Honoring the Old Stories

I have developed a deep respect for our ancient forbearers.  Often when I thought of homosapiens who lived 200,000 years ago, the tendency was to think of them as separate from myself.  However, we are directly descendant from them.  We may not be able to use Ancestry.com to trace the lineage all the way back, but our DNA is nearly identical. 

It is impossible for us to comprehend the intellectual challenges that faced them.  As language was just emerging, they were trying to make sense of a world void of knowledge and information.  In many ways, it was like trying to put a 50,000-piece jigsaw puzzle together with no idea what it was supposed to look like.

In our age, we are so proud of ourselves because large sections of the puzzle are finally starting to be assembled.  The more we understand, the faster we can locate the missing pieces; however, they had just been given everything in a brown paper bag with no picture and didn’t even know what they were supposed to do with it. 

Perhaps we should treat their errors gently and at least give them credit for the groundwork they laid for us.  With no concept of the age of the universe or an awareness of the creative nature of evolution, it is completely understandable that they would have attributed the material world to the handiwork of a superior being.  The form and function of living organisms, the rhythm of the tides and seasons, the predictable paths of the heavenly bodies all seemed to reflect the design of an omniscient intellect.

Initially, everything that was unknown or mysterious was attributed to God.  Progressively we have discovered the natural explanations for storms, plagues, eclipses, and countless other phenomena that perplexed our ancestors.  In doing so, we have diminished both the relevance of divinity and the validity of ancient scriptures.

For several years, I simply disregarded ancient writings.   To me they were based on superstition and ignorance.  More recently, however, I have recognized that error and truth can coexist within the same source.  Newton and Kepler are prime examples.  Both were outstanding mathematicians, advanced our knowledge of motion and optics, and used the Bible to meticulously calculate the date of creation.  Certainly no one would suggest that we dismiss their contributions to science simply because they still viewed the Bible as a valid historical resource.

When we overlook the myths, and embrace the metaphors and archetypes in those old texts, we discover an incredible wealth of wisdom regarding human interaction and harmony.  For several hundred thousand years, our forefathers lived in hunter-gatherer bands.  There, they recognized their interdependence and need for cooperation.  Much of what was learned in these egalitarian societies has been preserved through oral and then written tradition.

This awareness offers a new appreciation for many of the admonitions contained in sacred texts.  As children, we are subject to the household rules and values set forth and enforced by our parents.  When we reach adulthood, we establish our own homes free from that authority.  Nevertheless, we typically continue to observe many of the precepts from our childhood, not due to fear of punishment, but because we recognize the validity of the guiding principles.

In a similar fashion, a large segment of our modern age has declared its independence from the dictates of religion.  Unfortunately, there is currently no alternative widely accepted contemporary social institution that is focused primarily on personal character development and cultural solidarity.  Consequently, we are like children who have lost their parents.  Some are mature enough to appreciate the traditional values.  However, others seem to exhibit an adolescent preoccupation with their own interests and generally disregard the welfare of the rest of the family.

It is little wonder that the world seems to overflow with conflict and severe inequities.  In light of this reality, can we afford to overlook the wisdom of people who understood how to live together in peace?  Perhaps it is time for some social maturity that allows us to openly embrace the values presented in scriptures without a need to affirm deity or fear the reproach of sceptics.

When we lay aside the issue of the divinity of Jesus, we recognize that he is the personification of our human aspirations.  He is the fulfillment of who we want to be; who we ought to be; who we can become when we place our faith in the possibility of our ultimate potential.  Over the years, many have suggested that the world would be a better place if people simply lived more like Jesus.  When we consider him or other spiritual leaders as role models, it becomes apparent that their formulas for personal salvation are secondary to the redemptive potential these spiritual paths could have for all of humanity.

Is there better advice than what Jesus is credited with saying in the Sermon on the Mount?  “Blessed are the peacemakers … love your enemies … pray for them who spitefully use you … turn the other cheek … go the second mile….”  The message of sacrificing oneself for others is captured in the Gospel of John where Jesus is quoted as saying, “No greater love has any man than this, than he lay down his life for his friends.” 

Is there a better description of love than what is attributed to the apostle Paul in the 13^th chapter of first Corinthians?

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have {the gift of} prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.  And if I give all my possessions to feed {the poor,} and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.  Love is patient, love is kind {and} is not jealous; love does not brag {and} is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong {suffered,} does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails...." (I Corinthians 13:1-8 N.A.S.B.)

