I love the wisdom of Anthony deMello's quote. Yes, the silence of a spiritual master's or a dear friend's words contains the message of love and compassion, which transcends the words themselves. Indeed, words are like a finger pointing to the moon, and the moon - love and compassion (which embodies God) - is a beauty to behold in silent awe and rapture.
"For what it's worth; in Hebrew the word for Spirit is ruach, grammatically, it is feminine." ~ Jeanne Schlumbohm
"Patriarchal language cloaks the maternal heart of God. -Like a mother eagle (Deut. 32:11) -Like one who gives birth (Deut. 32:18) -Like a midwife (Ps. 22:9) -Like a woman in labor (Is. 42:14) -Like a nursing mother (Is. 49:15) -Like a comforting mother (Is. 66:13) - Like a mother bear (Hosea 13:8) -Like a mother hen (Mat. 23:37)" ~Pam Hogeweide
Also, wisdom, as expounded throughout Proverbs, is portrayed as a woman and is a feminine noun.
~ Julie Ferwerda
The feminine grammatical meaning of the Spirit or Ruach, according
to the email heading, reminds me of the novel "The Shack", in which the
author William Paul Young also uses a female character to represent the
Holy Spirit.
"3. “’Speaking of Sarayu, is she the Holy Spirit?’ ‘Yes. She is Creativity; she is Action; she is the Breathing of Life; she is much more. She is my (Jesus’) Spirit.’ ‘And her name, Sarayu?’ ‘That
is a simple name from one of our human languages. It means ‘Wind,’ a
common wind actually. She loves that name.’” (pg. 110)"
One must consider the fact that, even
now, there are religious zealots and ordinary people still entrenched
in a control belief system that is so far removed from reality that it
borders on madness. There is no rational or scientific way that organised religions
can have a modicum of truth or factual reality because of the very
reason that these books are entombed in the time that they were written.
These books should therefore simply be viewed as limited parables and historical fiction, as well as a lesson in how millions of people can be so easily controlled." The research paper also came to the
conclusion that reward/punishment religions, as control systems, were
losing their grip on most of the population of the world and only a few
die-hard fanatics and delusional maniacs were carrying on with the flame
of idiocy.
"The game is up for all religions,
how long can this sham carry on, with their ridiculous outdated
ceremonies? The priests are deceivers, and they need to come up with
some pretty radical solutions to their thousand year old magic trick.
People aren't as dumb or easily swayed as they used to be thousands of
years ago, they actually have reasoning powers and can see through the
utter nonsense of organised control systems like religion."
I think with the continual progress in scientific discoveries,
technological advancement, literacy developments and expanding
consciousness of humanity, it is inevitable that more and more people
begin to realise that organised religions are fundamentally man-made,
and their concept of God had been religionised and institutionalised.
The perception of God itself had been evolving over thousands of years,
varying among different cultures. It reminds me of some thoughts I
shared some time ago, in one of our email discussions, and I have
blogged about it here.
In my blog, I wrote:
Come to think of it, those people in the olden days thousands of years
didn’t have modern day conveniences such as computers and cars, so life
was very slow-paced. No wonder they had a lot of time sitting around and
telling stories, and comparing their own culture’s stories with other
cultures’ stories as they travelled and interacted and traded with one
another, and they inevitably added and modified some elements from one
another’s stories, and formed new stories. I suppose that’s how we have
many religions today containing a mixture of elements, since they all
borrowed some plots and characters from one another, and created their
own characters’ names and backgrounds.
At the most, I see
that myths and stories serve a purpose in conveying deep truths, even
though they are not the truths themselves. They are only a finger
pointing to the moon. At the core of every religion, the commonality
shared among them is love and compassion, which is known intuitively by
every person, regardless of their belief system. Any other element added
to their religion, such as conditions for reward and punishment, is
only a man-made device designed to control others, as noted by the
article.
I think the common unifying force that connects people is our human frailty and struggle because everyone goes through their personal struggle, and we may relate to one another better when we see others going through similar struggle as we do when they share about theirs. While some institutional church pastors may have shared some of their struggles with the congregation, it is usually in the form of testimony that describes how they met with some crisis and then they found faith in God whom they claimed to have turned things around for them, or how they struggled with some habits or addictions and then they claimed "God delivered them". While it might sound encouraging to some, in retrospect, this doesn't really give encouragement to those who still have doubts about God or are going through spiritual crisis or are coming to terms with their own sexuality, especially for those who are gays. In fact, such testimonies might even give the hearers the impression that there is something wrong with themselves that needs to be "fixed".
