God does not punish us.
Therefore there can be no hell.
Hell is totally out of character with a loving God.
God does not even hate His own enemies.
He understands what motivated them to turn against Him.
i.e. The testimony of the religious authorities - the descendants of the Pharisees.
God loves His enemies and wishes to reconcile them - like the lost sheep in the parable.
Sunday, 30 September 2012
Saturday, 29 September 2012
The Great Commandment.
God gently nudges us in the right direction.
He suggests and hints.
Then He withdraws and leaves a space.
This space is there for us to grow into.
To put into practice what we have learned.
The greatest thing we learn is to love.
To give love is its own reward.
What is the purpose and meaning of life?
To give and receive love.
Love God and love your neighbor.
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
All else flows from this :
If we love those around us we will treat them justly - i.e. not according to status, power, or privilege.
We will be generous and forgiving, sensitive and compassionate.
We will not oppress others (the poor or the wicked).
Neither will we ignore their pleas for help.
Love one another.
This is the great commandment.
He suggests and hints.
Then He withdraws and leaves a space.
This space is there for us to grow into.
To put into practice what we have learned.
The greatest thing we learn is to love.
To give love is its own reward.
What is the purpose and meaning of life?
To give and receive love.
Love God and love your neighbor.
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
All else flows from this :
If we love those around us we will treat them justly - i.e. not according to status, power, or privilege.
We will be generous and forgiving, sensitive and compassionate.
We will not oppress others (the poor or the wicked).
Neither will we ignore their pleas for help.
Love one another.
This is the great commandment.
Friday, 28 September 2012
The Forgiving One.
What we see in the Koran is what we see in the Old Testament :
God is compassionate and merciful but.....
The prophets seek to apply conditions to God's love.
They fear that sinful humanity will not do God's will without punishments.
This attitude results in prophecies of the Judgment, the End Times, and the Last Day.
None of this is true.
There is no Judgment, no End Times, no Last Day.
"'Why do the wicked live on, reach old age, and grow mighty in power? Their children are established in their presence, and their offspring before their eyes. Their houses are safe from fear, and no rod of God is upon them.'" Job 21:7-9 (NRSV)
There is no evidence that God punishes us at all.
Why would this be different after death?
In Indian philosophy we are exhorted to non-violence, ahimsa = harmlessness.
Why would God tell us to practice non-violence if He was violent Himself?
Therefore, as there is no punishment, there can be no hell (which is eternal punishment).
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
God is compassionate and merciful but.....
The prophets seek to apply conditions to God's love.
They fear that sinful humanity will not do God's will without punishments.
This attitude results in prophecies of the Judgment, the End Times, and the Last Day.
None of this is true.
There is no Judgment, no End Times, no Last Day.
"'Why do the wicked live on, reach old age, and grow mighty in power? Their children are established in their presence, and their offspring before their eyes. Their houses are safe from fear, and no rod of God is upon them.'" Job 21:7-9 (NRSV)
There is no evidence that God punishes us at all.
Why would this be different after death?
In Indian philosophy we are exhorted to non-violence, ahimsa = harmlessness.
Why would God tell us to practice non-violence if He was violent Himself?
Therefore, as there is no punishment, there can be no hell (which is eternal punishment).
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
Hell.
In the end times section of Daniel the beast is defeated in battle and "put to death, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire." Daniel 7:11b (NRSV)
This refers to the ancient practice of burning the bodies of the dead on the battlefield.
There is nothing supernatural about it.
In Revelation, where the end times passages of all the prophets are combined and exaggerated, this becomes the unquenchable fires of hell, reserved for Satan and his followers.
This is an exaggeration of the normal practice of burning the bodies of the dead after battle.
Therefore hell does not exist in reality.
It is a fabrication.
This is the lesser understanding's approach to evil - to battle against it, defeat it, and destroy it.
This is not Jesus' approach - Jesus says, "'Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also'". Matthew 5:39 (NRSV)
This refers to Jesus teaching of non-violent non-cooperation.
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
This refers to the ancient practice of burning the bodies of the dead on the battlefield.
There is nothing supernatural about it.
In Revelation, where the end times passages of all the prophets are combined and exaggerated, this becomes the unquenchable fires of hell, reserved for Satan and his followers.
This is an exaggeration of the normal practice of burning the bodies of the dead after battle.
Therefore hell does not exist in reality.
It is a fabrication.
This is the lesser understanding's approach to evil - to battle against it, defeat it, and destroy it.
