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This is the fourth of seven New Perspectives in the series:   THE ROAD "NOT"
TRAVELED!  (Five Stages on the Spiritual Journey).  If you did not receive
the introduction to this series, you need it for the rest to make more
sense.

Introduction.-779 words
STAGE I.  FANTASY AND PERSONIFICATION-1071 WORDS
STAGE II.   LEGALISM AND CONCRETISM-1140 words
STAGE III.  CONFORMITY AND COMPARTMENTALIZATION-822
STAGE IV.  LOGIC AND REASON-1214
STAGE V.  MATURITY AND UNITY-1330
CONCLUSION.-1658

THE ROAD "NOT" TRAVELED!

(Five Stages on the Spiritual Journey)
STAGE III:  CONFORMITY AND COMPARTMENTALIZATION

Stage three is socially oriented.  It is the normal cognitive level for
adolescents.  Young people at this age are eager for connections,
relationships and approval.  Peer pressure and public opinion cause them to
imitate others.  Nevertheless, if they continue in this stage,
compartmentalization becomes inevitable.  As they enter "secular society"
and confront specific personal problems, the dissonance between an absolute
morality and their actual behavior becomes unbearable.  Before long, most
begin to put religion in one box and "real life" in another box.  Unless we
are able to accept "situational ethics" the world soon makes hypocrites of
us all.  The strength of stage three includes agreeable cooperation and
beneficial ministry.  The weakness of stage three is its tendency toward
conformity and compartmentalization.

Civilization was at this stage during David's Psalms, Solomon's Proverbs and
some of the prophets.  This explains such phenomena as: Contradictory belief
systems; unrealistic creeds and "Sunday Christians" with incongruent
lifestyles.

The "Stage Three" viewpoint is reflected in Scriptures such as these: "His
speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more
soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords" (Psa.  55:21).
In this verse we see the beginning of awareness that intentions and actions
must match.

"(There) are those who are pure in their own eyes and yet are not cleansed
of their filth" (Pro. 30:12).

This proverb also reveals some insight as to psychological justification and
the absence of inner morality.

"The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable-- how much more so when brought
with evil intent!" (Prov.  21:27).

In this verse, motives as well as specific acts are taken into consideration
and hypocrisy is condemned."For when I brought your forefathers out of Egypt and spoke to them, I did
not just give them commands about burnt offerings and sacrifices.  But I
gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my
people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you"
(Jer.  7:22-23);

At this point, a few writers have decided that morality is more important
than mindless rituals."I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies.
Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not
accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no
regard for them.  Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to
the music of your harps.  But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never- failing stream" (Amos 5:21-24).
Again, this prophet realized that justice and compassion supercede "correct"
ceremonies.

"Stage Three" with conformity and compartmentalization is very popular.  It
emphasizes enough absolutes to satisfy and yet allows some leeway.  Also, it
plays to the "herd mentality."  If we're all alike, we have instant
approval.   It fills the human need for friendship, affirmation and shared
experiences.  Since the church is seen as an extended family; emotional
support is more important than intellectual development.  Therefore,
analytical thinking is viewed as disturbing and threatening if it creates
conflicts and disagreements.

People at this stage usually keep personification and concretism in some
areas, even as they are compelled to move into symbolism and relativism in
other areas.

The only drawback is the need for compartmentalization which causes problems
for believers who are both sincere and intelligent.  Institutions at this
level may try to "hold the line" against liberalism; but the members vary
considerably as to doctrinal interpretation.

The majority of mainline and evangelical denominations as well as many
individuals include elements of this stage.  It explains the emphasis of
Methodists and Presbyterians on social interaction, community service and
benevolent enterprises.

At "Stage Three," interpretation of the major doctrines vacillates between
literalism and symbolism, even as it emphasizes conformity:
GOD is still an entity, but He does not necessarily exhibit human features.
In PRAYER, people still "talk to God;" but they are also beginning to
"listen" to inner feelings.  They usually fall back to "Stage two" in
emergencies.

SALVATION remains on a formula basis, but there is a little more tolerance
for differences; especially for those who have not heard about the religious
requirements.  Lostness includes feelings of estrangement and alienation.
The evaluation of SIN AND VIRTUE is influenced by what is acceptable in the
local culture and the particular denomination.  Punishment is a little less
arbitrary and a little more "consequence" oriented than at "Stage Two."
IMMORTALITY is similar to stage two, but the physical aspects of heaven and
hell are not emphasized quite as much.

In order to minister to individuals who operate at this level, the church
must:
1.  Integrate fellowship into worship services;
2.  Provide opportunities for personal interaction;
3.  Include frequent social occasions;
4.  Put faith into action through good deeds;
5.  Encourage community service and mission opportunities.

***

(Word Count 1140)    To be Continued 02-21-05)


This issue of NEW PERSPECTIVES  is from an unpublished manuscript ©
copyrighted 2005 by Miles and Maralene Wesner, Idabel, OK.  PLEASE FEEL FREE
TO USE THEM IN ANY WAY YOU THINK IS APPROPRIATE.  The only thing we ask is
that you give credit for original material in PUBLISHED works.

NEW PERSPECTIVES is a free service from Diversity Press.


You may find other messages and a book list on our Webpage:
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I would like to invite you to take advantage of our effort to clear our
storage area.  I will be happy to send you all the books (15) we have
available at this time.  All you need to do is reimburse me for the postage
which comes to a little less than  $4 for about 15 books  (which is the
cost, the last time I mailed them).  Please wait until you receive  your
books before remitting.  My stock of some books is rapidly becoming depleted
but  I think I have them on a CD so that  you can have all of them.  (All
I'll need is  your Address and the Word Processing program you use.  I use
Word Perfect, but can supply it in Microsoft Word also). I don't plan to
have any more books printed, unless there is a demand for them.


Miles E Wesner