I suppose in institutional churches, pastors are generally tied to their pay checks, church committee and peer acceptance by other church pastors in the Christian circles, unfortunately, so they may be constrained to how much struggle they can afford to share with the congregation. If a pastor were to share with the congregation he is currently struggling with his doubts about God, or is questioning the church doctrines such as the literal hell doctrine, or is considering the fact that he might be gay, he risks being expelled from the institution and rejected by his peers in the Christian circles.
But if a pastor decides to be true to himself and be intellectually honest with his own doubts about certain doctrines as well as his own struggles in personal life, he would be willing to count the cost and bear the stigma of being ostracised by the religious fraternity and follow Jesus and find true freedom and peace. This act of courage, integrity and authenticity would also be an inspiration to those who are going through similar struggles themselves.
I rest in this assurance-
Acceptance:
God in His infinite wisdom
Did not make me very wise-
So when my actions are stupid, They hardly take God by surprise
- Langston Hughes
Yes we can rest in the assurance of a full and unconditional and unreserved acceptance in the love of God, for God is love and love believes the best of us. We are made in the image and likeness of God/Love so we are already perfect, complete and innocent. We are growing in wisdom, understanding and knowledge of our true identity, so it is a process we all go through and God, our highest self, understands that and is hardly taken by surprise when we make mistakes, so to speak. It doesn't change our identity as beloved and blameless children of God/Divine/Universe because as Jesus is, so are we in this world. I have come to learn that this is how we are perfected in love that casts out fear, including the fear of being judged by ourselves or others - to know and believe the love God has for us, that we are of God, that Christ is manifested in every one of us in the flesh, that nothing shall separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our true Self.
Thoughts on Brandon Robertson's book review of "What we talk about when we talk about God" by Rob Bell
I have read through the bookreview by Brandon Robertson. I think it is a fairly balanced review of the book, as the reviewer recognises that the book is "paradigm shifting", and he has rightly noted that "It will be wholly
rejected by the conservative community (unfortunately). But none the
less- it is still a thoroughly Christian work that can and will help
countless people renew their faith in God."
I also like the book reviewer's conclusion in his review here:
"It’s about time we rethought the notion of God. Not because we need
something intrinsically new to say and believe- good luck finding that-
but because we are so often blinded by our own lense with which we view
the world. RobBell paints an image of God in this book that I am
certain thousands upon thousands will find refreshing, revitalizing, and
worshipful. I know I do. Rob makes it okay to believe in modern
scientific discovery and hold a robust faith in God. He makes it okay
to doubt as a healthy and vital part of faith. He makes it okay to
embrace paradox and unknowing. He does just what the early Christians
themselves did- proclaims the mystery of our faith.
...
This book will offend those who are looking to be offended, inspire
those who seek to be inspired, and will spark a new conversation about
what we really talk about when we talk about God."
Yes, it
reminds me of the four stages of spiritual growth in which a person's
worldview changes and evolves as he or she matures in spiritual growth
and learns to ask questions and look within oneself for inner guidance
instead of depending on religious institutions and dogma, or on
scientific theories alone.
The reviewer also rightly noted that his new book
will offend who are looking to be offended, and inspire those who seek
to be inspired. Indeed, we have witnessed how some people who have not
even read his book for themselves have chosen to be offended and posted judgmental comments on RobBell's
Facebook page. They are only projecting their own fears and
insecurities through quoting bible verses out of context; in fact, the bible is a mirror - how people interpret the bible
will reflect on the kind of person they are. Those who are mean and
small-minded will see their god as mean and small-minded, and those who
are loving and gracious will see their god as loving and gracious.
I think some of the detractors have also quoted 2 Timothy
4:3 out of context - from my understanding, Paul was exhorting Timothy
to preach the word in season and out of season - and the word is
concerning the mystery of Christ in us the hope of glory - that is to me
sound doctrine. Contrary to what the followers in evangelical or
fundamentalist christianity say, having "itching ears" is actually
referring to desiring to listen to teachings and fables about the
outdated, mean, violent and vengeful god that was thought to be separate
from man, which is based on the illusion of separation and duality of
knowledge of good and evil, and the rituals and sacrifices borrowed from
pagan traditions. Such teachings and fables appeal to itching ears probably because they stroke the ego of those who like to feel they are exclusively handpicked for a certain heaven.
How Rob Bell deals with his critics
I was reading about a recent interview with Rob Bell during his talk
at Mars Hill Bible Church last Sunday - apparently he is aware critics
are already up and about busy bashing his book even before they have
read it, and he questioned whether they are really serious Christians
since they have spent a lot of time and energy criticising other people
of faith when they could have made use of their time more productively
such as addressing social issues.
The author of the bestselling and oft-demonized “Love Wins” also talked a bit with MLive and a Publishers Weekly reporter about criticism he gets from some fellow Christians.