This is not Jesus' approach - Jesus says, "'Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also'". Matthew 5:39 (NRSV)
This refers to Jesus teaching of non-violent non-cooperation.
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
Thursday, 27 September 2012
The Powers.
Take no notice of the powers that be - their religion and their precepts.
For it has always been, since the time of the Pharaohs, that men and women usurp the power of God and rule through violence and fear.
Mercy.
Jesus said, "'Go and learn what this means, "I desire mercy not sacrifice."'" Matthew 9 :13a (NRSV)
This refers to Hosea 6:6 "For I desire steadfast love not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings." (NRSV)
And Micah 6:6-8 "'With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with tens of thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul*?' He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (NRSV)
* This would seem to refer to child sacrifice in ancient times - this is reflected in the story of Abraham and Isaac, which may signal the end of this practice.
Psalm 50:13-14 "Do I eat the flesh of bulls. or drink the blood of goats? Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving*, and pay you vows to the Most High" (NRSV)
* In another translation - a thankful heart.
This progression would indicate that ancient religious practices kept in ignorance were superseded by more enlightened practices. In this case living a better life is preferred by God to ritual sacrifices.
In Ezekiel the idea that God punishes families to the third and fourth generation is replaced by individual responsibility.
So our understanding of God evolves according to our ability to understand.
When Jesus comes this understanding is further progressed. Jesus taught us to love God and neighbor and to love our enemies.
Now our understanding is progressing to supersede ideas like judgment and hell, death and punishment, original sin and redemption.
God punishes no one.
His love is for each of His children to the least.
Rather than taking things literally we should see the spirit of scripture - the vibe.
Know what goodness is - not the dark side of hatred, revenge, and violence; but the light of love, forgiveness, and non-violence.
"to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with you God." Micah 6:8b (NRSV)
"'I desire mercy not sacrifice." Matthew 12 :7 (NRSV)
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
This refers to Hosea 6:6 "For I desire steadfast love not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings." (NRSV)
And Micah 6:6-8 "'With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with tens of thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul*?' He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (NRSV)
* This would seem to refer to child sacrifice in ancient times - this is reflected in the story of Abraham and Isaac, which may signal the end of this practice.
Psalm 50:13-14 "Do I eat the flesh of bulls. or drink the blood of goats? Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving*, and pay you vows to the Most High" (NRSV)
* In another translation - a thankful heart.
This progression would indicate that ancient religious practices kept in ignorance were superseded by more enlightened practices. In this case living a better life is preferred by God to ritual sacrifices.
In Ezekiel the idea that God punishes families to the third and fourth generation is replaced by individual responsibility.
So our understanding of God evolves according to our ability to understand.
When Jesus comes this understanding is further progressed. Jesus taught us to love God and neighbor and to love our enemies.
Now our understanding is progressing to supersede ideas like judgment and hell, death and punishment, original sin and redemption.
God punishes no one.
His love is for each of His children to the least.
Rather than taking things literally we should see the spirit of scripture - the vibe.
Know what goodness is - not the dark side of hatred, revenge, and violence; but the light of love, forgiveness, and non-violence.
"to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with you God." Micah 6:8b (NRSV)
"'I desire mercy not sacrifice." Matthew 12 :7 (NRSV)
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
Paradise.
At the beginning of the Bible paradise is a garden - Eden = nature.
At the end of the Bible paradise is a city - New Jerusalem = civilization.
Projecting.
One of the ways that we image the Divine is as an authority figure like the king or lord.
And we project the behavior of the king or lord onto God, i.e. we image God as punitive, even cruel.
In my experience God is never punitive or cruel.
God transcends these things.
God is always patient and kind, forgiving, merciful, and compassionate.
Why would God tell us to be compassionate if He was not compassionate Himself?
Why would God tell us to be non-violent if He was not non-violent Himself?
The Father is another example of projecting our experience of our own fathers onto God, i.e. the dispenser of punishments, harsh and distant, a disciplinarian.
These are subconscious associations with God's Titles.
But it is love that counts.
The mind may be open and full of light, even enlightened, but the center is in the heart.
If you have not love it is nothing.
And we project the behavior of the king or lord onto God, i.e. we image God as punitive, even cruel.
In my experience God is never punitive or cruel.
God transcends these things.
God is always patient and kind, forgiving, merciful, and compassionate.
Why would God tell us to be compassionate if He was not compassionate Himself?
Why would God tell us to be non-violent if He was not non-violent Himself?
