The Gnostic Path of Scott Howard: The 12-Step Christian Initiation in the World of Teen Wolf 🐺✝️

📚Glossary of Terms:

Gnostic 🕊️

Verse: John 8:32 - "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

The concept of Gnosticism emphasizes personal spiritual knowledge and self-discovery, rather than relying solely on dogmatic beliefs. In the context of Christianity, this can be seen as aligning with Jesus' teachings in the Gospel of John, where he encourages his followers to seek the truth and embrace the freedom that comes with it. This connection between Gnosticism and Christianity highlights the importance of individual spiritual growth, as well as the transformative power of truth and understanding.

Initiation 🔥

Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

The concept of initiation in the Bible can be linked to the transformative journey of becoming a follower of Jesus and embracing his teachings. In 2 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul speaks to the process of spiritual rebirth and renewal when one becomes a "new creation" in Christ. This idea of initiation and personal transformation aligns with the Gnostic emphasis on inner growth and the pursuit of spiritual wisdom.

Awakening ☀️

Verse: Ephesians 5:14 - "For this reason it says, 'Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.'"

The first step of the Gnostic Christian initiation process, awakening, represents the moment when an individual becomes aware of a deeper spiritual reality. In Ephesians, Paul calls for believers to "awake" and rise from their spiritual slumber, so that they can experience the light and guidance of Christ. This connection between awakening and the Bible illustrates the importance of recognizing and embracing one's spiritual potential in order to grow and evolve on the spiritual path.

Purgation 🌊

Verse: 1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

In the initiation process, the second step of purgation involves cleansing and purification. This concept is reminiscent of the biblical teaching found in 1 John, where believers are encouraged to confess their sins and receive forgiveness and cleansing from God. The connection between purgation and the Bible highlights the significance of letting go of negative emotions, beliefs, and behaviors to make room for spiritual growth and development.

Illumination 💡

Verse: Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

The third stage of initiation, illumination, is characterized by gaining spiritual insight and understanding. In the Bible, the word of God is often described as a source of light and guidance, as seen in Psalm 119. This verse illustrates the connection between illumination and the Bible, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine wisdom to illuminate one's spiritual path and support personal growth.

Seeking Guidance 🧭

Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

The fourth step of initiation, seeking guidance, involves turning to trusted mentors, spiritual teachers, or divine sources for support and direction on one's spiritual path. In Proverbs, believers are encouraged to trust in the Lord and seek His guidance instead of relying solely on their own understanding. This connection between seeking guidance and the Bible emphasizes the importance of recognizing the limitations of human knowledge and the value of seeking divine wisdom in navigating one's spiritual journey.

Gaining Knowledge 📚

Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15 - "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."

The fifth stage of initiation, gaining knowledge, involves acquiring deeper understanding and wisdom about one's spiritual nature, purpose, and path. In 2 Timothy, Paul encourages believers to diligently study and correctly interpret the word of God, emphasizing the importance of spiritual knowledge in living a life that aligns with divine truth. The connection between gaining knowledge and the Bible highlights the value of continual learning and growth in one's spiritual journey.

Study and Contemplation 🤔

Verse: Joshua 1:8 - "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

The sixth step of initiation, study and contemplation, involves dedicating time and energy to the exploration and reflection of spiritual teachings, texts, and insights. In the Book of Joshua, believers are instructed to meditate on the word of God continually, emphasizing the importance of deep reflection and study in understanding and applying divine wisdom. The connection between study, contemplation, and the Bible highlights the significance of engaging with spiritual teachings on a deeper level to support personal growth and transformation.

Transmutation 🦋

Verse: Romans 12:2 - "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

The seventh stage of initiation, transmutation, refers to the transformative process of turning negative emotions, thoughts, and experiences into spiritual growth and self-acceptance. In Romans, Paul encourages believers to be transformed by renewing their minds, emphasizing the importance of consciously choosing to shift one's perspective and embrace a more spiritual outlook on life. The connection between transmutation and the Bible illustrates the power of personal transformation in aligning oneself with divine wisdom and understanding.

In conclusion, Scott Howard's journey in Teen Wolf offers a compelling and insightful exploration of the Gnostic Christian initiation process. By examining his path through the lens of biblical wisdom and Christian spirituality, we can gain a deeper understanding of our own spiritual journey and the profound lessons that await us on the path of self-discovery. 🕊️🛤️

Integration ⚖️

Verse: Matthew 22:37-39 - "And he said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

The eighth step of initiation, integration, involves achieving a state of spiritual balance and wholeness by harmoniously combining different aspects of one's self and spiritual nature. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches that loving God and others is the foundation of spiritual life, emphasizing the importance of integrating these two aspects of love into a balanced, unified existence. The connection between integration and the Bible highlights the significance of cultivating a holistic approach to spirituality, embracing both the vertical relationship with the divine and the horizontal relationship with fellow human beings.

Unification 🔗

Verse: John 17:21 - "That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me."

