Racist or Liberating? The Difficult Transformations of Theosophical Root Race Theory

Erin Prophet

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Chapter 6 Racist or Liberating? The Difficult Transformations of Theosophical Root Race Theory

In: Theosophy and the Study of Religion

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Erin Prophet

Erin Prophet
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 145–173

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004694163_008

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Abstract

Root race theory is a hybrid soteriological system of progressive cyclical reincarnation that originated with Helena P. Blavatsky in the 1880s and was expanded upon by A. P. Sinnett and other members of the Theosophical Society. Although Theosophical historians have claimed the system is not racist, it does incorporate elements of nineteenth-century racial hierarchies. However, it has been interpreted in both racist and liberating directions and its theology of open-ended human possibility can appeal to all races. Understanding the nuance of this system can provide insight into the inherent tensions in Theosophical and other New Age systems of progressive spiritual evolution.

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Theosophy and the Study of Religion

Series: Aries Book Series, Volume: 34

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004694163

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 27 May 2024

Subjects
- Philosophy
  - Philosophy of Religion
- Religious Studies
  - History of Religion

Front Matter

Part 1 Theosophy, Early Christianity, and the Question of Origins

Part 2 Theosophy and Race

Part 3 Theosophy and Asian Religions

Part 4 Theosophy and Language

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Chapter 6 Racist or Liberating? The Difficult Transformations of Theosophical Root Race Theory

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Theosophy and the Study of Religion

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