“It’s
just important to be about your work and, hopefully, it brings you
great joy. And if somebody doesn’t respond well to it, OK, they have the
freedom to spout off about that,” Bell said.
He
went on to question how “people who would consider themselves serious
Christians would have that kind of time and energy” to bash his
teaching.
“What
is there, 800 million people who don’t have access to clean drinking
water? Or what is it, a million people committed suicide last year?"
Bell said. "Like, if you’re a serious person of faith and you wake up in
the morning and the best possible use of your energies is to shred
other people of faith, I don’t know, that’s sort of losing the plot if
you ask me.
Why Rob Bell left Mars Hill Bible Church and wrote his new book
I have checked out this article in which Rob Bell has
clarified the reason he left Mars Hill Bible Church - that he wanted to
talk about the things that matter most and to create the space for that.
I suppose he sensed that Southern California has many people who want
to know about God they can believe in but do not want to connect with
organised religions, hence he and his family decided to locate there "to
pursue other ministry work and begin development of a talk show with
Carlton Cuse, a former writer and producer of the popular show "Lost",
as mentioned in this related article.
According to the article:
"This
is a book for people who can’t buy the traditional concept of a
judgmental, thumbs-up-or-down God, or the new atheism that says the
world you see is all there is. It’s for people who want to believe in a
God they can believe in."
So,
it looks like his book is targeted for mainly postmodern people and progressive thinkers who are not at stage 2 or
are no longer at stage 2 of fundamentalism and are also ready to move
on beyond stage 3 of atheism to embrace stage 4 of mysticism and mystery
of the universe, if I may interpret this according to M Scott Peck's
theory of the four stages of spiritual growth.
"Spirituality
is awareness of the water in the ocean, and religions are the currents
in the ocean that fish can choose to swim in to go faster and further
than they otherwise could. Fundamentalisms are aquariums that keep fish
confined." – Roger Wolsey
I think it is an apt description of the nature of spirituality,
religions and fundamentalism. It reminds me of a similar parable by
Anthony de Mello about a fish wanting to find the ocean, and going about
asking where the ocean is, until one day it realises it is already in
the ocean. That is to me spirituality - an awareness of the water in the
ocean.
Religions to me, on the other hand, are subjective mental
constructs and spiritual practices meant to help people become aware of
the water in the ocean - to realise God or Divine is already in us, with
us, around us and as us, in the here and now.
Finally, fundamentalism
is creating walls of an aquarium, as the quote says, and limiting the
divine to a particular time and space and to a particular creed for an
elect group of fishes that like to feel exclusive to experience that
oh-so-elusive divine that comes once in a while and disappears when they
think they miss it.
"Neither Jesus nor Paul told people to “get born again”! You couldn’t even get yourself born the first time, how are you going to get it right a second time?
Jesus did say to Nicodemus unless you’re born from above (meaning unless you realize that you originate from above) you would have no interest or appetite for heavenly things! John 3:13
God is not man’s idea; mankind is God’s idea. Man began in God, not in his mother’s womb. God says to Jeremiah, “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb” Jer 1:5 Mankind is by design the god-kind.
(You'll enjoy "Thoughts on the new birth" in my book Divine Embrace! Kindle or print)"
- Francois du Toit
Yes, it occurred to me that the phrase "born again" was used only in the context of addressing the Jews to give up their natural identity as Jews and embrace their true identity as sons and daughters of God, together with other members of the human race, regardless of ethnicity, nationality or religion.
As I learnt recently, Jesus could be telling Nicodemus to give up his natural identity as a Jew and adopt a new identity as a child of God in the family of humankind. (Jesus had said in another place that the kingdom of God is within us.) If Nicodemus sees himself only as a Jew, he will see himself separate from other people who are seen as non-Jews. But if he sees himself as a child of God in the family of humankind, he will see himself as one with other fellow human beings and there is no separation between him and other people.
Similarly, Peter wrote to the Jews about "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever", which I believe is about renewing their mind to see themselves not as Jews by natural descent but as children of God by spiritual descent. In the same way, we are all made in the incorruptible image of God and we all began in God, as mentioned in the post.
I like what 1 Cor 13 said about that which is perfect has come.
"But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." 1 Corinthians 13:10
Yes, the perfect has come in the person of Jesus, and we no longer see ourselves through a glass darkly but we see ourselves face to face with our Beloved in the mirror of our divine beauty. Indeed, the gospel introduces us to our true divine self, and we shall know even as we are known by Divine Love.
really-this day? the one with wars and poverty and divorce and addiction and betrayal? this one?
yes, this one.
this one because there’s a difference between analysis and awareness.
analysis pulls things apart, looks for cracks in logic, points out the inconsistencies.
analysis needs things to make sense.
there’s nothing wrong with analysis, of course, it’s often vital to our
survival and thriving. but if we stay there, in that mode and that mode
only, we can easily find ourselves stepping back with arms folded,
pointing out all that’s wrong with this day and all the ways it falls
short and all of the evidence for why this particular day doesn’t appear
to be the kind of day that God would make-all while this day passes us
by.