The ninth stage of initiation, unification, is the experience of becoming one with one's true self and the divine, resulting in a state of spiritual harmony and unity. In the Gospel of John, Jesus prays for the unity of his followers with God, emphasizing the importance of developing a deep, interconnected relationship with the divine. The connection between unification and the Bible illustrates the ultimate goal of spiritual growth: to experience and embody the oneness of all existence, transcending the illusion of separation.

Divine Love 💖

Verse: 1 John 4:16 - "So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him."

The tenth step of initiation, divine love, is the profound realization and embodiment of the unconditional, transcendent love that exists within and beyond the self, often associated with the love of God or the divine. In 1 John, the Apostle John teaches that God is love and that abiding in love is synonymous with abiding in God, highlighting the importance of cultivating and expressing divine love in one's spiritual journey. The connection between divine love and the Bible underscores the central role of love in the Christian faith and the transformative power of embracing this divine attribute.

Alignment with the Divine 🙏

Verse: Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

The eleventh stage of initiation, alignment with the divine, involves developing a deep connection with and trust in a higher power, often resulting in greater spiritual insight, guidance, and purpose. In Galatians, Paul illustrates the concept of aligning with the divine by describing his own experience of surrendering his life to Christ, emphasizing the transformative power of living in faith and trusting in the divine plan. The connection between alignment with the divine and the Bible highlights the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with God and allowing the divine to inform and guide one's spiritual journey.

Mastery and Service 🌟

Verse: Matthew 20:26-28 - "It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

The twelfth and final step of initiation, mastery and service, involve achieving spiritual mastery over one's self and using one's gifts and abilities to serve others, embodying the essence of true spiritual leadership. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches that greatness in the kingdom of God is measured by one's willingness to serve others, emphasizing the importance of humility, selflessness, and dedication to the well-being of others. The connection between mastery, service, and the Bible illustrates the ultimate aim of spiritual growth: to become a powerful force for good in the world, using one's spiritual wisdom and understanding to uplift and empower others.

The journey of spiritual awakening is not always an easy one, but it can lead to profound transformation and spiritual growth. Through the lens of the classic 80s movie "Teen Wolf," we can see parallels to the stages of the Gnostic Christian initiation process and biblical teachings on spiritual growth. From awakening to mastery and service, Scott Howard's journey can inspire us to embark on our own path of spiritual development and align ourselves with the divine. Let us explore the 12 stages of Scott Howard's journey and discover the wisdom and insights they offer.

🌟1. Awakening: Scott Howard's journey begins with the awakening of his werewolf powers, symbolizing the first step of the Gnostic Christian initiation process. This step represents the moment when an individual becomes aware of a deeper spiritual reality. In the Bible, Jesus teaches us about spiritual awakening in John 3:3, stating, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

✨2. Purgation: As Scott struggles with his newfound abilities, he undergoes a period of purgation, cleansing himself of fear and self-doubt. This step parallels the biblical concept of repentance and purification, as expressed in 2 Corinthians 7:10: "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death."

🌱3. Illumination: In this stage, Scott begins to understand the true nature of his powers and experiences a sense of spiritual illumination. This is reminiscent of the biblical verse in Ephesians 1:18: "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people."

🙏4. Seeking Guidance: Recognizing the need for guidance, Scott turns to those he trusts for support and wisdom. This step is reflected in Proverbs 11:14: "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors, there is safety."

💡5. Gaining Knowledge: As Scott gains a deeper understanding of his abilities and their implications, he acquires esoteric knowledge. This step resonates with the biblical verse in Hosea 4:6: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me."

📖6. Study and Contemplation: Scott dedicates time to study and contemplate his newfound knowledge, a step mirrored in Psalm 1:2: "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night."

🔥7. Transmutation: Through self-reflection and understanding, Scott begins to transmute his fears and self-doubt into spiritual growth and self-acceptance. This transformative process echoes Romans 12:2, which states, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

🦋8. Integration: As Scott integrates his human and werewolf nature, he achieves a state of spiritual balance and wholeness. This step is represented in the Bible by Colossians 3:10: "Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."

🌈9. Unification: Scott's journey leads him to a state of unification, in which he becomes one with his true self and experiences spiritual harmony. This idea is expressed in John 17:21: "That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me."

💞10. Divine Love: By embracing his true nature, Scott discovers the power of divine love and its ability to transform and heal. This step is beautifully described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

👼11. Alignment with the Divine: As Scott aligns himself with the divine, he demonstrates the power of faith and the importance of trusting in a higher power. This step is reflected in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

👑12. Mastery and Service: In the final stage of initiation, Scott achieves mastery over his powers and uses them to serve others, embodying the essence of true spiritual leadership. This step is exemplified in the biblical verse of Matthew 20:26-28: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom formany."

The 12 stages of spiritual growth in "Teen Wolf" offer a powerful metaphor for our own spiritual journeys. From awakening to mastery and service, Scott Howard's journey teaches us important lessons about the path to spiritual fulfillment and wholeness. By aligning ourselves with the divine and embracing these stages, we can achieve a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

Let us take inspiration from Scott's journey and embark on our own path of spiritual development.

Amen. 🙏🕊️