The Father is another example of projecting our experience of our own fathers onto God, i.e. the dispenser of punishments, harsh and distant, a disciplinarian.
These are subconscious associations with God's Titles.
But it is love that counts.
The mind may be open and full of light, even enlightened, but the center is in the heart.
If you have not love it is nothing.
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
Dualism.
Once again these principles of dualism, which we experience in the world, we confuse with the nature of God.
One definition of the divine is that it transcends evil and sin.
To transcend dualism does not mean to mingle the pairs of opposites :
light and darkness, good and evil, right and wrong etc..
Nor does it justify evil.
The divine is all good.
Without shadow.
Omniscient and omnipotent.
The new paradigm is holistic.
"the Lord will be one and his name one" Zechariah 14:9b (NRSV)
On the earth we experience light and shadow, good fortune and misfortune.
But no good man is entirely good and no bad man is entirely bad.
We make the mistake of projecting this dualism onto the deity rather than experiencing the divine directly.
The definition of an authentic spiritual experience is that it has a wholly positive outcome.
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
One definition of the divine is that it transcends evil and sin.
To transcend dualism does not mean to mingle the pairs of opposites :
light and darkness, good and evil, right and wrong etc..
Nor does it justify evil.
The divine is all good.
Without shadow.
Omniscient and omnipotent.
The new paradigm is holistic.
"the Lord will be one and his name one" Zechariah 14:9b (NRSV)
On the earth we experience light and shadow, good fortune and misfortune.
But no good man is entirely good and no bad man is entirely bad.
We make the mistake of projecting this dualism onto the deity rather than experiencing the divine directly.
The definition of an authentic spiritual experience is that it has a wholly positive outcome.
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
Monday, 24 September 2012
Good News.
I am not seeking glory for myself.
But I know the Father and can tell you of His ways.
Shocking and inconvenient as they may be.
Many have greatly desired this day and not experienced it.
Blessed are we who bring you God's word.
Difficult and painful as that may be.
But we do not murmur against God.
For we know His ways are good and fair.
He knows so much better than us.
We bring you good news:
No one will perish.
Open your hearts!
Give love to all!.
Love God!
And He will draw near.
But I know the Father and can tell you of His ways.
Shocking and inconvenient as they may be.
Many have greatly desired this day and not experienced it.
Blessed are we who bring you God's word.
Difficult and painful as that may be.
But we do not murmur against God.
For we know His ways are good and fair.
He knows so much better than us.
We bring you good news:
No one will perish.
Open your hearts!
Give love to all!.
Love God!
And He will draw near.
Success?
Working backwards from the answer Satanists in the music and entertainment industries believe that a person who rebels against God and commits himself to worldly goals - forsaking everything that God has taught us and doing the opposite - will automatically succeed.
It is as if Satan is the god of this world and his ways succeed on earth. And it can often seem that way.
They believe that everyone is in Satan's power.
This, however, is not the case.
Satan does not exist in reality.
So we cannot be in his power.
Nor can they sell their souls to him.
Nor can he reward them for their deeds.
So practicing Satanism - principles of hatred, violence, revenge, torture etc.. - is pointless.
They are creating great suffering for no reason.
For despite the fact that Satan does not exist their deeds still affect us - negative input, hatred, violence (physical, emotional, spiritual), malice, sabotage, drugs, divorce.....all these things they do while disguising themselves as good.
Most people believe that they are good because they take everything at face value and the Satanists are very careful how they manipulate their image.
This is backwards and forwards.
Backwards (magic) to create success - money and sex etc..
Forwards to cover it up.
But they are evil by choice.
And if they can be exposed - i.e. break the spell that hides their activities - then people will see them for what they are - evil.
And it is not just heavy metal either - it is all rock music and more: sport , movies, novels etc..
A constant diet of evil and sabotage designed to lead you astray and lead you to death and damnation.
But this will not happen.
Death is a theological fiction.
Damnation is a human construct.
Their ultimate purpose is to get everyone worshiping Satan.
They want us to hate God; be bad; live for sex and pleasure; court money, possessions, and status; desecrate the holy; destroy the Church.....
And they think it creates success?
It is as if Satan is the god of this world and his ways succeed on earth. And it can often seem that way.
They believe that everyone is in Satan's power.
This, however, is not the case.
Satan does not exist in reality.
So we cannot be in his power.
Nor can they sell their souls to him.
Nor can he reward them for their deeds.
So practicing Satanism - principles of hatred, violence, revenge, torture etc.. - is pointless.