Over several centuries following Buddha’s death, the oral traditions preserving his teachings were compiled into a book known as the Dhammapada.  Like the Bible, several versions currently exist.  Nevertheless, they contain similar affirmations that convey the core message of Buddhism; the importance of attaining enlightenment, right thinking, right living, loving kindness towards all creatures, and a commitment to communal harmony.

The Dhammapada is not a narrative intended to be read extensively at a single sitting.  Instead, more than 400 verses convey simple, easily understood precepts for contemplation and meditation.  Many of the affirmations present deep truths using colorful imagery.

Consider the following:

1.      All that we are is the result of what we have thought.  It is founded on our thoughts. It is made up of our thoughts.  If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him, as the wheel follows the foot of the ox that draws the carriage.

2.      All that we are is the result of what we have thought.  It is founded on our thoughts. It is made up of our thoughts.  If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him like a shadow that never leaves him.

13. As rain breaks through an ill-thatched house, passion will break through an unreflecting mind.

14. As rain does not break through a well-thatched house, passion will not break through a well-reflecting mind.

145. Irrigators regulate the waters, fletchers straighten arrow shafts, carpenters shape wood, and the good control themselves.

162. Just as a single creeper strangles the tree on which it grows, even so, a man who is exceedingly depraved harms himself as only an enemy might wish.

While Buddhism was spreading throughout India, Confucianism and Taoism were emerging in China.  I have found philosophical Taoism to be compatible with my personal cosmic views.  Lao Tzu, the father of Taoism, is credited with authoring the Tao Te Ching, a revered text among Taoists.  It is rather short and concise, yet incredibly profound.  Its brevity may be due in part to one of its observations, “Those who know don’t speak.  Those who speak don’t know.”

In a world that is currently embroiled in armed conflict in numerous locations and a nation that experiences more than 30,000 firearm homicides annually, is there a more pertinent view than what was offered by Lau Tzu 2,500 years ago?

31

Weapons are the tools of violence;

all decent men detest them.

Weapons are the tools of fear;

a decent man will avoid them

except in the direst necessity

and, if compelled, will use them

only with the utmost restraint.

Peace is his highest value.

If the peace has been shattered,

how can he be content?

His enemies are not demons,

but human beings like himself.

He doesn't wish them personal harm.

Nor does he rejoice in victory.

How could he rejoice in victory

and delight in the slaughter of men?

He enters a battle gravely,

with sorrow and with great compassion,

as if he were attending a funeral.

There is no direct English translation of the word “Tao.”  Generally, it means “the way,” but a more accurate understanding might be the natural way things occur in the universe.  Consider this definition and the impact it would have on our national politics if applied to the following passage from the Tao Te Ching:

61

When a country obtains great power,

it becomes like the sea:

all streams run downward into it.

The more powerful it grows,

the greater the need for humility.

Humility means trusting the Tao,

thus never needing to be defensive.

A great nation is like a great man:

When he makes a mistake, he realizes it.

Having realized it, he admits it.

Having admitted it, he corrects it.

He considers those who point out his faults

as his most benevolent teachers.

He thinks of his enemy

as the shadow that he himself casts.

If a nation is centered in the Tao,

if it nourishes its own people

and doesn't meddle in the affairs of others,

it will be a light to all nations in the world.

(Translations by Stephen Mitchell)

Most diamonds are mined from deep within the earth.  To the untrained eye, they appear to be nothing more than common rocks.  However, when they have been cut and polished, their true value becomes apparent.  In a similar fashion, reflecting on texts from antiquity may require sorting through outdated concepts of the origin of the cosmos, descriptions of the afterlife, and doctrines regarding the proper way to access the “right” path, but in the midst of this surrounding material lie precious gems of universal wisdom.

When we mindfully consider the spiritual and philosophical writings of previous generations, their music and art, it becomes evident that these are expressions from minds and hearts that spent countless hours in silent contemplation prayer, and meditation.  Undistracted by the din of modern electronic media, they were able to explore the depths of their inner being and bring forth treasures that are still capable of inspiring us today. 

Shifting Foundations

For centuries, many viewing a map of the Atlantic Ocean have observed the manner in which the coastlines of the western and eastern hemispheres appear ideally suited to fit together like puzzle pieces.  Of course this was dismissed as mere coincidence.  After all, everyone knew that land could not move.  So, the idea was seen as insignificant.