(this is very easy to do, by the way. it’s why cynicism is so popular. it’s easy.)
but in this psalm-the one that says that this is the day that God has
made- this psalm isn’t first and foremost about analysis, it’s about
awareness.
and the difference is massive.
awareness
doesn’t ignore or gloss over the very real questions and pains of this
day, it transcends all of that analysis with the very straight forward
acknowledgement that whatever this day is, it’s a gift to be embraced
and engaged and maybe even enjoyed.
this day maybe be rough
and bloody and heartbreaking but it is here and it is now and it is
bursting with untold potential and possibility and our response to it is
of utmost, urgent importance.
we may, it’s important to note,
not get another one. my friend’s brother was recently killed in a car
accident, another friend’s father just died, and the mother of another
goes in for another round of chemo this week. you know exactly what i’m
talking about-whatever this is, we’re all acutely aware that is very,
very fragile.
I find Rob Bell's short sermon powerful, insightful
and deep. It is true that our analysis of things that go wrong and do not
live up to our ideals, or things that remind us of pains, suffering,
injustice, greed and struggles in the world, can overwhelm us and cause
us to be jaded or cynical about humanity, about God, about life, and
therefore it is hard to rejoice and be glad in the day that God has
made, let alone be glad at all. I have been there before, such as when I
read the newspaper yesterday about how establishments wanted to paint a
one-sided view of GM (genetically modified) salmon and other GM foods to sway public opinion to
accept GM food, while mainly glossing over the fact that such food can harm human
health and the environment. And that is just one example of greed and
injustice among many others in the world.
But as Rob Bell pointed out,
our awareness frees us from being overwhelmed by our analysis of all the
pains and problems as it reminds us that in spite of and in the midst of
all these negative things, we can still appreciate - embrace, engage and even
enjoy - the gift of the day because not only the here and the now is
bursting with potential and possibilities, the day is also fragile, so
we can be glad at least for the miracle of being alive. This is a great
reminder for me to focus on being in the present moment and live life
with awareness and mindfulness, so as to find peace and stability even
as I navigate a world that is filled with pains and sufferings but also with
hope and beauty.
"So, we first need to recognize our false self, then comes the struggle with our false self; and then... may it be an opening of our heart to allow the blossoming of the TRUE SELF (the Divine, God within)" - Sigrid Marshall
"Often we can't feel the presence of God because we don't let ourselves alone." ~John O'Donohue
I agree that it is in stillness and silence of our solitude that we become more aware of the presence of God or the Divine within us, as the verse goes, be still and know I Am (God/Divine). As the post mentioned, it may involve an initial struggle within to recognise our false self and comes to terms with our false self, and as we open our heart to embrace the totality of who we are, we allow our true self (God or the Divine within) to blossom. This reminds me of the enlightenment scene in the movie "Little Buddha" which illustrates how Prince Siddharta eventually conquered his false self (known as mara or the tempter) while meditating under the bodhi tree, and awakened to his true self. Similarly Jesus wrestled with his false self (or the devil) in the wilderness and prevailed, not giving in to the temptation to do something prove that he is the son of God because he has learnt to be still and know he is God incarnated, and his true self cannot be taken away or changed by doing or not doing anything.
John O'Donohue's quote is also remarkably true because it is usually when we are alone that we commune best with God through listening to the still small voice within us. It is unfortunate that in mainstream or evangelical Christianity, the followers are not encouraged to spend time alone as much as they are encouraged to "go to church" and "be in the presence of God" because the preachers would quote Jesus saying "when two or three are gathered in my name, there I am". However Jesus was not referring to a church building or organisation when he said that, and he was simply referring to his manifestation in terms of a collective body of Christ made up of people that is not confined to any particular location or religion or belief system. So this mistaken idea of "going to church" to be "in God's presence" has become a bondage to fear for both the preachers and the church goers to perpetuate the weekly system of church programmes in the name of God because they might be afraid if they don't go to the Sunday service, they may "miss God's voice" or God may not be pleased with them, and so on. Yet Jesus himself often spend time alone in nature to be with God/Divine, and the bible recorded he heard God's voice audibly not in a synagogue but in nature places, such as by the river or on a mountain, declaring he is God's beloved son in whom he is well pleased. Similarly when we are alone, we will hear the still small voice affirming our belovedness and innocence and divinity as pertaining to our true self. Love is who we are.
"People generally live as both the 'god' they acknowledge in their minds and the servant of that 'god'...
