How Thelema opposes the teachings of the Bible?

Thelema, a spiritual and philosophical doctrine developed by British occultist Aleister Crowley in the early 20th century, presents a worldview that fundamentally contrasts with the teachings of the Bible. Crowley founded Thelema upon the concept of discovering and following one’s “True Will,” encapsulated in its central tenet: “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Love is the law, love under will.”

This motto represents a focus on individual freedom, self-determination, and subjective morality. However, this framework directly contradicts biblical principles on morality, authority, obedience, and the nature of love and self-sacrifice.

In this study, we will analyze the philosophical underpinnings of Thelema, how its principles oppose the Bible’s teachings, and the spiritual implications of following such a doctrine, using references from the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible to illustrate the key contrasts.

1. Thelema’s View of the Self Versus the Bible’s Teaching on Submission to God

The foundation of Thelema lies in the concept of “True Will,” a personal path that each individual is meant to pursue. This philosophy promotes the idea that every person has a unique destiny or purpose that should be discovered and followed, even if it defies traditional morals or societal expectations. In Crowley’s vision, following one’s True Will is paramount, superseding all other forms of authority.

In contrast, the Bible teaches that humans should not live according to self-will, but rather should submit to the Creator’s good will. The Bible emphasizes obedience to God as the highest calling, where submission to His loving commands and precepts forms the basis of a righteous life. In James 4:7, we read, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (NKJV).

Submission to God, not self, is encouraged as a defense against the influence of evil and is considered the path to spiritual maturity. In Luke 22:42, Jesus exemplifies this submission in His prayer at Gethsemane: “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (NKJV). Jesus, though divine, demonstrates obedience to the Father’s will over His own desires, setting a clear example of humility and submission for all believers.

2. Thelema’s Moral Relativism Versus the Bible’s Absolute Morality

Thelema promotes a form of moral relativism, where actions are judged based on whether they align with one’s True Will rather than a fixed standard of right and wrong. This notion of relative morality conflicts sharply with the biblical worldview, which asserts that God has established unchanging moral laws.

The Bible presents a clear distinction between good and evil, instructing believers to adhere to God’s commands as an objective moral standard (Exodus 20:1-17). In Isaiah 5:20, the prophet warns against moral relativism, saying, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (NKJV). Here, Scripture condemns the inversion of moral values, which is characteristic of philosophies like Thelema, where good and evil are determined subjectively by one’s personal will.

Moreover, Jesus calls believers to follow His commandments, stating in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (NKJV). In Thelema, love is defined as a function of will, whereas in Christianity, love and obedience to God are inseparable. Thelema’s moral relativism essentially denies the absolute moral authority of God’s Word, promoting a path of self-determined ethics that contradicts biblical teaching.

3. Thelema’s Emphasis on Self-Worship Versus the Bible’s Call to Worship the Creator Alone

The philosophy of Thelema exalts the self as the center of one’s universe, encouraging practitioners to seek their own divine potential. Crowley believed that every person has an inner divinity, which can be realized by pursuing one’s True Will. This worldview places humans in the role of their own gods, claiming autonomy over spiritual and moral decisions.

The Bible, however, warns strongly against self-exaltation and the idolization of the self. God commands exclusive worship and devotion to Himself, clearly stated in the First Commandment: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3, NKJV). The emphasis on God’s sovereignty and supremacy is a central theme throughout Scripture.

In Isaiah 42:8, God declares, “I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images” (NKJV). Crowley’s philosophy directly opposes this by promoting the self as a divine entity, which usurps God’s rightful place as the only worthy object of worship.

Additionally, Thelema’s view resembles the temptation of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, where the serpent says, “You will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5, NKJV). This self-exaltation was at the root of humanity’s first rebellion against their Maker, leading to sin and separation from Him. Thelema’s encouragement of self-worship follows the same path of pride and rebellion that the Bible warns leads to destruction.

4. Thelema’s Perspective on Sin and the Bible’s Doctrine of Repentance and Redemption

In Thelema, the concept of sin is largely dismissed, as there is no objective standard against which actions are measured. Crowley’s philosophy encourages individuals to follow their True Will without fear of violating divine law (Exodus 20). Consequently, there is little emphasis on the need for repentance or the acknowledgment of sin.

In contrast, the Bible teaches that all humans are born with a sinful nature and are in need of repentance and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (NKJV).

Sin separates humanity from God, and the Bible calls individuals to acknowledge their sin, repent, and seek forgiveness through Jesus. In 1 John 1:9, the Apostle John assures believers, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (NKJV).

Repentance and redemption are foundational to the Christian faith, representing the process by which a believer is reconciled to God and transformed by His grace. Thelema’s rejection of sin as a concept negates the necessity for repentance, blocking the path to a restored relationship with God.

5. Thelema’s Focus on Personal Autonomy Versus the Bible’s Call to Follow Jesus

Thelema exalts personal autonomy, encouraging individuals to pursue their desires without interference from external moral authorities. This perspective fosters a philosophy of self-governance and independence, which Crowley viewed as essential to true spiritual fulfillment. He dismissed any form of external moral code, believing that adherence to societal or divine rules was restrictive to one’s True Will.

However, the Bible calls believers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Jesus the Redeemer. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus states, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (NKJV).

Christianity teaches that following Jesus requires self-denial, submission, and surrendering personal autonomy in favor of God’s guidance and direction. This path of discipleship is in stark contrast to Thelema, which encourages individuals to prioritize their will over divine instruction.

The Apostle Paul exemplifies this call to submission in Galatians 2:20, where he declares, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (NKJV). The biblical view of a faithful life is one of submission and love to Jesus and transformation through His power, a view fundamentally opposed to the autonomous, self-centered spirituality of Thelema.

6. Thelema’s Concept of Love Versus the Biblical Definition of Love

Thelema’s motto includes the phrase “Love is the law, love under will,” which positions love as an expression of one’s will, directed toward personal fulfillment. Crowley’s concept of love does not align with the Bible’s sacrificial and unconditional definition of love. In Thelema, love is tied to individual will and often serves one’s own desires or purposes.

The Bible, however, defines love in terms of selflessness, sacrifice, and service. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul describes love as patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, and enduring: “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up … bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (NKJV). Biblical love is focused on others and reflects God’s love for humanity, which is perfectly exemplified in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

The ultimate demonstration of love is found in Jesus’ willingness to lay down His life for others, as seen in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (NKJV). Thelema’s self-centered notion of love stands in direct opposition to the biblical call to love sacrificially and unconditionally.

Conclusion

Thelema’s philosophy, with its emphasis on self-will, moral relativism, personal autonomy, and subjective love, opposes the Bible’s teachings on submission to God, objective morality, worship, repentance, self-denial, and sacrificial love.

The Bible calls believers to submit their will to God’s, recognize sin, and live a life marked by humility, obedience, and love for others-values that stand in stark contrast to the Satanic self-exalting principles of Thelema. Through submission to God and following His commandments, believers find true freedom, purpose, and fulfillment, which Thelema’s philosophy cannot provide.