxford
University and Georgetown University, although I differ on his thoughts regarding consciousness. Bart D
Ehrman, Ancient Christian tradition and alternatives and Ancient documents (Nag Hammadi Library,
Dead Sea Scrolls, Gnostic Gospels. A former Pastor, teaches at Univ N.Carolina, Chapel Hill. I have read
several of his books and listened to numerous lecture series by him. Along this line Elaine Pagels,
Princeton Univ. was one of the original to open my mind to possibilities, beyond Orthodoxy. There are a
lot more with expertise covering anything from Physics/Quantum Physics to the Arts and History, most
teaching courses available through the Great Courses, offered by the Teaching Company.
I have touched, to one degree or another, most of the philosophers of history, and probably gleaned a
little bit from each. There are others less well known which I have gained respect for, one from the
nineteenth century, Gerald Massey, a druid priest (although just what that meant is rather vague). He
might rather be thought of as a Gnostic, he was outspokenly critical of Orthodox Christianity of his time.
Currently online, and through Facebook, I have connections to friends I had gained over the years on
other Social media sites. There have been a couple who have unfriended me, I think my views were
actually a bit too conservative and conventional for them. Some liberals really arent, and intelligence
does not mean one will accurately use that gift, and I do believe it is a gift though sometimes I wonder
if it isnt a curse.
There is one Gnostic Bishop from California, originally from Austria who has greatly influenced me,
Stephan Hoeller. He is an exceptional teacher and writer. Another is Tau Malachi, I have read a couple of
his books. He is a good writer and I read his posts on Facebook, but I dont think I can buy into the
religious nature of the whole thing. It seems to me, that Orthodox or divergent, there is a dumbing
down of things to accommodate those less able to think and entertain basically simple truths. That has
led me to better associate within the artistic community (though not a universal community) but actual
artists, able to express in various forms concepts outside the conventional box. Most have little to
nothing to do with Orthodox religion.
If you are interested in finding more concerning Jung or Campbell, there are websites online dedicated
to their principles and run by adherents. I have not been disappointed with the quality of materials
presented. There is one site which I think you can get a lot out of, it is http://philoctetes.org/. They
have videos of roundtable discussions on virtually everything.