The meaner the 'god', the meaner they will be inside, yet accompanying this mindset is the need to serve this 'god', and with it a fear induced compulsion to be as nice as possible to 'him', giving 'him' credit for everything, and therewith being nice to other people in case you tick 'him' off, even though you really couldn't give a damn .....
What a horrible conglomeration of confusion lurks in humanity!
When asked how to communicate with God, Jesus speaks to some lads of the Jewish religion and to some others who were in the audience, all steeped in various mythological folklore ....
And he begins with 'Our father ...'
'Our Father ??'
What a blow to the mindsets of mythology, bringing the beginning of understanding to his listeners that would sweep out any concept of a domineering 'god who demanded to be 'served' or else !
Later Jesus says 'if you have seen me, you have seen the Father' and in the same conversation, he says 'I don't call you servants, but friends'
John, who penned the words of that conversation, had this to say about the one true God that Jesus introduced to us as 'Father and Friend.....'
"God is Love"
'Love is my father, Love is my friend !'
To have the understanding that Love is our beginning, our friend and our end, brings a profound settling in our hearts and minds, because we instinctively know this to be what is good and real and true, and it is in this environment that our 'beings' cultivate their best, where loving and respecting others becomes a natural outflow from the heart, and the warmth of true affection and harmony with others is our daily experience ....
To genuinely love Love and to love all our brothers and sisters naturally ......
Isn't this what real life is all about ?"
The above quote sums up how people (especially in christian circles) become as mean as the god they subscribe to in their mind and how Jesus came to unveil the heart of God that is love. Many people in the Old Testament times, as well as many followers of Christianity today, had a mental image of a demanding, domineering god and they lived with a servant mentality to serve this god of their mind. As a result, they become mean and miserable - mean to others who do not believe the same way as they do, and miserable when they think they fail to live up the expectations of their god (a la mafia boss).
Jesus himself bore the brunt of their meanness and misery when he interacted with the Pharisees and the Jews who subscribed to the idea of a judgmental god, and he was called all kinds of names by them for challenging their discriminatory views and calling out their unfair treatment of others as well as their hypocrisy.
Yes, Jesus came to reveal the nature of God that differs from their fragmented view - that God is the father and he is the manifestation of the father, who is also their friend. He is the friend who loves at all times. I agree that when people know and experience the love of God through having a heart revelation of Jesus being their friend and of God being their father, they will end up naturally loving and accepting themselves and others.
It is said that "one heartfelt hug is more convincing that God is Love than a thousand Bible scriptures."
Yes, a heartfelt hug conveys warmth and love and gives a human touch, whereas bible verses tend to lack a human touch even though they may be uplifting.
Maybe that is also why Jesus (the Word) was manifested in the flesh because it is not enough for people to know mentally that God is love but also to know, see and feel the love of God in a tangible way, who can relate to them as human beings. Jesus demonstrates the love of God visibly and tangibly through his words and actions by lifting up people and embracing them with love and acceptance. In the parable of the prodigal son, the father (God/Divine Love/Highest Self) embraced the son who returned home, which means much more than words.
A heartfelt hug is also life-giving, and I am reminded of the real life example of a rescuing hug that one baby gave to her baby sister who then recovered from a life-threatening condition.
"If you believe you have something to give,
you'll give it... The emotionally distant believe they have little to
offer... A person who fails to return affection sees them self as
emotionally bankrupt... don't take it personal... Remember fear is the
greatest obstacle to love. Many of our fears are yet to be discovered...
Many people unknowingly spend their entire life running from fear...
Awareness, discovery, enlightenment is
the answer... We cannot unsee, but we can be forever changed by what we
see... We don't need to be fixed, only awakened and this happens through
meditation, processing, prayer... It is the difference between telling
and showing... the difference between reading and experiencing... The
only way to reach deep into the heart of an enemy is to love them...
People are either guided by love or enslaved by fear... Light reveals,
but darkness enslaves, so when you feel anxiety turn on the light, don't
act upon anxiety... Acting upon anxiety creates more anxiety, more
regrets, more destruction and keeps you enslaved... Unwrap each fear,
one by one to reach the love at your core... Love starts with getting to
know yourself... You're not emotionally bankrupt, you have eternity
inside you. You have enough love behind those fears to give some to
every person you meet... You just need to be awakened from the bad dream
know as living unconsciously... you need to become conscious... I once
was blind, but now I see this love inside of me and out of this love
comes depth, warmth, beauty, allure... I am not a Christian, but I
believe the person of Jesus manifested such depth, such love... such
divinity... Namaste."
Yes, the axiom "People are either guided by love or enslaved
by fear" sums up his post because love and fear are mutually exclusive.
