Religion??? Harrumph!!!

Many know that I write a lot of articles and stories related to the human spirit, spirituality, and the human experience. Recently, I've been looking at teachings of various religions. It's my belief that a lot of the core values being taught resonate within all of us. Wisdom has a tendency to have that effect on us.

I also see how many in our society are at odds over religions and spirituality. It is for that very reason that I have always tried to find the middle ground that allows me to write something from a spiritual place without causing any offence. This hasn't always happened as I've lost some members of my entourage, newsletters, and relationships along the way. It's painful to the soul and heart when this happens.

I'm not here to tell anyone what they should believe where religion is concerned. Nonetheless, I do have a positive and powerful message for us all. So wherever you are in your own battle with relgiion and spirituality, if you have ever enjoyed any of my writing, put aside your judgement, park it at the curb, and come read a bit of wisdom.

This isn't about selling or debating your faith, religion, or anything. My writing is really to sell people on themselves! I'm venturing further into controversial subject matter than I ever have and it will sit well with some, might raise the hackles of others. If your hackles are raised, I again say, be curious about why and wonder what baggage you're carrying and then wonder what it is costing you? After all, I'm sharing this from my heart.

Without further ado....

Discovering Your Path and Truth
Kingdom of Heaven is Near

After a number of years with the Christian church, a decision to leave resulted in a deeper journey to self-discovery and spirit. Initially, this journey wanted nothing further to do with Christianity due to perceived shortcomings within the institution of religion. It is a belief that going deeper into the meaning and context of ‘What is the nature of love’ would expand consciousness to embrace more deeply the intent, nature, and teachings that Jesus offered.

After leaving the church, spiritual issues continued to tease consciousness as I fumbled through our modern culture wondering why - secular and religious communities alike - there appeared to be such a spiritual void in our society today. Further study into other religions provided a better understanding of other beliefs, cultures, and people, along with their origins. Studying quantum theory to a degree offered a better understanding of the science of creation. It is important to remember that science has done much to further substantiate religious teachings in many ways over the centuries. Coming back to review the New Testament, this new information offered a correlation between Jesus' teachings and how it fits with many values and beliefs.

Reflecting upon scripture, seeking deeper insight, a walk through a natural setting provided a nurturing atmosphere. Asking for further insight to the meaning of the red-letter phrase recorded in a gospel verse, great learning and perspective demonstrated more fully and simply what Jesus attempted to share with a society 2,000 years ago. This is important to realize as well. There would be no way that Jesus could elaborate his knowing to the people of that time in the context that we can achieve today. He was limited by the societal knowledge and context of that era. Farm people, common people, enslaved people, governed people, people with various religious beliefs and gods, Jews steeped in their religious history and socialization, and so on. He had no other choice than to speak their language.

Today, we have access to much more knowledge and language. So come read the rest of this exquisite reflection.