That all began to change in the twentieth century as the theory of plate tectonics was developed and later confirmed.  We gradually realized that the solid immovable earth beneath our feet was not as stable as it appears.  Armed with this new understanding of continental drift, scientists  have discovered evidence of this phenomenon all around the world.  In fact, we now know that throughout the ages some, and at times all, of the continents have converged into a super continent and then dispersed.

Most of the time, the movement is so slow that it occurs without notice.  However, when pressures build along convergent lines, the sudden release of tension can result in earthquakes tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.    Entire mountain ranges are attributable to the compression and upheaval of regions of our planet’s surface.

What is true of tectonic plates is equally evident in our cultural development.  We tend to think of our sense of reality as a static perception.  Nonetheless, subtle shifts in our collective perspectives are continually occurring. Frequently these transpire without our conscious awareness.  Yet, there are times when the tension between opposing views generates open turmoil.  

Consider the issue of slavery.  For eons people accepted it as a normal aspect of social structure.  Often the spoils of war included the enslavement of defeated warriors and their families.  Though historical records demonstrate that periodically individuals spoke out against the practice, the concentrated effort to end slavery did not begin in earnest until about 300 years ago.  Now the idea is viewed as absolutely abhorrent and there is an international effort to end all forms of illegal human trafficking

Consider the Significant transformation of social attitudes that have occurred over the past one hundred years.  Public opinion regarding women’s rights, child labor laws, same-sex marriage, drunk driving, and smoking in public places have all undergone significant transformations and established new cultural norms.  Clearly ideas are as subject to quantum shifts as any form of matter.

So much of the hostility we witness around the world is due to fear of the changes that are transpiring.  ISIS is a clear example of the fear fundamentalists of all religions are experiencing as they watch modern scientific information and contemporary culture erode their antiquated conceptions of reality.  The strong conservative political effort demonstrated in the recent presidential election depended heavily on fear about the cultural changes that are taking place in our nation.  Although the fearful may be engaging in valent efforts to stem the tide of modernity, eventually rational knowledge will prevail over ignorance.

What new ideological transformations lie in our future?  How would our world be different if the accumulation of extreme wealth was viewed as a crime against society instead of being admired?  What will happen when the demographics of our nation change over the next fifty years and white privilege is no longer a reality?

Yes, change is inevitable, and numerous   questions face us. How peaceful will those transitions be.  Are we willing to participate in the process?  What will be the consequences of allowing others to direct our global future?

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

-Margaret Mead

The Foundations of Reality

If our perception of the natural world is imperfect, the enormous diversity we observe regarding human values, morality, social relationships, sense of meaning, and religion should not be surprising.  Though these perceptions vary widely from one person to another, the process through which they are established and maintained is universal.  The simple truth is that our concepts of the essential aspects of human experience are shaped by the stories we hear, modify, create, internalize, and share with others.

There is no way to overstate the role stories play in this process.  They can inspire us, inform us, frighten us, or fill us with courage. They are such an integral part of our lives that we often fail to recognize their prevalence in our daily experience.  Frequently we think we are merely sharing information, but typically it takes the form of storytelling. 

Stories are so fundamental to our communication because they incorporate key elements of our thought processes.  The very way that we think is referred to as symbolic consciousness.  Thinking is really a matter of stringing symbols together.  Typically, our thoughts consist of words, visual images, auditory memories, feelings and other sensory perceptions.  As we attempt to convey these thoughts to others, the story provides a logical format for presenting all of these symbols in a meaningful way.

Stories come to us in a variety of constructs.  They can be casual exchanges  or, very formal such as books, poems, music, theater, movies, magazines, and so on.  The format may vary, but the result is the same; ideas and feelings are being communicated, not merely information.

Leaders seeking to establish common beliefs and values within groups recognize the important role stories play in social cohesion.  Religion has utilized story-telling for thousands of years to convey their unique cosmology, values, and behavioral expectations for their religious community.  Nations generate stories about their greatness, moral purity, and superiority over other nations.  Political parties tell tall tales that extol their virtues and demonize their opponents.

The stories that we hear from outside sources play a vital role in our interaction with others.  However, the most important tales in our lives are the ones that we are constantly telling ourselves.  Those stories lie just below our conscious awareness and function much like an operating system in a computer.  They influence our perceptions, likes and dislikes, our decisions, attitudes, actions and reactions.

I believe that there are actually three core stories that are continually engaged in unconscious interaction.  The significance we attach to each one determines its influence on the composition of the others.  Together they comprise our understanding of who we are and where we fit into the universe.

