Well, one thing I didn't bring up in my post is JMG's theory that North America is actually in the pre-Cultural phase and we're currently undergoing a Faustian pseudomorphosis. If true, those of us in the US (including Manly P. Hall) would not be true Faustians and all, and might be likely to mess it up when we try to express its Soul Image.
Progress, of course, is another topic that JMG has much to say on, and it's somewhat surprising to me that Hall was obsessed with it, given the quality of his Occult writing and recommended practice. I can note, though, that Hall was alive at what might have been the Spiritual high point of the religion of Progress, if not the point of its greatest scope and power (which is probably right now, or coming very soon). What I mean is that up until the 70s or so, you could look at the world through the lens of Progress and still pretty credibly believe it was happening, so I think you got a more sincere belief with less of the negative baggage than those who cling to it in the face of mounting evidence against it.
Altogether, though, something I need to think more about, so thank you for sharing the perspective!
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Progress, of course, is another topic that JMG has much to say on, and it's somewhat surprising to me that Hall was obsessed with it, given the quality of his Occult writing and recommended practice. I can note, though, that Hall was alive at what might have been the Spiritual high point of the religion of Progress, if not the point of its greatest scope and power (which is probably right now, or coming very soon). What I mean is that up until the 70s or so, you could look at the world through the lens of Progress and still pretty credibly believe it was happening, so I think you got a more sincere belief with less of the negative baggage than those who cling to it in the face of mounting evidence against it.
Altogether, though, something I need to think more about, so thank you for sharing the perspective!