They are creating great suffering for no reason.
For despite the fact that Satan does not exist their deeds still affect us - negative input, hatred, violence (physical, emotional, spiritual), malice, sabotage, drugs, divorce.....all these things they do while disguising themselves as good.
Most people believe that they are good because they take everything at face value and the Satanists are very careful how they manipulate their image.
This is backwards and forwards.
Backwards (magic) to create success - money and sex etc..
Forwards to cover it up.
But they are evil by choice.
And if they can be exposed - i.e. break the spell that hides their activities - then people will see them for what they are - evil.
And it is not just heavy metal either - it is all rock music and more: sport , movies, novels etc..
A constant diet of evil and sabotage designed to lead you astray and lead you to death and damnation.
But this will not happen.
Death is a theological fiction.
Damnation is a human construct.
Their ultimate purpose is to get everyone worshiping Satan.
They want us to hate God; be bad; live for sex and pleasure; court money, possessions, and status; desecrate the holy; destroy the Church.....
And they think it creates success?
Sunday, 23 September 2012
Universal Principles.
If hatred, revenge, and violence are the dark side of life then love, forgiveness, and harmlessness are the light side.
These are universal principles.
If lies, deception, and cowardice characterize the dark side then truthfulness, honesty, and courage are the light.
Cruelty, murder, stealing, and destructiveness are dark.
Kindness, mercy, contentment, and creativity are light.
Injustice, oppression, persecution, and domination are dark.
Justice, freedom, tolerance, and equality are light.
Miserliness, taking, and selfishness are dark.
Generosity, giving, and selflessness are light.
Cheek, anger, provocation, and corruption are dark.
Respect, calmness, patience, and integrity are light.
War is dark.
Peace is light.
Agitation is dark.
Serenity is light.
Excess is dark.
Moderation is light.
Harsh punishments are dark.
Understanding is light.
Negativity is dark.
Positivity is light.
Cursing is dark.
Blessing is light.
These principles apply no matter what your religion.
These are universal principles.
If lies, deception, and cowardice characterize the dark side then truthfulness, honesty, and courage are the light.
Cruelty, murder, stealing, and destructiveness are dark.
Kindness, mercy, contentment, and creativity are light.
Injustice, oppression, persecution, and domination are dark.
Justice, freedom, tolerance, and equality are light.
Miserliness, taking, and selfishness are dark.
Generosity, giving, and selflessness are light.
Cheek, anger, provocation, and corruption are dark.
Respect, calmness, patience, and integrity are light.
War is dark.
Peace is light.
Agitation is dark.
Serenity is light.
Excess is dark.
Moderation is light.
Harsh punishments are dark.
Understanding is light.
Negativity is dark.
Positivity is light.
Cursing is dark.
Blessing is light.
These principles apply no matter what your religion.
Saturday, 22 September 2012
Reality.
God is merciful, kind, patient, sensitive, beautiful, and loving.
God judges no one.
He knows the reasons why people are as they are.
He knows their childhood and their experience.
God does not interfere.
He does not force Himself on anyone.
In adolescence when we come to know the world with all its faults we become cynical and bitter. This makes us more selfish. We call it being realistic.
But this is not the ultimate Reality.
If we call upon God in our distress He will deliver us.
God knows the violence and darkness of the world.
He sows the light.
We misunderstand it. We rationalize it. We ignore it. We extinguish it.
We alter it to suit ourselves. We misinterpret it.
It has been said that God intervenes when it has become most dark. When the darkness is so black that the light is overcome.
Then God intervenes :
Akhenaten, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Mohammed.....
The time, the place.
It is very dark now.
The new paradigm is Aquarius.
The light is the light of love - unconditional love.
Harmlessness (ahimsa). Trust. Faith. Charity.
Honesty. Equality. Humanitarianism.
Consideration. Compassion. Forgiveness.
All these things radiate from the goodness of God.
But the greatest of all is Love.
God judges no one.
He knows the reasons why people are as they are.
He knows their childhood and their experience.
God does not interfere.
He does not force Himself on anyone.
In adolescence when we come to know the world with all its faults we become cynical and bitter. This makes us more selfish. We call it being realistic.
But this is not the ultimate Reality.
If we call upon God in our distress He will deliver us.
God knows the violence and darkness of the world.
He sows the light.
We misunderstand it. We rationalize it. We ignore it. We extinguish it.
We alter it to suit ourselves. We misinterpret it.
