From Archaic Roots to Super Integral Horizons
Integral Theory, a comprehensive framework developed by philosopher Ken Wilber, offers a unique lens to understand the evolution of human consciousness and culture. Through this lens, the concept of God, a central figure in many spiritual and religious traditions, has undergone a profound transformation. This blog post explores this transformation from the archaic to the super integral stage, shedding light on how our perception of the divine reflects our developmental stage.
The Archaic Understanding of God
In the archaic stage, the earliest human consciousness, God was perceived in a very elemental and life-centric manner. This stage, characterized by a deep connection with nature and the immediate physical environment, saw God as an omnipresent force, deeply intertwined with the natural world. The divine was not seen as a distinct entity but as an integral part of the living earth.
The Traditional View of God
As humanity entered the traditional stage, God began to take on a more anthropomorphic character. Here, God was often seen as a supreme being, ruling over the universe with omnipotence and omniscience. This stage reflected a hierarchical view of the world, with God at the apex, guiding and judging human affairs according to a set of moral and ethical codes.
The Modern Perspective on God
The modern stage brought a significant shift. The Enlightenment and the rise of scientific rationalism introduced a more skeptical view of God. The divine was often seen as a construct of human thought, a necessary idea to explain the unknown in a pre-scientific world. In this stage, God was often relegated to the margins of society, as human reason and empirical evidence took center stage.
The Postmodern Interpretation of God
Postmodernism, with its emphasis on relativism and subjectivity, offered a pluralistic view of God. Here, God was understood in multiple ways, reflecting the diverse perspectives of various cultures and individual experiences. The divine was no longer seen as a singular, absolute entity but as a concept open to interpretation and personal meaning.
The Super Integral Conception of God
Finally, the super integral stage, a more recent development in human consciousness, presents a holistic and inclusive understanding of God. This stage integrates the insights of all previous stages, seeing God as a multifaceted and evolving concept. Here, God is not just a being or an idea but an all-encompassing reality that transcends and includes all stages of development. This view acknowledges the complexity and depth of the divine, embracing both the immanent and transcendent aspects of God.
In conclusion, the journey from the archaic to the super integral understanding of God reflects our evolutionary path as human beings. As our consciousness expands, so does our perception of the divine, revealing the limitless potential of both humanity and God.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation, Spiritual Life Coaching & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
Morgan O. Smith 