1.      The Cosmic Story

Where did we come from?  Was the universe created by an omniscient and omnipotent divine being?  If so, does that being still play an active role in the universe?  If so, is He merciful and compassionate, or demanding and wrathful?  Does life extend beyond the physical death of humans?  Is there a natural unifying force that produces order in the cosmos?  If so, am I able to harmonize with that force in a way that will influence events in my life?  Perhaps it doesn’t matter what I believe about the cosmos.  Maybe all of this is nothing more than a random occurrence, and life is merely an accidental arrangement of inert atoms.

  2.      The Global Story

What kind of world do we live in?  Is it generally peaceful and safe, or is it harsh and dangerous?  Are the people loving and honest or hateful and untrustworthy?  Are all living organisms completely separate and distinct, or is everything somehow interconnected?  Should we all work together for our common good, or should we each just look out for our own wellbeing?  Are there certain universal truths that apply to our interaction with one another or should everyone merely develop their own value system?  Should humans be concerned about preserving the resources of the planet for future generations, or is the planet and everything on it merely resources to be enjoyed and consumed for our own pleasure and entertainment?

3.      The personal story

Who am I?  Am I loveable, or does everyone hate me and treat me wrong?  Am I intelligent, attractive, and talented, or am I a complete loser?  Am I in control of my life, or am I always the victim of other people and circumstances?  Do I enjoy relationships with others, or is human interaction always uncomfortable and frequently painful?  Do I get a great satisfaction out of helping others, or should people take care of themselves and just leave me alone?   Do I enjoy being alive, or is it just one endless drudgery?

Too frequently the evening news reports accounts of religious terrorists who have committed horrible acts of violence.  However, using the model presented here, it is actually possible to understand what could motivate an individual to strap on an explosive device, walk into a crowded market place and detonate it with the full knowledge that they and all those around them will be killed or injured?  Clearly the suicide bomber has embraced cosmic and global stories that have created a harsh perception of reality.  Undoubtedly spiritual leaders and fellow believers have helped to cultivate their personal story that extols the virtues of martyrdom.  In the light of these perceptions, the actions of these “martyrs” are completely logical.

For this individual, God is very demanding and must be obeyed.  Because unbelievers are violating His authority, it becomes the responsibility of each true believer to do whatever they need to in order to bring about changes in the world that will enhance God’s influence.  What we are observing are individuals who are so committed to this view of reality that their own lives are insignificant when compared to the ultimate goal of achieving complete worldwide theocracy.

Though we may never share a particular perspective, taking time to consider the foundations of and individual’s reality can frequently bring perplexing behaviors into focus.  Understanding another’s point of reference can be informative.  Understanding our own can be transformative.

Thankfully, none of our core stories are etched in stone.  In fact, they are extremely dynamic and subject to change.  Exposure to a new experience or new information can produce subtle or even profound alterations in the tales we tell ourselves.  Some changes occur because people are easily persuaded.  Other changes are the result of an individual’s willingness to examine the validity of their current stories and modify them based on new understandings. 

Socrates is credited with having said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.”  What stories are we telling ourselves?  What is their source?  Are they true, or merely familiar and comfortable? What changes could we bring about in our lives if we updated our internal dialogue?

In a world that frequently seems to be out of control, Einstein’s observation is quite pertinent: “No problem can be fixed from the same level of consciousness that created it.”  Clearly, humanity needs to awaken to a common concept of reality that will nurture a global culture of mutuality.  Although science is continually expanding our understanding of our common origin, no new story has been articulated yet that can inspire this level of unity. 

Laying the groundwork for a shared foundational sense of reality   is our challenge.  Building upon it will be the task of future generations.

Ultimate Reality

When we consider the monumental issue of reality we need to distinguish between ultimate reality and perceived reality.  Do we exist in a single universe, or in a matrix of multiple parallel universes? Are there merely three dimensions, or ten as proposed by String Theory?  Is the cosmos the creation of a divine being, an evolving universal consciousness, or merely a random accident?  What are black holes and dark matter?

Undoubtedly, there is a single reality that lies in the answers to these questions and many more that we have not even conceptualized.  It is incredibly humbling and rather unsettling, but the truth is that we dwell on the surface of an insignificant planet in a vast ever-expanding universe.  Consequently, our ability to comprehend this ultimate reality is severely limited.  The only certainty is that our understanding is continually changing as additional information becomes available.

