| 1 | Respect is to actively observe objects and concepts, or rules and ideas in the present moment and observe their qualities. |
| 2 | While the word Respect has evolved to mean the consideration of something in high regard, or its admiration, the very meaning of the word means literally “to see its properties/qualities”. |
| 3 | Hence the Latin root specere from which the word “respect” is derived is the same for the root of the word “spectacles” as eye glasses “to see”. |
| 4 | Yet, Respect is not so much “seeing with your eyes”, but “seeing with your mind” the objects and concepts, or rules and ideas around us. |
| 5 | This is because everything we see, feel, sense or think is filtered and affected by the cognition of our mind. |
| 6 | It is the paradox of our consciousness and our make-up that in order to see the world, we must know something of the world first. |
| 7 | It is also a controversial region of inquiry as to just how the Homo Sapien mind is able to cognize and perceive objects and concepts, or rules and ideas for the very first time. |
| 8 | Thus, a lack of Respect has more to do with a lack of intentional conscious awareness than anything to do with a lack of high regard or admiration. |
| 9 | If one willingly chooses to ignore what is obvious in “plain sight” then it can be naturally assumed there is a lack of Respect for that object or concept or rule or idea. |
| 10 | A lack of Respect does not necessarily imply negativity, nor may it be a permanent state of affairs, but even bio-social, cultural or natural. |
| 11 | It is a natural, sociological and cultural phenomena that teenagers seek to form closer ties with one another and lesser ties to adults during puberty. |
| 12 | While the classic image of a teenager not listening to his or her parents signifies an example of lack of Respect, there also appears to be a logical cause. |
| 13 | For young girls, the forming of strong bonds with other girls of a similar age through puberty and removing themselves from the frequency and presence of adult males is a natural defensive mechanism. |
| 14 | The same can be said for young boys undergoing puberty as well. |
| 15 | The design and propagation of culture also has a strong influence on the level of Respect within a community. |
| 16 | In the case of cultures heavily influenced by electronic media and “pop culture”, there has been a steady increase in the celebration of no Respect, as a symbol of rebellion and freedom. |
| 17 | Some sections of culture now even celebrate ignorance and stupidity as a badge of honor, instead of a crippling disability that may disadvantage a person for the rest of their life. |
| 18 | This reaction against knowledge, or wisdom, or learning or competence within popular culture is not new as there have been countless manipulators and impostors who have promoted ignorance as a virtue. |
| 19 | Since the first advent of the printing of books, there have been ego maniacs, deceivers and tricksters who have convinced people through lack of Respect and fear that certain books should be destroyed. |
| 20 | In that sense, fear and a lack of Respect go hand in hand. |
| 21 | The enemy of fear is knowledge, so if one wants to promote fear, one needs to promote ignorance and a lack of Respect. |
| 22 | Sadly, it is a fact that too many religions and too many people who claimed to be Divine messengers and teachers have promoted a lack of Respect. |
| 23 | Without Respect, there can be no learning, no seeing with the mind, nor any real progression or addressing of our concerns and questions. |
| 24 | Without Respect, we become trapped by our fears and subject to the manipulations of those who seek to take advantage of our ignorance. |
| 25 | Therefore, if we are to speak of subjects concerning the Divine, it is vital that all who come to read Summa Elementis Theologica, do so with a minimum level of Respect. |
| 26 | Only with a minimum level of Respect are we able to discuss and address some of the most important questions many have concerning the existence, mind and nature of the Divine. |
| 27 | Only with a minimum level of Respect are we able to find possible answers to life issues and doubts that many may have as to the nature and purpose of the universe and the existence of something more. |
| 28 | So if we do have Respect, even if we may not agree with everything we read or hear, we may at least be able to absorb the points of Summa Elementis Theologica and consider them on their merits. |
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1 Exordium - Beginning