It has been said that God intervenes when it has become most dark. When the darkness is so black that the light is overcome.
Then God intervenes :
Akhenaten, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Mohammed.....
The time, the place.
It is very dark now.
The new paradigm is Aquarius.
The light is the light of love - unconditional love.
Harmlessness (ahimsa). Trust. Faith. Charity.
Honesty. Equality. Humanitarianism.
Consideration. Compassion. Forgiveness.
All these things radiate from the goodness of God.
But the greatest of all is Love.
The Light.
There is no punishment from God.
There is no judgment.
There is no hell.
There is no devil.
The former are projections onto God from humanity.
The last is a concept created by one theory of existence.
It explains why there is evil in a world created by a good God.
There are other explanations :
Humans in their ignorance (darkness) commit sins (errors) which create evil.
There is no need for a supernatural entity called Satan to explain the evils of this world.
Human ignorance is enough.
When babies are born they are cute and seem to glow with an inner light.
We soon discover that they are self-centered, possessive, aggressive, demanding, territorial, and exhausting, even manipulative.
We learn to become more social, to share things, to have consideration for others, to be sympathetic, compassionate, and to love.
Is this a pattern?
Darkness to light.
Ego to selflessness.
Enlightenment, development, growth.
Suffering teaches us compassion.
Opening hearts.
Our life is like a Shakespearean drama of which we are the protagonist.
We exist to experience, to learn.
Unfortunately most of us learn to be cynical and selfish.
Some learn to be childlike again.
To trust and love like a little child, without the childishness.
The world is corrupt and full of darkness.
Seek the light.
The light comes from God.
There is no judgment.
There is no hell.
There is no devil.
The former are projections onto God from humanity.
The last is a concept created by one theory of existence.
It explains why there is evil in a world created by a good God.
There are other explanations :
Humans in their ignorance (darkness) commit sins (errors) which create evil.
There is no need for a supernatural entity called Satan to explain the evils of this world.
Human ignorance is enough.
When babies are born they are cute and seem to glow with an inner light.
We soon discover that they are self-centered, possessive, aggressive, demanding, territorial, and exhausting, even manipulative.
We learn to become more social, to share things, to have consideration for others, to be sympathetic, compassionate, and to love.
Is this a pattern?
Darkness to light.
Ego to selflessness.
Enlightenment, development, growth.
Suffering teaches us compassion.
Opening hearts.
Our life is like a Shakespearean drama of which we are the protagonist.
We exist to experience, to learn.
Unfortunately most of us learn to be cynical and selfish.
Some learn to be childlike again.
To trust and love like a little child, without the childishness.
The world is corrupt and full of darkness.
Seek the light.
The light comes from God.
Thursday, 20 September 2012
Interdependence.
When we are young and inexperienced we think that we are alone and separate in our individuality. We think that we are autonomous and can do what we like.
What we discover, however, is that we are intricately linked to all of mankind, even life itself. We are interdependent and must take our place in the scheme of things.
This is not to say that we are totally passive or subject to the perceptions of others, we can still assert ourselves or challenge others' prejudices or stereotypes.
But we are not alone.
We are to some extent a product of the perceptions and conceptions of others, especially those in positions of authority over us.
This is not to apologize for a hierarchy. In fact we are all equal. But authority adds power to some perceptions. We can submit to these authorities or challenge them if they offend us.
We can pray about them.
Jesus said, "'And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father - the one in heaven.'" Matthew 23:9 (NRSV)
God will deliver us from oppression. For there is no authority greater than God.
If God is doing something new then there must be change.
Some precepts must be challenged.
"God does not change." I hear you say.
Perhaps not, but our perception of Him changes. It evolves as we emerge from the darkness and begin to see more clearly.
Not everything that is written is true.
It is a mixture of light and darkness.
The darkness oppresses us.
The light liberates us.
The darkness is fear.
The light is love.
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
What we discover, however, is that we are intricately linked to all of mankind, even life itself. We are interdependent and must take our place in the scheme of things.
This is not to say that we are totally passive or subject to the perceptions of others, we can still assert ourselves or challenge others' prejudices or stereotypes.
But we are not alone.
We are to some extent a product of the perceptions and conceptions of others, especially those in positions of authority over us.
This is not to apologize for a hierarchy. In fact we are all equal. But authority adds power to some perceptions. We can submit to these authorities or challenge them if they offend us.
We can pray about them.
Jesus said, "'And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father - the one in heaven.'" Matthew 23:9 (NRSV)
God will deliver us from oppression. For there is no authority greater than God.