Of course, we cannot live on a daily basis with this unfathomable uncertainty, so, we settled for our perception of reality.  Whether or not we are causing micro distortions in the space-time continuum as we drive to work is irrelevant.  Our sensory receptors only register a fraction of the available auditory, visual, tactile, and olfactory spectrums.  Though our concept of the world around us is partial, it has proven to be generally adequate for our day-to-day activities. 

Unfortunately, much of the social conflict we currently observe is due to the intolerant manner  in which many  affirm their perception of reality.  Some adamantly proclaim  outdated world views that were conceptualized in pre -scientific cultures.  Similarly, modern society too often summarily dismisses the wisdom and relevance of religious  traditions regarding our human experience  because they are conveyed through myth and metaphor.  .  If we hope to progress beyond our current awareness, we will need to remain open to alternative ideas which may completely transform our current perceptions.

Given the unfathomable vastness of the cosmos and our miniscule finite place within it, I think a heavy dose of humility is in order.  To dogmatically impose our limited perspective on others is a clear indication that we are ignorant of our own ignorance.  Neither religion, science nor atheism holds a monopoly on the understanding of ultimate reality. 

Instead of boldly proclaiming our knowledge, perhaps we should be like children seeking their way along a forest path in the middle of the night.  If we all just join hands, we can share what we discover with one another and reach the end of our journey with a collective understanding of what we find along the way.  What is really important is that we all stick together and nobody gets left behind.  Maybe that is the most important aspect of the ultimate reality.

At Home Among The Stars

The past few years have been so busy that I have not had time to keep up with this blog.  The last three years were devoted to writing a book.  At this point the manuscript is complete, and I am seeking a publisher or literary agent to handle the search for me.  The title is At Home Among the Stars.  It focuses on a new perspective on our humanity as an aspect of the universe, not the central focus of a metaphysical deity.  Those who may be interested in obtaining the current version of the manuscript may send a request to AtHomeAmongThe Stars@gmail.com.

For the foreseeable future, I intend to share various aspects of what I have written and hope that it will generate feedback from those who may stumble across this blog.  The conclusion of my effort is simply this:

Our generation is living on the surface of an amazing star ship that is streaking through space at a blinding speed towards an unknown destination and an uncertain future.  The presence of our species on this journey is no more guaranteed than that of the dinosaurs.  Any hope we have of creating a sustainable future will require us to actualize our cosmic design, harmonize with the forces of nature, progress beyond a selfish sense of “me” and pass through the gateway of selflessness to a future of “us”.

In the spirit of Quaker tradition, this culmination of my efforts is offered for your consideration.  Some of what is contained here is new, while other ideas are ancient and have been repeatedly presented over thousands of years.  I would not presume to declare that I have discovered the secret of life or anything so grandiose.  Our universe is far too complex to be fully comprehended.  However, this holistic approach has yielded some amazing insights that I would certainly like to share with you.

In all of my exploration, the most important thing I have learned is that spirituality and scientific discovery are not mutually exclusive.  These merely represent two genuine sources of knowledge, intuitive and rational.  Interestingly as science delves deeper into the invisible aspects of our universe, there appears to be a growing harmony between these spheres of understanding.  This harmony is the basis of what I now offer.

As you will see, this is a small book and intentionally so.  I have not attempted to prepare a lavish meal with all of the trimmings.  That is a task that lies beyond the capability of any single individual.  Instead, this is a collection of seeds to be planted, nourished, weeded, and harvested.  Hopefully, any meals produced from it will be large pot-luck dinners where we can all contribute in a spirit of fellowship and harmony.

Enlightenment

I find it fascinating that insights and inspirations are almost universally referred to as “enlightenment.”  I have no idea what the origin of that expression is; however, as widespread as the usage is, it is unlikely that it comes from a single source.  Perhaps it is merely an extension of the natural observation that light makes it easier to see the details of material objects.  What I find so interesting about the expression is that, when conducting brain scans, doctors and researchers look for the portion of the brain that is “lighting up.”  So, I guess the term, enlightened, is completely appropriate.

What does it mean to be spiritually enlightened For the Christian, it might refer to the “new birth” experience or the infilling of the Holy Spirit.  For Hindus and Buddhists, it has a very specific meaning and pertains to an awareness of being one with the universe and free from all desires.

There is a funny story about an exchange between an ancient Buddhist master and one of his students.  In general, Buddhists believe that “true” enlightenment frees one from the various winds of life that can blow us about emotionally.  This particular student had studied for many years under his master’s guidance.  He had moved about 300 miles away, which in those days was quite a journey.  At one point, the student composed a poem and sent it to his master to demonstrate his profound enlightenment.  The master read the poem and wrote on the margin of the parchment, “fart, fart, fart” and returned it.

When the student saw what his master had written, he made the 300 mile arduous journey to obtain an explanation for the apparent insult.  When they met, the master asked if the student felt that he was truly free from the winds of life.  The student insisted that he was.  “Yet,” the master responded “three little farts have blown you all this great way.” 

This certainly illustrates the pitfall of setting enlightenment as a badge of accomplishment.  This, I’m sure, is what is referred to in the Tai Te Ching when we read;

24

He who stands on tiptoe

Doesn’t stand firm.

He who rushes ahead

Doesn’t go far.

He who tries to shine

Dims his own light.

He who defines himself

Doesn’t know who he really is……….

Personally, I don’t think that enlightenment is a single event or a particular spiritual level to attain. On the contrary, whatever enlightenment I have experienced has been like a cosmic road map progressively being unfolded along the way.

For me it has required an honest and open consideration of reality.  It has involved reading, thinking, contemplation, a willingness to acknowledge my mistakes, a recognition that truth may come from a variety of sources other than myself, a willingness to carefully listen to the opinions of others, and an abandonment of my desire to be the “source of wisdom.”  One thing is certain; seeking a deeper understanding of spiritual/cosmic truths is not a path for those who are spiritually or intellectually complacent.  Socrates put it this way, “An unexamined life is not worth living.”

At this point, I have come to the conclusion that the truth I have been seeking has been within me all the time.  It is a matter of clearing out the debris that has accumulated in order for the light of truth to shine.  This is by no means a new understanding, as seen in the following quotes.  From a natural standpoint, I think this knowledge is infused in the ground of being that is the underlying substance of the entire universe.  It is as much a part of us as our DNA.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood.  – John 1:1-5

“A person’s soul may be compared to a transparent ball which is lit from the inside with its own light.  This flame is not only the source of all light and truth, but it eluminates everything around you.  In this state, the soul is free and happy.  Only if it becomes addicted to anything outside you will it become troubled, darkened and impenetrable.  Distractions obstruct the light which shows you the way.” -- Marcus Aurelius (2^nd century AD Roman emperor)

“If a passion embraces you, you should remember that this passionate desire is not a part of your soul, but a dark covering that shuts out the true qualities of your soul.  You should be a lantern for yourself.  Draw close to the light within you and seek no other shelter.”   – Buddhist wisdom

“God is not a distant remote being but a living presence to be discovered in the deep

centre of every human being.”  -- George Gorman

“Do not believe that in religion you cannot trust your intellect.  The force of our intellect must support the foundations of every real faith.” -- William Emery Channing

“Personality is the mask that obscures the divine being which dwells in every person.”  -- Leo Tolstoy

Catching Up

To say that I have been busy over the past eighteen months or so would be an understatement.  During that period I have become an active member of my local Quaker meeting, re-married, sold all of my real estate properties and moved.  While these activities have not left much time for writing, I have grown a great deal personally.

I have been thoroughly enjoying my Quaker experience.  Often, when I tell people that I am a Quaker, it is clear that they don’t know much about the Religious Society of Friends, Quakers.  I get responses like, “Oh yeah, they make really nice furniture,” or, “Don’t they make their women wear bonnets?”  My knowledge was pretty limited before I started doing a little research, but many people confuse Quakers with more conservative groups like the Amish or Mennonites.  The reality is that most of the Quakers in the United States are very contemporary, socially active and often rather liberal.

For me, this fellowship is incredibly comfortable, but two things are of particular importance.  First, there are no doctrinal creeds.  So, I have the freedom to openly embrace my own understanding of the divine.  Second, one of the core beliefs is that “there is that of God in everyone.”  This promotes a wonderfully spiritual community where there is love and mutual concern among the members and toward the world at large. 

It is a spiritual environment that promotes personal growth and development with no pressure to conform to prescribed beliefs.  Instead, there is a focus on “Quaker testimonies.”  These are core values that include simplicity, peace, integrity, community and equality.  I find this to be a much more rational approach to spirituality because values, after all, are the most important aspects of religion.  The stories are merely the symbols used to convey the underlying spiritual truths.  Yet, too often people argue about the details of the stories while the underlying values are trampled underfoot in the tumult.

My hope for our world is that we can progressively move towards a greater acceptance of our differences, a greater awareness of our shared dreams and a greater sense of our interconnection and mutual dependence.