The Spiritual Meaning of the Chosen One and Black Sheep
In the realm of religious and spiritual texts, the concepts of the chosen one and the black sheep play a central role. These terms often carry layers of spiritual and psychological significance, guiding individuals and communities toward deeper understanding and personal growth. Let’s delve into the nuanced meanings of these terms through a lens of both tradition and contemporary interpretation.
Divine Elect and Rebellion
The phrase “that devil is a liar and he sort it out to divide to devour” clearly warns against the manipulations of deceitful entities. In religious texts such as the written commandments of the Heavenly Father, there is a stark dichotomy between the chosen and the rebellious. The commandments reflect a narrative where God makes a distinction between approved angels (referred to as true gods) and those who are labeled as false gods. This division reflects a broader theme of differentiation between light and darkness, goodness and evil.
Chosen and Black Sheep in a New Age Perspective
Elizabeth Clare Prophet’s work, “The Afterlife: What Really Happens in the Hereafter,” offers a new perspective on the traditional terms “chosen one” and “black sheep.” From a modern spiritual standpoint, the chosen one is someone who consciously decides to love God and is also chosen by God. Conversely, the black sheep is an individual who, despite being loved by God, resists the path of goodness.
In a broader context, the term black sheep refers to individuals who have faced discrimination, feeling out of place, and labeled as disreputable or evil due to their unique characteristics. Spiritually, being a black sheep means being an anomaly, a unique individual who can drive personal growth and transform their lives through self-awareness and embracing individuality.
Theological Dimensions
The Bible states that we are all called but only a few are chosen, highlighting the individual’s willingness to follow God’s will. This choice can come from recognizing one’s sinful nature and embracing a journey of self-improvement. The narrative of the chosen one and the black sheep reflects a conflict between divine light and earthly darkness, organizational integration, and inspiration versus earthly fall and despair.
Psychological Interpretations
Framing these concepts within a religious context means understanding the psychological underpinnings that may form religious delusions. These delusions often create biases and justifications for rewarding certain individuals and punishing others, a kind of external “divinity” that has subjective support.
Rational interpretations suggest a clearer distinction between unearned privilege and undeserved victimization. The black sheep trope can be seen as an archetype applied to outsiders who are rejected due to challenging conventional norms. These individuals may be perceived as scapegoats, providing a scapegoating mechanism for the guilt of the wider group.
Contemporary Applications
Examples of this phenomenon can be seen in the political sphere. Donald Trump is perceived by some as a chosen one by irrational religious zealots. His wealth and perceived adherence to tribalist values provide an idol to envy, while his echo of bigotries provides a convenient scapegoat. This highlights how the concept of the chosen one and black sheep can influence public perception and political dynamics.
Conclusion
The terms “chosen one” and “black sheep,” when viewed from both religious and psychological perspectives, encapsulate a complex interplay of divine election, personal identity, and societal norms. Understanding these concepts can underscore the importance of individual choice, self-awareness, and the potential for personal and communal transformation.
References
Elizabeth Clare Prophet, “The Afterlife: What Really Happens in the Hereafter.”