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What is Metaphysics?

© Rev. Marie Jones

What is Metaphysics?

If you look up the word METAPHYSICS in the dictionary, you'll get various definitions. Webster's says it is a "philosophy concerned with the origin and structure of the universe." Another version says metaphysics simply means, "that which is beyond physics." Another might say, "spiritual interpretation and use of physical laws."

All of these descriptions are correct, for the study and practice of metaphysical principles is simply the study and practice of universal laws that not only apply to the physical, but to the spiritual. My favorite definition comes from Ernest Holmes, founder of Religious Science, who in his brilliant textbook, SCIENCE OF MIND, states that "the laws of Mind, or Spirit, are not different from the laws of chemistry and physics. Metaphysics begins where physics leaves off." Holmes goes on to state the various universal laws that govern both our physical world, and it appears, our spirit life as well. We will be discussing these laws in future articles, as well as how to apply them to our lives in a practical sense. For what good is a teaching, or a philosophy, if it cannot be used in our daily lives?

Metaphysics has its roots in ancient teachings. The Egyptians, Syrians, Greeks and pre-Christian pagans all practiced metaphysics, in their own way. The mystical branches of all major religions, such as Christian Mysticism, Sufiism, Kabalah, are all based upon metaphysical principles, many of which are of Hermetic origin, that is, referring to the Graeco-Egyptian God of wisdom, Hermes Trismegistos. Aristotle was a metaphysician, and wrote volumes on the subject. Christ was a master metaphysician, as we will explore in future articles focusing on metaphysical principles of Christianity and the Bible. Then came Carl Jung and Immanuel Kant, who took metaphysics into new directions of psychology and philosophy. During the rise of New Thought and the founding of Religious Science, Divine Science, Unity and Christian Science, metaphysical studies entered the mainstream. Later, in the New Age era, the study of psychic abilities became a new branch of study, exploring the mind's ability to go beyond what was known to be physically possible. This is a very quick and basic history, for the sake of not making this article 80,000 words, so please visit the links I've provided to get a more detailed documentation of the historical evolution of metaphysics and the major influences behind it.

While it is a philosophy, metaphysics is a spiritual approach to life. Those who study and practice its techniques and principles follow guidelines that are not dogmatic or threatening and fear-based, as in most major religions, but are life-affirming. While many metaphysics students do not use the term "God," they do believe in one universal force, or power, that is good and loving, and that if we but align ourselves with that power (as in "God's will") our lives will be full of success, love and joy. It is only when we work against these universal principles that we experience suffering and pain. But, hey, we are only human, and part of our humanity is our own individual evolution towards spiritual mastery.