Organised religions have tried to include both love and fear in the
hearts of their followers through their teachings, which only results in
people living in fear of judgment. It is hard for people to love
themselves and others when they are put under fear. I have been there
before too. I agree with his post that "we don't need to be fixed, only
awakened and this happens through
meditation, processing, prayer..."
I also find that the gospel or good
news (which is not necessarily confined to christianity) about our true
identity that we are already beloved and innocent and complete/perfect
children of God/Divine Love/Universe has helped me become free from fear and
self-limiting thoughts, and learn to embrace myself (including my "dark"
or shadow self), and accept others the same way too. I am on a journey
still even as I am sharing this. I appreciate always reading such
reminders as this because this axiom captures a timeless truth that is
relevant for all time and applies to everyone regardless of their age,
background, belief system, etc.
I think somebody will appreciate the invitation to think out of the box (tradition). Let's consider these questions.
Why would 'you' need grace from a God that is love? WHEN would LOVE have ever stopped loving? Are you sure that you have a clear understanding of what grace is all about? Love would simply forgive! NOT require a son on a cross!
These questions raise a pertinent point about grace because "grace" has often been used in a
legalistic way in the christian circles. To some preachers, grace is
like having a transaction with God, such as "God gives us his grace only
when we give God our faith" or "God needs to punish Jesus to fulfill
the law in order to give us his grace and forgiveness". That is not
grace; that is legalism disguised as grace because the law is always
conditional whereas grace is always unconditional.
Teachings that represent God/Jesus as a vindictive and vengeful divinity
are actually anti-Christ because revenge and retribution are against
his loving, gracious and non-violent nature. Jesus himself taught people
not to return an eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth, but to love
their enemies. It is amazing to think how much the mainstream christian
teachings that propagate a picture of a judgmental and vengeful Jesus
have the gospel upside down that is contrary to his true nature.
The cross simply demonstrates Jesus' love, compassion and forgiveness.
He had said "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do". If he
had wanted revenge, he would have said something that was condemning.
Since God is love, and love keeps no records of wrong, then it does not
make any sense for God to punish or require a sacrifice to atone for
people’s wrongs. The “atonement for sin” theology therefore is man’s
theology. I think Jesus came to help people repent (change their
mindset) about God – that the idea of “an eye for an eye, and a tooth
for a tooth” is not compatible with God’s love (which keeps no records
of wrong), and that God’s heart is to love one’s enemies. He also came to show us that we are already innocent and perfect/complete, for the kingdom of God (innocence/righteousness, peace and joy) is within each of us.
This also answers the question “If God doesn’t require sacrifice for
“sins”, then why did Jesus die on the cross?” because Jesus’ suffering
and death was to demonstrate what Jesus himself taught in the sermon on
the mount – he did not return an eye for an eye when he was beaten, and
instead he blessed those who cursed him, and prayed for those who
persecuted him. The cross is a demonstration of the love of God which
keeps no records of wrong, and not to atone for so-called sins (which
man-made religions have mistakenly taught).
I believe there are people who will appreciate the invitation to think out of the
box and question religious traditions, so as to find their own freedom
from any kind of bondage of fear and condemnation imposed by organised
religions, and experience peace within themselves and with others.
You are valuable, you are loved, and someone knows you even better than you know yourself. There is an image and likeness imprinted upon your being that is the basis of your value ... a value beyond your wildest dreams.
Coins used to have the face of the person who guaranteed their value, minted onto them. Any note or coin has a guarantor, a person or institution that guarantees its value. Even if a coin gets lost, the coin never loses it's value.
The one who invented and designed you, stamped you with His own image and likeness.
He knows you better than you know yourself ... He knew you even before you were born. You might not know Him, but He has always known you. You might not be aware of Him, but He has always had you on His mind.
You might think 'why' ... why would anyone have such an obsession with me. Well, the creator of this universe sees a value and a beauty in you beyond anything in this natural world. He even sees a possibility of romance!
I like what Andre Rabe said in his message so far, especially the part that we cannot be lost unless we belong, and as we have seen in the 3 parables, the sheep remains the sheep, the coin remains the coin, and the son remains the son. Our true value and identity has not changed, and neither has God/Creator/Divine Love changed his mind about us, regardless of whether we know him or do things that impress/disappoint him. So the idea of separation (as propagated by organised religions) is a lie, and so the truth of the gospel of inclusion sets people free from the illusion of separation and enables them to enjoy peace and wholeness in their lives.
Further thoughts
I have finished listening to Andre Rabe's message video. Overall, it is a good message about God's love that affirms our intrinisc value, which is based on the image and likeness of God in whom we are created/made. This value is unchanging and incorruptible, as he said. I agree that God loves us not in spite of us, but because of who we are - we are valuable, precious and lovable, and God's love rejoices with the truth - that there is something so lovable about us.
