Eclectic Spirituality is in essence the epitome of religious freedom. Eclectic Spiritualists hold that all world religions and philosophies hold some common truths. These truths are found in tenets such as killing others is forbidden and a belief in a power higher than ourselves. Beyond these spiritual truths, one’s personal spiritual experience is paramount to the understanding of our human relationship to the universe.
Ammonius Saccas
The term eclectic stems from the Greek word eklektikos which means selective or the act of picking out. Among the first to take the truths of existing religions and philosophies and blend them into a new system was Ammonious Saccas. Saccas left no writings of his own but his ideas were recorded in the works of Plotinus, Porphyry and Iamblicus.
Ammonius Saccus held that all religion originated form the same source and from this sameness a brotherhood could be created that would bring an expression of order. From this order, one could then begin to explain the branching out of religions in all their diversity. This study of comparative religions is what gave rise to Saccas’ school of thought and the origin of the term Eclectic.
It was his ultimate goal to fuse all religions together into one common faith that celebrated Supreme Being that governed the universe through an immutable set of laws. Saccus’ ideas were accepted by the Emperors Alexander Severus and Julian but were heavily criticized by Christians in Alexandria. In light of controversy, Saccus moved his school to Athens where it remained until it was closed by Emperor Justinian.
Modern Eclectic Characteristics
There is really no way to quantify the number of spiritually eclectic people in the world today. You might be one. A family member, a friend or the next door neighbor might have characteristics or traits that are common to more eclectic folks. You might not have given the idea a second thought until now. Most eclectic people just are. They tend to shy away from labels. The fact that you’re reading this article, suggests you’re on your way. Curiosity is high on the list. Look over the statements below.
- I borrow tenets, ideas, principles from two or more religions or philosophies because they help me find answers in my life.
- I am curious about other spiritual paths.
- I think of myself as a spiritual rather than a religious person.
- I am very comfortable around people who express different spiritual ideas.
- I like to find my own answers in spiritual matters.
- I like being around others who encourage me to think rather than tell me what to think.
- I grow by opening my heart and mind to people different than myself.
- I am very accepting of other people's spiritual practices as long as they do not harm themselves or others.
- I accept others' spiritual paths as sacred as my own.
How many of these statements seemed familiar to you? Consider this: The more statements you could easily identify with, the more of an eclectic personality you are. They are neither good or bad, right nor wrong. They are merely who you are.
Act Locally, Think Globally
Modern technology and transportation is helping to make our world, a much smaller place. Our species is really one body. So when action is taken for or against one part of the body, it affects the whole. When we act with compassion, love and understanding towards another person, we really don’t know how far reaching and healing an action it can be. Still, if we desire world peace, it begins with a little effort in our family, on our block and neighborhood. Inherent to eclectic spirituality is experiencing life and engaging diversity in a non-judgmental way. If we accept the spiritual path of others as sacred, however different from our own, then we come a long way. What we do can and does have an effect on others. We can act locally on what we desire for the world. In this way, eclectic spirituality can be an avenue to global acceptance and world peace.
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