Thank you to ExCS site reader M for making us aware of Brunton’s work.
Paul Brunton is “best known as one of the early popularizers of Neo-Hindu spiritualism in western esotericism.”
As a teenager, Brunton’s stepmother introduced him to Christian Science, and he shares his perspectives on Christian Science in an essay entitled “Christian Science, Other Spiritual Movements.”
Staunch Christian Scientist will likely balk at his conflations of CS with Theosophy and New Thought, while CS-detractors will say he has not been critical enough. It makes for a fascinating read.
- Paul Brunton Philosophical Foundation
- Paul Brunton Archives
- Paul Brunton Philosophic Foundation – YouTube
- Paul Brunton – Wikipedia
- “Christian Science, Other Spiritual Movements“
From the ExCS emails, shared with permission.
I had a Christian Science upbringing into my teen years. This overlapped growing interest in Eastern philosophies and eventually to the work of Paul Brunton. This allowed me to see CS as just a narrow slice of an infinite subject. Over time I came to appreciate how CS had established in me a view of God as Mind – for which I remain grateful – as this is the basis of Brunton’s work. The huge difference however is that Brunton’s philosophy, which encourages independent thinking (not dogma) does not involve the inconsistencies and limitations of CS doctrine.
The ExChristian Science site offers support resources to help individuals negotiate a transition in a manner that best fits their needs and convictions. We do not advocate any one particular path but acknowledge that there are many legitimate pathways that can be personally and spiritually fulfilling.
This site offers support resources to help individuals negotiate a transition in a manner that best fits their needs and convictions. We do not advocate any one particular path but acknowledge that there are many legitimate pathways that can be personally and spiritually fulfilling.