Yes, God created us in his innocence and likeness, and God knew us before we were formed; he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1). Jesus is the revelation of what God thinks about us, and Jesus is God's mind made up about us - he is the Alpha and the Omega - he is God's original thought and final conclusion about us (our lives). (This is similar to Francois du Toit's main message of the gospel too.)
I agree that the gospel is not a "product" to be purchased by the "currency" based on the amount of grief, faith, remorse, etc shown by the "customer". As he put it, we are not selling a product. Rather, the gospel is a mirror, and what we declare in the gospel is true, whether we believe or not - that God has declared us innocent and righteous, and has included in his love and acceptance. Yes, knowing this truth doesn't make people grovel in the dust anymore or continue to live in a pigsty like the prodigal son did, parabolically speaking. Looking into the mirror of our true identity can transform our experience of how we live our lives -knowing who we are can cause us to want to not continue in our illusion of separation (since we are already one with our highest self), just as it causes the prodigal son to forsake the pigsty that has never been his origin. (To me, it simply means a place of ignorance of God's love.)
I like his sharing of Psalm 22 - God has done it, and the ends of the earth shall REMEMBER - yes, we cannot remember unless we once knew the truth of who we are and later forgot who we are.
As he pointed out, some people say "God is love but he is also just" as if God is in conflict with himself, and yet there is nothing God does not do for us in justice that is different from his love, so justice and love are one because God does not have a multiple personality disorder. I also noted that Jesus prayed to the father that we may be one - before the world began, we were all already in a relationship of love (John 17) Yes, God is not a grumpy judge in an antiquated legal court. Rather, in his fullness and completion, his love overflows to reach out and embrace us.
I also agree that loving God is shown in loving people - loving our brothers who are made in the image of God too (1 John), so for our doctrine to be worth something, we will demonstrate love to others in our own lives.
Last but not least, Andre also shared that Jesus is fully God and fully man - representing both God and humanity, and that the law came not to fix the problem but to reveal the problem - the law demands perfect obedience and declares man exceedingly sinful (in terms of measuring up to absolute standards). My take is that the law was only for those under the old covenant, who placed themselves under the law of Moses - so it is only applicable in their culture and tradition. The law is not applicable to us, so we are not "sinners" to start with.
So, innocence is our original state, and in a sense, we did not know until the gospel came to reveal the truth. As for 2 Corinthians 5 that says God has reconciled the world to himself through Christ, I agree that is the gospel to the people living in the first century, and I would add that the world was referring to the known world back then (in the Roman empire), based on a preterist perspective. For us in our modern context, I see it as being reconciled to our true self who is never separate from us. We live in a time that is beyond the Jewish religion, beyond covenants, and beyond sacrifices. While some symbolisms in the Bible may not apply directly to us (such as the temple, covenants, etc), we can still learn and benefit from the gospel described in the bible.
All in all, I agree with the overall message that God the father (Divine Love, highest self, universal consciousness, Great Spirit) enjoys who we are, and is proud of us, and there is nothing wrong with us, and the truth of God's love sets us free to be ourselves and trust and accept ourselves for who we are.
Someone said: "Since God is love and if you want to change circumstances in your life, then be listening to still, small voices. And be a still small voice of love in someone else's life."
Yes, the still small voice within us is the voice of Divine Love/God who
always builds us up and guides us from within by teaching us all things
and bringing to our remembrance all things concerning our true
identity/Self. When we are attuned to the living and loving voice of our
spirit that reminds us we are beloved children of God, made in Love's
image, we will do all things based on the truth of who we are, as an
expression of Love and Light.
As mentioned in the quote, I think by
reminding someone else of their true identity and their oneness with
Divine Love, we can be the still small voice in their life that
resonates with them and affirms what they intuitively know in their
heart.
The truest prayer begins when we pass beyond word into deep silence, when lips are hushed;
when racing thoughts are stilled; when emotions are placid
as the dawning over the waveless ocean.
~Albert E Day
This quote reminds me that God/Divine Love dwells in the silence of our heart and in the quiet sanctuary of Nature. A contemplative quietude is perhaps the best way to start a brand new morn. The phrase "dawning over the waveless ocean", I learnt just now, is captured in a hymn called "Still, Still With Thee".
"Still, still with Thee, when purple morning breaketh,
When the bird waketh, and the shadows flee;
Fairer than morning, lovelier than daylight,
Dawns the sweet consciousness, I am with Thee.
Alone with Thee, amid the mystic shadows,
The solemn hush of nature newly born;
Alone with Thee in breathless adoration,
In the calm dew and freshness of the morn.
As in the dawning o’er the waveless ocean
The image of the morning star doth rest,
So in the stillness Thou beholdest only
Thine image in the waters of my breast."