If God is doing something new then there must be change.
Some precepts must be challenged.
"God does not change." I hear you say.
Perhaps not, but our perception of Him changes. It evolves as we emerge from the darkness and begin to see more clearly.
Not everything that is written is true.
It is a mixture of light and darkness.
The darkness oppresses us.
The light liberates us.
The darkness is fear.
The light is love.
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
9/11.
America's response to 9/11 was the perfect example of the earthly dilemma.
America was big enough and secure enough to absorb the blow to its national ego (i.e. turn the other cheek) and increase aid to third world nations (i.e. love your enemies).
But America's leaders could not do what Jesus taught despite the fact that they called themselves Christians.
What they did was act according to the way of the world - to reinforce their dominance by violence and fear (shock and awe).
So, despite what they may say, they are not Christians because they did not do what Jesus taught.
They did this because they do not think that Jesus teaching will work (i.e. win).
This is the main reason why Christianity in the modern world bears no resemblance to what Jesus actually taught.
The doctrines and dogmas of the Church were formulated by people with little faith who wanted to win (i.e. dominate).
"'Why do you call me "Lord, Lord ", and do not do what I tell you?'" Luke 6:46 (NRSV)
"'This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me: in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.'" Matthew 15:8,9 (NRSV)
In fact they ignore what Jesus taught and endorse a philosophy of worldly dominance disguised as religion.
They do this out of fear.
Fear of what will happen if they follow Jesus teachings which seem foolish and impractical.
So they changed what Jesus said to fit the world.
So when the hippies rejected the Church in the 1960s it was not a rejection of Jesus teachings at all it was a rejection of the worldly philosophy and hypocrisy of the Church.
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
America was big enough and secure enough to absorb the blow to its national ego (i.e. turn the other cheek) and increase aid to third world nations (i.e. love your enemies).
But America's leaders could not do what Jesus taught despite the fact that they called themselves Christians.
What they did was act according to the way of the world - to reinforce their dominance by violence and fear (shock and awe).
So, despite what they may say, they are not Christians because they did not do what Jesus taught.
They did this because they do not think that Jesus teaching will work (i.e. win).
This is the main reason why Christianity in the modern world bears no resemblance to what Jesus actually taught.
The doctrines and dogmas of the Church were formulated by people with little faith who wanted to win (i.e. dominate).
"'Why do you call me "Lord, Lord ", and do not do what I tell you?'" Luke 6:46 (NRSV)
"'This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me: in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.'" Matthew 15:8,9 (NRSV)
In fact they ignore what Jesus taught and endorse a philosophy of worldly dominance disguised as religion.
They do this out of fear.
Fear of what will happen if they follow Jesus teachings which seem foolish and impractical.
So they changed what Jesus said to fit the world.
So when the hippies rejected the Church in the 1960s it was not a rejection of Jesus teachings at all it was a rejection of the worldly philosophy and hypocrisy of the Church.
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
2020.
By the year 2020 China, India, Brazil, and Russia will be in the top six economies (with U.S.A. and Germany).
This is a sign of the Age of Aquarius.
The most populous countries will have the biggest economies.
Other signs are :
Democracy.
Women's rights.
Gay rights.
Socialism.
Occupy Wall Street etc..
The Arab Spring.
The equalizing effects of Aquarius will cause the first world countries of the west to lose some of their privileges.
We've got enough.
More than enough.
Any extra should be given back.
"Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.....There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need." Acts 4:32-35 (NRSV)
Our law is not based on Christian principles.
Our law is based on Roman law with its emphasis on private property.
We might be happier with less.
(It takes a lot of looking after).
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
This is a sign of the Age of Aquarius.
The most populous countries will have the biggest economies.
Other signs are :
Democracy.
Women's rights.
Gay rights.
Socialism.
Occupy Wall Street etc..
The Arab Spring.
The equalizing effects of Aquarius will cause the first world countries of the west to lose some of their privileges.
We've got enough.
More than enough.
Any extra should be given back.
"Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.....There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need." Acts 4:32-35 (NRSV)
Our law is not based on Christian principles.
Our law is based on Roman law with its emphasis on private property.
We might be happier with less.
(It takes a lot of looking after).
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
Monday, 17 September 2012
The System.
Institutional sin is the system.
The selfishness and corruption of the multinational corporations.
The heartlessness of the establishment.
The fear and guilt manipulation of the Churches.
Domination through fear and threat.
Victory through violence (war).
Financial inequality (the financial system and the stock exchange).
Business conventions.
Lack of responsibility.
Non-reciprocality.
Hypocrisy about sex.
Religious hypocrisy.
Profit motive.
The system ensures the domination of the rich and the persecution of minorities.
The hippies challenged the system stopping the Vietnam war and electing a Labor Government.
But the system had its revenge. The Whitlam government was dismissed and the conservatives took us back to the fifties. Blaming everything on the hippies - their political opponents.
Now we see the predominance of fear and the language of violence.
But how do you challenge institutional sin?
How much do we care?
Enough to do something?
Enough to challenge the powers?
Or will we just slip back into a comfortable niche in the system?
The only thing which has more power than the corporations is the government. If we care enough to elect the best government then they will have a mandate to legislate to regulate the corporations.
Tax and welfare are a kind of enforced unselfishness.
The corporations don't like it but it is the law.
They use their media outlets to oppose it.
But public opinion is swinging back.
Perhaps we can see the manipulation.
When public opinion is separated from the will of the corporations then we will see a change in the system.
A more compassionate, more just system may develop.
The corporations' profit motive is fear of losing money. Even if they have more than they need.
To bring about a change we will have to address this fear.
A fear which has been strong enough to corrupt them completely.
The selfishness and corruption of the multinational corporations.
The heartlessness of the establishment.
The fear and guilt manipulation of the Churches.
Domination through fear and threat.
Victory through violence (war).
Financial inequality (the financial system and the stock exchange).
Business conventions.
Lack of responsibility.
Non-reciprocality.
Hypocrisy about sex.
Religious hypocrisy.
Profit motive.
The system ensures the domination of the rich and the persecution of minorities.
The hippies challenged the system stopping the Vietnam war and electing a Labor Government.
But the system had its revenge. The Whitlam government was dismissed and the conservatives took us back to the fifties. Blaming everything on the hippies - their political opponents.
Now we see the predominance of fear and the language of violence.
But how do you challenge institutional sin?
How much do we care?
Enough to do something?
Enough to challenge the powers?
Or will we just slip back into a comfortable niche in the system?
The only thing which has more power than the corporations is the government. If we care enough to elect the best government then they will have a mandate to legislate to regulate the corporations.
Tax and welfare are a kind of enforced unselfishness.
The corporations don't like it but it is the law.
They use their media outlets to oppose it.
But public opinion is swinging back.
Perhaps we can see the manipulation.
When public opinion is separated from the will of the corporations then we will see a change in the system.
A more compassionate, more just system may develop.
The corporations' profit motive is fear of losing money. Even if they have more than they need.
To bring about a change we will have to address this fear.
A fear which has been strong enough to corrupt them completely.
Saturday, 15 September 2012
Doves.
Through ideation we experience naive understandings.
Things which seem true but don't stand the test of time.
This results in disillusionment, resentment, and cynicism.
People are not perfect.
We must understand that others are not perfect, they are only human, even if they are in positions of authority, even spiritual authority, over us.
Forgiveness helps the forgiver as well as the forgiven.
We are free from disillusionment, resentment, and cynicism.
"'be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.'" Matthew 10:16b (NRSV)
Know the world and be like God.
In the end there is only one teacher and that is God.
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
Things which seem true but don't stand the test of time.
This results in disillusionment, resentment, and cynicism.
People are not perfect.
We must understand that others are not perfect, they are only human, even if they are in positions of authority, even spiritual authority, over us.
Forgiveness helps the forgiver as well as the forgiven.
We are free from disillusionment, resentment, and cynicism.
"'be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.'" Matthew 10:16b (NRSV)
Know the world and be like God.
In the end there is only one teacher and that is God.
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
Thursday, 13 September 2012
Suffering.
Rather than developing ideas of evil, which owe much to dualism, perhaps we should look at the purpose behind our experiences.
Perhaps it suits God's purpose - the development of the human heart - to allow us to help those who suffer.
This in no way implies that God causes suffering.
The suffering is caused by nature or human sin.
But He wishes us to help, which comes from the heart.
In my experience my own suffering has caused others close to me to develop in ways that they may not have developed otherwise.
This is why prayers may sometimes remain unanswered.
We pray for a cure or a release from suffering.
The love that inspires us to pray is the desired result.
The love that we show to the suffering is the development that God seeks.
This remains.
But God is not the cause of the suffering.
The suffering of others tugs at our heart strings.
Would we ever have developed compassion otherwise?
