6. Colossians 2
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Definition of ‘rudiment’ from the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary:
1. A first principle or element; that which is to be first learnt; …
2. The original of any thing in its first form.
The “rudiments of the world” then are counterfeits of (1) divine Principle and (2) its idea, man.
‘Philosophy’ — 1828 Webster’s:
1. Literally, the love of wisdom. But in modern acceptation, philosophy is a general term denoting an explanation of the reasons of things; or an investigation of the causes of all phenomena both of mind and of matter. …
If I accept both the counterfeit ‘principle’ as my origin and matter as my ‘first form,’ I am then subject to the material philosophy that goes with it — the mortal mind ‘laws’ (ordinances, or ‘rule established by authority’) which are basically a long list of things that are actively trying to deaden my spiritual sense and divide me from my indivisible oneness with God.
I am grateful for these lessons, and for all that is being taught here, since each week it feels like my ability to properly “stand porter at the door of thought” (S&H, p. 392) is becoming more effective as I become more alert to the varied ways animal magnetism tries to work. Thank you!