GRGR (2) "great bright hand"

[Paul Mackin]

On Mon, 7 Jun 1999, Terrance F. Flaherty wrote:

> I don't think it's fair to characterize the eastern philosophies or religions  as "open
> ended." There are, for example, Taoists that might not fit what you have in mind. There
> are also Christian theologians (we never really discussed Pynchon's reference to
> Teilhard De Chardin, but i think he's important--Max?) that are more in keeping with
> Pynchon than say, Confucius on some elementals and principles.

By open ended I meant indeterminent but maybe that's wrong too. . And, ah,
old Teilhard. Loved that episode of the book if only because the
possility is suggested that "They" don't die. But can you really tie T to
predistination issues? Or even much I would associate with Christianity  
(maybe you can). And no there's nothing very esoteric about Confucius,
omitting I Ching of course. 

When I alluded to simplicity I wasn't  necessarity thinking of ALL of
Christian theology--only the preterite/elect business. There's the
Trinity as Doug points out in another post and there's mysticism
aplenty in John of the Cross and Saint Teresa. Doug said the
predestination thing is also complex. I would say it's just a bit
inexplicable. Seems to deny certain essentials of the system. But
basically pretty definite in its illogicality.

				P.