Beyond Theology

This is the last book Watts wrote before his classic The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are. Like that more popular book, Watts explores the central belief systems of Hinduism: that all is one, and individual beings (e.g., the deep self or "Atman") and things in time are illusory projections ("maya") of an eternal, infinite Godhead (i.e., "Brahman") that plays tricks on itself ("lila") for the sake of divine entertainment. Watts makes the interesting point that Christianity can be true from the vantage point of Hinduism, but not vice versa: while Christianity rejects other traditions out of hand, Veddic belief systems can absorb Christianity as one of the most striking dramas ever invented: a captivating show in which the human soul is directed to do the right thing by an infinitely greater Creator whose ultimate castigation is eternal damnation. Watts asks how we can know which is true, and says we can't, although he seems at this point in his life to side with the Hindu-Christian viewpoint espoused here. In The Book, he will drop much of the effort to incorporate Christianity, coming up with a "cleaner" belief system; later in his life he moves more toward Taoism, which is more concerned with process than truth. One criticism I have of this fascinating book is that Watts identifies what he calls the "vague consensus of science" with the contrast of conscious human life in an inert, dead and mechanical, universe. But this interpretation of the modern science worldview, although dominant, is Caresian and neglects Spinoza's interpretation which provides an alternative with a perhaps higher truth quotient even than the fascinatingly tolerant interpretation of ultimate reality Watts develops here.

_Beyond Theology_ is an excellent work for those who are new to Alan Watts, or theology in general. It is fairly easy to read, and has a type of agnostic flavor to it that might be appropriate for people who want to dabble in low-maintenance spirituality. But even for the serious reader of Alan Watts and serious theological students, I would still recommend this one because it is rather effortless and relaxing, while providing some profound psychological insights. It is also a key transitional work bridging the gap between Watt's earlier Western-religious works, and his later Eastern-religious works. With _Beyond Theology_, you can see the beginnings of what was to become a more pantheistic and almost nihilistic type of sprituality. If you want to really understand Watts' later works, you must read his magnum-opus _Psychotherapy East and West_ in addition to this one.