I also learnt that Albert E Day is the author of a book called "The Captivating Presence." In a way, he reminds me of Brother Lawrence (author of "The Practice of the Presence of God"), who also practised the presence of God in his daily life.
"The highest expression of Universal Mind otherwise known as God is Peace. (Peace in this context is the same as Love.) We are not referring to the ego's version of Peace which is nothing more than the opposite of conflict, but the Peace that surpasseth understanding." James F Twyman
Yes, peace as the highest expression of Universal Mind is much more than an absence of conflict or chaos as it goes deeper than the world's (or ego's, according to the quote) notion of peace. I think the peace that passes all understanding is available to every person regardless of their belief system or religion. For example, peace may be attained through meditation for followers of Buddhism, or through prayer for followers of Christianity and Catholicism, or through yoga for yoga practitioners, and so on. And yes, peace is equivalent to love because both stem from the same source of Universal Mind.
"Observing silence, and breathing deeply and gently is the easiest way to open the heart. You can also open it through sacred dancing and movements which incorporate the breath and encourage gratitude and presence in the moment. The method you use to fall into the heart is just a tool. Do not make it important. What is important is that you find a way to access the deeper aspect of your being which is at peace." (From "The Silence of the Heart: Reflections of the Christ Mind" by Paul Ferrini)
This is a good podcast on living in more gracious space (click here to listen). I like the mystical approach that both Wayne Jacobsen and Kent Burgess has
regarding relationship with God, in terms of slowing down and being
present and in touch with God (or our inner/highest self). I agree with
the interpretation that Kent shared about the parable of the prodigal
son who came back to the fatheer after venturing to distant lands - a
symbol of how we too have left the present moment and got distracted by
the performance mindset of the world (religion/politics/society). It is
perhaps ironic too that Buddhism and new age seems to help people
connect with God (or highest self) better than mainstream Christianity.
Like what Wayne shared, religion with all its rules and regulations and
competition with one another tends to make people relationally
challenged. On the whole, it is a great message about returning to the
present moment and being in touch with our true self.
As also shared by Wayne, the performance mindset of the
world/religion/modern societies tends to cause people to want to resist
and change things on the outside, but it is much better to be in the
flow/present moment of life. I also like the examples given in the
podcast that Jesus would take time away from the hustle and bustle of
life and find secluded places to pray/contemplate - indeed, Nature is
perhaps the best "church" or "sanctuary" where we find rest for our soul
and peace for our heart and mind.
until you understand love...........your fellow man will be a stranger...........only known by the knowledge of...........good and evil........religions son in whom the serpent is well pleased.......blessings - Dean Dosher
Yes, the understanding of Love enables people to transcend the illusion of the knowledge of good and evil, as noted by Dean Dosher. According to the gospel (as I understand it), when we know the love of Christ that has become our identity, we will no longer know people according to the flesh (based on good and evil, which is also the law mindset), but we know people based on the truth of our true identity as new creations - the old Adamic identity is done away, and the new paradigm of how we see ourselves and others in Christ, our true origin, has come.
So, we see that the gospel of grace and peace transforms people's mindset to see one another as fellow brothers and sisters of the same family of Love, and no longer relate to one another based on our performance. In Christ, there is neither male nor female, Jew nor Greek, christian nor hindu nor buddhist nor atheist, gay nor straight, Chinese nor Indian nor Japanese nor African nor American, for all are one in Christ (who is an archetype of our true identity), and God is all and is in all.
2 Cor 5:17 Now whoever you thought you were before, in Christ
you are a brand new person! The old ways of seeing yourself and
everyone else are over. Look! The resurrection of Jesus has made
everything new! (Just imagine this! Whoever a person was as a Jew,
Greek, slave or freeman, Boer, Zulu, Xhosa, British, Indian, Moslem or
American, Chinese, Japanese or Congolese; is now dead and gone! They all
died when Jesus died! Remember we are not talking the law language
here! The 'If' in, "If any man is in Christ" is not a condition, it is the almighty conclusion of the revelation of the gospel! Man is in Christ by God's doing. 1 Cor 1:30, Eph 1:4. (Mirror Translation by Francois du Toit)
To My Entire
Soul Family
Thank you
For Being Here
At this Amazing time
On This Beautiful Planet
With Me
I am so Glad I found you
Thank you for Touching My Heart
And Reminding Me Who
I Am
And For Making this World a Better Place…
Namaste
I Am Eternally Grateful
We Are All One
Together We Fly
Information
You Are
Perfect, Strong and Beautiful…
Just The Way You Are
For I See The GOD In You
Bless is The Day
I LOVE YOU ME US
I SEE YOU
☜❤☞
Music & Words By
Alaenura
