Several weeks ago, Glenda and I made a day-trip to East Peoria. We went so she could show me some of the interesting shops there, and to pick up some incense and such. While there, Glenda saw a button that made perfect sense to both of us:
God is too big to fit into one religion.
Well, of course the Sacred is too large for a single sect or life-way! God is so big that it encompasses ALL beliefs, all religions. In fact, to me, the Sacred is so big that it encompasses everything in existence.
Imagine a loving caring parent - the pure embodiment of compassion. If the child of such a parent did something wrong, do you really think the parent would consign their child to eternal pain and damnation? Why would God do that to its children?
According to many Christians, this is exactly what God intends to do with most of his children - consign them to eternal damnation. Remember that most people on this planet are not Christian. And remember that some Christian sects even believe that it will happen to other Christians who do not believe exactly as they do. Consider that many Protestants believe all Catholics are going to hell, and that many Catholics believe the same of Protestants. Even within the Protestant community, I hear people saying they believe that only their sect will attain eternal happiness while all others are doomed.
How can this be? How could a loving God damn the majority of its children? How could the embodiment of compassion and love be so mean-spirited, childish and vengeful?
To me, the Sacred is the father/mother of us all, and wants above all things for its children to live spiritually-centered lives of service to others. God wants us to "come home," so to speak. God certainly does not want to see most of its children burn in hell.
A few days ago, my friend Mike dropped by for a cup and a chat. As often happens, the discussion turns to spirituality. When we turned to the concept of hell, he said, "Hell is the absence of God."
What an excellent viewpoint! The lack of the Sacred in one's life often leads to many unhappy outcomes, not the least of which is to be separated from the divine nature of all things. It can lead to loneliness and despair. It can lead one to make very unhealthy choices. The potential negative outcomes comprise a list far too long for a single entry. But I hope you see my point.
I believe that all faiths have some amount of truth to them, that they all contain the universal teachings by which we should live our lives. I believe that God "speaks" to us in many ways, and has done so at many times throughout history. God is indeed far too big to fit into a single religion. And the Sacred is nothing if not the pure love a good parent has for its children.
When interacting with people from other life-ways, I believe it's important to remember that, while this person may not share my exact interpretation of the Sacred, we are both children of God. Coming from this mindset, it's easier to remember to show respect and compassion for others. When I remember that we both came from the same source, that we are both doing our best to understand the nature of our existence, that we all make mistakes and have to learn certain lessons, I can more easily interact with that person in a positive manner.
Remembering that God is the ultimate parent of us all is an excellent step toward living a life with Spirit.
In peace,
Lane
God is too big to fit into one religion.
Well, of course the Sacred is too large for a single sect or life-way! God is so big that it encompasses ALL beliefs, all religions. In fact, to me, the Sacred is so big that it encompasses everything in existence.
Imagine a loving caring parent - the pure embodiment of compassion. If the child of such a parent did something wrong, do you really think the parent would consign their child to eternal pain and damnation? Why would God do that to its children?
According to many Christians, this is exactly what God intends to do with most of his children - consign them to eternal damnation. Remember that most people on this planet are not Christian. And remember that some Christian sects even believe that it will happen to other Christians who do not believe exactly as they do. Consider that many Protestants believe all Catholics are going to hell, and that many Catholics believe the same of Protestants. Even within the Protestant community, I hear people saying they believe that only their sect will attain eternal happiness while all others are doomed.
How can this be? How could a loving God damn the majority of its children? How could the embodiment of compassion and love be so mean-spirited, childish and vengeful?
To me, the Sacred is the father/mother of us all, and wants above all things for its children to live spiritually-centered lives of service to others. God wants us to "come home," so to speak. God certainly does not want to see most of its children burn in hell.
A few days ago, my friend Mike dropped by for a cup and a chat. As often happens, the discussion turns to spirituality. When we turned to the concept of hell, he said, "Hell is the absence of God."
What an excellent viewpoint! The lack of the Sacred in one's life often leads to many unhappy outcomes, not the least of which is to be separated from the divine nature of all things. It can lead to loneliness and despair. It can lead one to make very unhealthy choices. The potential negative outcomes comprise a list far too long for a single entry. But I hope you see my point.
I believe that all faiths have some amount of truth to them, that they all contain the universal teachings by which we should live our lives. I believe that God "speaks" to us in many ways, and has done so at many times throughout history. God is indeed far too big to fit into a single religion. And the Sacred is nothing if not the pure love a good parent has for its children.
When interacting with people from other life-ways, I believe it's important to remember that, while this person may not share my exact interpretation of the Sacred, we are both children of God. Coming from this mindset, it's easier to remember to show respect and compassion for others. When I remember that we both came from the same source, that we are both doing our best to understand the nature of our existence, that we all make mistakes and have to learn certain lessons, I can more easily interact with that person in a positive manner.
Remembering that God is the ultimate parent of us all is an excellent step toward living a life with Spirit.
In peace,
Lane
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment