Thursday, November 29, 2012

Miracle Consciousness & Choice

One of the questions posed in class yesterday was, Do you believe in miracles?

Being God-loving Truth students, the majority of the class raised their hands, including me.

Lonnie, the fierce and logical soul that she is spoke up and said, "It depends on your meaning of miracle."  She took the words right out of my mouth!

If you take David Hume's definition of miracle, a miracle would be anything that defies physics. 

With that definition, I suppose, David Hume would believe in miracles if he saw a construction vehicle levitating in the air.

Dictionary.com defines miracle as the following:
  1. an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause. 
  2. such an effect or event manifesting or considered as a work of God.
  3. a wonder; marvel
  4. a wonderful or surpassing example of some quality: a miracle of modern acoustics
 Source:  http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/miracle?s=t

An example of the first (and maybe the second) definition (depending on who you are talking to) above would be a person whose prognosis is emanate and immediate death, and then suddenly, something happens and they do not die.  Doug's heartfelt example of his mother and her unexpected heart transplant was poignant.

We also talked about modern day technology being considered miracles to our ancestors.  

My definition of what is miracle is much different than any of those.  Perhaps to me, a miracle is being able to recognize the extraordinary in the ordinary.  Thus, miracles, like one's level of consciousness occurs at the level of one's awareness.  Miracles happen with the awareness of being able to recognize, identify, see and appreciate the miracle itself.  Our recognition of a miracle opens our eyes to the miracle.  Life, after all, is consciousness!

Some examples of what I consider a miracle to be are life occurrences that have meaning to me. 
  • conception and birth of a human being
  • a person finding the love of her life, finally breaking the patterns of relationship dysfunction
  • an abused, disadvantaged child being able to function efficiently and effectively in society after self realization and recovery
So then, what about cases of healing and miraculous turn around?  Myrtle and Charles Fillmore, co-founders of Unity are a great example of this.  Both considered to be invalid and through prayer, and mind-action, they healed.  They manifested healing and lifved a full and abundant life.

So, I would add onto my definition of miracle: that which I don't understand.  There are laws, physical laws even, scientific laws in quantum physics I do not understand and I know that I operate on faith in believing in miracles - that miracles occur, whether we understand them, or not. 

And yes, I am aware that I see what I see as miracles simply because I choose to see them that way. Like Albert Eistein, I am a genius.  He says this:  "There are two ways to live your life:  One is as though nothing is a miracle.  The other as though everything is a miracle.   Guess I'm smarter than I look. ~ELF


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

God Shopping...

The first year of seminary is an interesting experience.  For the past few weeks, I have been feeling like I am on a top speed freight train.  Everything seems to move by quickly, without ever enough time to process and simmer. 

So I have been in my quiet space the past few weeks, allowing the concepts and ideas that I have learned (am still learning) to "simmer."  I needed some time to process God.  Admittedly, I am not one to "talk talk talk" about it.  My process is to simply allow what is to be, to process, to feel uncomfortable...and to settle.

Short of an existential crisis, my concept of God is morphing..and what a incredibly strange experience that is!  For a while, I allowed myself to simply be with the discomfort of knowing that I am exactly where I needed to be.

I have felt however, in exploring the various concepts of God, that I simply needed to figure out which label I choose to impose on myself.  In a sense, it feels as though I am shopping for an appropriate "God" label. 

So the question is, what kind of "eist" am I?

Here are the things that I know, through the process of elimination, I am not:

  • I am not a theist, that is, I do not believe that one deity exist.  
  • I am not a deist, I do not believe that God created the universe and abandoned it, assuming no control over life, exerting no influence on natural phenomena, and giving no supernatural revelation.

I was all ready to accept that I am an atheists, that is, I reject the notion that any deities exits.
And then, I get to grapple with the term panthesim and panentheism.

Pantheism is a belief that in everything, there is God.  That is, God is the universe.  Panenthesim is a belief that everything is within God and God is in the universe and beyond.

The next term I grappled with is monotheistic Panentheism, which, if I understand correctly is one way of saying the one presence and one power is God and God is in the universe and beyond. 

Whew!  That is a mouthful and I shall allow that to stay until THAT becomes stable!

So then, What the heck do I believe?  I return to my definition of "Truth."

Is there a God?  Yes.

To me, God still exist, although it is not an anthropomorphic Hebrew Bible J writer's God. I believe that there is The Truth.  This Truth is God - unknowable, unspeakable, unfathomable, perhaps undefinable.  Larger than the cosmos, bigger than the universe, unending.

The Truth:  We all have our idea of what the Truth is, religions all over the Earth express Truth in one fashion or another.  We are all expressions of the Truth.  That is why I honor the diversity of faiths across our planet.   But there is only one Truth - and this is God.   ~ELF

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Reframing Religion as Part Education



One definition of the word education is “the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life.”  (Dictionary.com, 10/10/2012)  

Our theology class, as I expected, has brought many issues that have been scarfed in the back of my mind to the forefront.  I’m not sure what to do with all that.  Thanks a lot, Dr. Tom – you’re not just making me think, you’re asking me to self-inquire, research, scratch my head and actually come up with an opinion!  Darn the “powers of reasoning and judgment!” 

In this academic setting, I truly am preparing myself to be intellectual and ready for a ‘mature’ life of critical analysis, I dare think.

For me, intellectual maturity requires that I engage in articulation. Not just solely to restate what the issue is, but to internalize, regurgitate it (in my own words), decide how I feel about something, where I stand and then, be able to communicate that in a logical, intellectual, researched-based paper or presentation. 

Wow – that just sounds like a whole lot of graduate level work.  It is time to step up and step out of my indecision shell.  No  more gingerly thinking about this issue or that – whether what I think is right or wrong, but rather, to plunge in, get soaking wet, if I must, with intellectual inquiry and process all that is presented.

One of the most revealing “ah-has” I received in this week’s lecture was the reframing of the simple word ‘religion.’  For the most part, an average American would associate the word religious with the word dogma or have an immediate association of a devote follower of rules and regulations set by a church, temple or synagogue.  Then, I must admit, for most of my life, I saw “religion” through the lens of an average American.

Dr. Tom then pointed out that in most cultures until relatively modern times, religion has been more associated with practices rather than specific beliefs.  Interesting.  It may be so that there is no distinction between religion / practice / belief.  

Culture then, is derived from a group’s religion and religious practices.  From there, arises tradition and cultural norms.  For me, the concept is easier to comprehend when placed in the context of a nomadic tribe as I can see how religion (practices) leads way to their culture.  (i.e. a worship in the sea lends way to the reverent practices of bowing to the sea).

It is interesting to contemplate practice versus culture in the group of people who consider themselves “Spiritual but not religious (SBNR).” This group, while considering themselves ‘not religious’ are also non-secular.  Statistics show that 33% of the American population consider themselves SBNR.*  

* (10/11/2012 - http://www.nowpublic.com/culture/statistics-show-33-americans-spiritual-not-religious)

So what is their religion in the context of practices?  It is interesting to consider what, exactly, that label means.  Is it simply a label used to say, “I believe in a higher power, just not in organized religion as I do not care for the dogma and the means of control of how I practice my religion.”  
Perhaps it is a statement to mean, “I believe in a higher power but I do not have any practices that are associated with it.”  

Is it self categorized to distance from the practices of our conservative Judeo-Christian culture?  As a community, perhaps we have gotten to a point where we just simply reject the traditions and practices of one religion.  It may be that empirical knowledge has lead way to the SBNR movement.  There is actually a church in Michigan that is called the “Spiritual But Not Religious Church” claiming “All religions contain some wisdom, but not one religion contains all wisdom.” (http://www.sbnr.org/)

Finding this information broadens my understanding and tolerance for traditional, organized religion – I get that it is the practices of the group that actually brings everyone together.  This includes practices that are unappealing to me.  Just because it may not work for me personally does not mean I cannot be delighted that there are people who carry on practices and traditions of their religious group.  It’s none of my bees wax what they believe, right?  Diversity is what makes the world an interesting place and it should be celebrated!

What about Unity and new thought – are we Christian or part of the SBNR movement?  Although the Unity movement is founded on Christianity, much of our practices are eastern (particularly Buddhist), relating to meditation, silence, surrender.  

Our tradition and practice of meditation, going into The Silence, prayer, Sunday celebration services are, in fact, our ‘religious’ practice – this leads way to the culture of who we are and is the driving force of what we do as a movement.

New Thought has helped me reframe much of my perspective in the world:  to see things right, rather to make them right – to see them differently, to hold a different thought in mind so that results of what appears is manifested consciously – to live in harmony with what is.

My home church in Portland, Oregon had placed a sign posting, “Spiritual, but nor Religious” and attendance increased by approximately 10% for the month it was posted.  It would appear to me that religious rebels and folks who are considered ‘faithless’ in the conservative, traditional sense would most likely classify themselves as SBNR.  

I suspect that practices are not yet defined for this relatively new ‘religious group’ of the larger SBNR movement – it may be too soon to tell.  (hhhmmm..The Religion (practices) of The Spiritual But Not Religious Movement - interesting!)

The lesson here in the word ‘religion’ is part of my process of education.  While words are basically just symbols of what the actual is, it is a tool of knowledge and understanding.  Reframing and looking closely at terminology is part of my spiritual growth.  

 Looking deeply and at what matters for me helps me define my limits, preferences and choices.  I can have a deeper understanding and appreciation of where others are coming from, support them in their spiritual growth, and truly live in a world that works for all.  ~ ELF

(As an aside, the political satire columns of The Onion" has a recent piece from a Catholic priest.  I do believe he is one of my favorites.  Enjoy!)

http://www.theonion.com/articles/priest-religious-but-not-really-spiritual,17373/)

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Me, Theologian?

It is the 2nd week of classes...and I keep hearing my teacher call me (us students) "Theologians." 

A passing thought came to me last night, "How did I come to be considered a theologian?"  Yes, of course, Stone and Duke in How to Think Theologically states, "To be Christian is to be a theologian.  There are no exceptions."

... None, really?

What if I considered myself an ecclectic Christian, embracing all faiths - does that still make me a Theologian?  or Christian, for that matter?  Can I be both?

How did I, who was reared Buddhist, and a self-professed religious rebel come to be considered a theologian?  Admittedly, I have always visualized a theologian to be a thinker - a philosopher that grows a white beard, male, intellectual, aged, authoritative and living a monastic life, with little or no interface with the world.  How do I fit in this outdated visual I have in my head?  Sounds like I need a new perspective!

I have always considered myself a bhakti, living my life one heart-centered moment at a time.  But now, what..What is Life asking of me?  I need not simply to take my head along, but use it too??

I came to Unity Institute to deepen my spiritual walk and to learn how to apply time-tested universal principles to my life. I love the Unity concept and embrace Unity teachings because they are indeed positive, practical pluses that have helped me live an amazing life.  I came here to learn to help others.

Right now, I feel like I need some help of my own in the overwhelm of having too many questions (...someone make it stop!)

I find myself now constantly grappling with issues of Ultimate Concern:  life and death, the nature of God, the metaphysical theology of sin, good and evil, sense consciousness and the nature of religion versus spirituality and more.    Questions that go round and round, without a provable answer, to which, I end up affirming that my faith is what I choose to believe.

My spouse, on the other hand, is a brilliant thinker and philosopher - he loves to think and talk in philosophical terms.  One of the most admirable qualities about him is the critical way in which he has been trained to look at an issue and be able to ask the right questions...and then proceed to give arguments for both sides.   It appears to be so fluid and easy for him to identify the issues, discuss, compare and contrast and make points that support his argument.  He is a master at thinking critically on his feet and loving conflict - I celebrate him for that! 

As for me, I feel so envious of that ability!  It is a gift to be able to pick up any issue, at any time, anywhere of the day and argue and debate for the sake of debate itself.  I wonder if that is an innate ability, inclination or a learned skill?

As a "Theologian" on training wheels, I grapple with whether or not I am even asking the right questions  , let alone figure out what answers are available to me...and if I do not see the answer I like, can I make it up as I go along?  This is after all, the study of God , and who, really is the authority??

I know it is a time for deep personal spiritual growth (through the exercise of my amazing intellect, of course -- gosh, I hope it doesn't hurt!).

There is a deep yearning within to know, to learn, to understand (especially to 'get' those whose believes differ so much from my own) and yes, even to grapple. 

There is a well-spring of non-stop questioning that goes through my consciousness.  Even though I do feel a bit overwhelmed with the internal process in which I am currently experiencing (It is like a non stop question factory), it is time for  ownership. 

And I am ready (deep breath)...well, as ready as a child learning to ride a bicycle for the first time! 

Timid, a bit nervous, but ready to take it on!

...and who knows, someday, perhaps ... with some skill and practice, I may even be able to let go of the handle bars!   ~ELF

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Peace Within

My thoughts this morning are centered around peace within in the context of disagreement.

Aside from the obvious of why it is difficult for people to live and let live and agree to disagree with one another, my question is how peace is cultivated and sustained from within.

There is the outer peace making, and then there is the inner true essence of not simply being peaceful, but being peace.

In the face of conflict, it may be that I say to a respected colleague, I see your point of view, and I respectfully disagree.  Your position is such and such and I do not see it that way.  As Dr. Tom says, you see things differently, and that makes you my equal.  When we use the method versus content model in understanding another's point of view, we are practicing peace.

When we practice the method versus content model in peace making, we are looking specifically at the method in which a conclusion is drawn, and not at all on the content of the subject.

The point above is most interesting to me as I am reminded that every person sees the world from a certain orientation, biased based on upbringing, culture, education, socio-economic orientation in life. 

No one can escape or deny this - all of the programming, heritage, culture and DNA that we carry around is part of our manifestation.  Only by awareness of this programming and background, and how it positions our lenses can we understand that we are no different from the other.  My theology, and what I choose to believe is that there is no other.  There is only one, and the one is the healing harmonizing power of love.

As the song goes: "There ain't no good guys, there ain't no bad guys.  There's only you  and I and we just disagree."

So how do I practice peace in a world of conflict?  Shall I sit in my ivory tower and pray and meditate all day?  How shall I descend on 'real life' and join other human beings in practicing, cultivating and developing peaceful and (dare I say, loving) ways of conflict resolution?
 
It is human nature to care and be passionate about a topic that is considered dear and near to the heart - let's say, for example - the "simple" topic of life versus choice.   The common denominator is, of course, the question of morality - whether we have the right to abort a fetus.

When we look at the content of this issue, we see the distinctly different perspectives:  One sees that life begins at conception.  The other side sees that life is not viable until a certain stage of development in the womb. 

In examining the methodology, we can see the reason behind the conclusion of what is.  And from there, we can have a conversation of not right or wrong, but to have a means of understanding.

I believe that asking the right questions will inspire the right answers:
  • So how do we stay centered in such a deeply personal conversation and maintain the utmost respect for the other?
  • We know that there is a possibility to co-exist in a world with different ideals, values and practices.  But how do we truly cultivate a world that works for all?     
  • What is our own personal spiritual practice so that we do not get caught up in the conversation, lose perspective and advocate peace?  
  • How do we bring our spiritual best into practical use?   

It may sound like a total cliche, but I truly believe that peace begins with me. 

Learning to be peace is not easy, but I do believe it is possible for each and everyone of us, should we honestly and authentically chose it for ourselves.  It is a life long work to remember wisdom and then, we must choose to grow up (Spiritually) so that we can implement the wisdom itself.

It takes a consciousness of knowing that I am not my programming, not my thoughts, not my ideals, not my values, not my emotions.  Remembering and centering on the knowing that what I am in Spirit, in a human incarnation.

It is a life long quest to come into full awareness of our programming (Orientation, biases, etc), to allow the skin of who we think we are to dissolve and to learn peace by seeing love in all.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

On Remembering Spirit Itself: A Theological Snapshot



I humbly concede that the God of my understanding is ever-evolving.  And it is not to say that God ever changes, but that my consciousness of God is constantly changing, evolving as I awaken and practice, moment by moment, to know God.  My knowing of God is not finite and is always deepening. 

My current belief in God is that It is everywhere present, and not “out there” as I believed when I was child.  To me, God simply “is.”  God is integrated in all of everything – presence, power, life, love and light itself.  The expression of God is expressed through the consciousness of each being.  We are all points of God in expression, and we manifest through our individual (and in many ways the collective human) consciousness.  God expresses in us, through us, as us in all that we say, do and think (pray).  It is the level of individual consciousness that ignites God within to attract and manifest what we experience and have around us.   

In faith, I have decided to realize God as Absolute good and that It creatively reveals to me what I need to see, learn and awaken to in the exact way that I need.  Regardless of appearances and circumstances, I choose to believe that all people, places, events in my life are for me with big blessings, to help me realize the nature of what I am – Spirit in the process of remembering Itself.  

With regard to my remembering of what I am in this life, I am aware that the ego is cunning, self-righteous, argumentative and always justifying.  In times when I catch myself feeling superior or arrogant or the need to be “better than” I immediately know it is God within, reminding me that there is work to be done.  

Especially in moments when I am all caught up in being human, I try to remember that the feelings, emotions and appearances of any lack of good (or lack of flow) is but an illusion – a paradox of the all good that exists.

I believe that God is so good that even when I think all is lost, I know to remember that Divine Order is always in play.  This is the consciousness that I currently hold, and I behold and see the Christ within all people (everywhere, in all circumstances) while I learn to get over being a human being.  This is God revealing and expressing as Evelyn Lo Foreman.

My favorite affirmation is self-authored: 
I am divinely guided in all that I do.
I am Spirit on a self-correcting path.
With every conscious breath I take, I align with the purpose of my being.
God reveals itself to me as I listen to what is mine to do.
Moment to moment, I know what I am and I know that I am what I am.
God is…I am.
And so it is, as it ever was…Amen!

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