It is this that life is about.
And that is why life is not just an endless pleasure.
If it were we would be selfish and cruel, hardhearted and unsympathetic.
It is suffering that inspires our tears and melts our hearts.
It is our love for others which grows from this.
And that is the purpose of life.
Perhaps it suits God's purpose - the development of the human heart - to allow us to help those who suffer.
This in no way implies that God causes suffering.
The suffering is caused by nature or human sin.
But He wishes us to help, which comes from the heart.
In my experience my own suffering has caused others close to me to develop in ways that they may not have developed otherwise.
This is why prayers may sometimes remain unanswered.
We pray for a cure or a release from suffering.
The love that inspires us to pray is the desired result.
The love that we show to the suffering is the development that God seeks.
This remains.
But God is not the cause of the suffering.
The suffering of others tugs at our heart strings.
Would we ever have developed compassion otherwise?
It is this that life is about.
And that is why life is not just an endless pleasure.
If it were we would be selfish and cruel, hardhearted and unsympathetic.
It is suffering that inspires our tears and melts our hearts.
It is our love for others which grows from this.
And that is the purpose of life.
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
Satanism.
What Satanism does, apart from any apparent supernatural effects, is tell people to sin.
Men behaving badly, taking drugs, promiscuity, lying, cowardice etc.....
The intention is to create death and damnation for the unsuspecting (rock music) listener.
Fortunately God does not do these things at all, so they are wasting their time there.
Unfortunately the sin remains as objective suffering.
The cause of suffering is sin.
They oppose anything God might do to alleviate our suffering, reversing it and making things worse. They conduct war against God. They are evil, violent, and deceitful. They pose as good and then lead people astray.
Think of the suffering caused by drugs and divorce alone.
And they make millions of dollars out of it.
They are people who have sold their souls to the devil.
Dogs = Gods backwards.
The evil rich.
But there is no Satan in reality so it is built on sand.
The apparent supernatural effects are direct psychic influences through the collective unconscious (backtracking etc).
But it only half works.
Satan cannot reward them.
Satan does not exist.
It is all for nothing.
In the end it is not supernatural but works more like propaganda.
Men behaving badly, taking drugs, promiscuity, lying, cowardice etc.....
The intention is to create death and damnation for the unsuspecting (rock music) listener.
Fortunately God does not do these things at all, so they are wasting their time there.
Unfortunately the sin remains as objective suffering.
The cause of suffering is sin.
They oppose anything God might do to alleviate our suffering, reversing it and making things worse. They conduct war against God. They are evil, violent, and deceitful. They pose as good and then lead people astray.
Think of the suffering caused by drugs and divorce alone.
And they make millions of dollars out of it.
They are people who have sold their souls to the devil.
Dogs = Gods backwards.
The evil rich.
But there is no Satan in reality so it is built on sand.
The apparent supernatural effects are direct psychic influences through the collective unconscious (backtracking etc).
But it only half works.
Satan cannot reward them.
Satan does not exist.
It is all for nothing.
In the end it is not supernatural but works more like propaganda.
The Beatitudes.
"'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
'Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
'Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
'Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
'Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
'Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
'Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.'" Matthew 5:2-12 (NRSV)
I believe that Jesus is differentiating between the ways of the world (which are evil) and the ways of God (in the coming kingdom or the afterlife).
Poverty, grief, righteousness, mercy, love, peace, integrity.....
These things are not valued by the world, but they are valued by God.
So when God comes, either in the kingdom or the afterlife, these attributes will be recognized, but in the world they are persecuted.
Satanists promote the ways of the world :
money, fame, success, status, victory, glory, luxury, opulence, vanity, egotism.....
They achieve them by deception, violence, fear, and seduction.
But God will,"'rescue us from the evil one."' Matthew 6:13b (NRSV)
N.B. By practicing the ways of God you bring about the kingdom of God on earth (Lorraine Parkinson).
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
'Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
'Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
'Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
'Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
'Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
'Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.'" Matthew 5:2-12 (NRSV)
I believe that Jesus is differentiating between the ways of the world (which are evil) and the ways of God (in the coming kingdom or the afterlife).
Poverty, grief, righteousness, mercy, love, peace, integrity.....
These things are not valued by the world, but they are valued by God.
So when God comes, either in the kingdom or the afterlife, these attributes will be recognized, but in the world they are persecuted.
Satanists promote the ways of the world :
money, fame, success, status, victory, glory, luxury, opulence, vanity, egotism.....
They achieve them by deception, violence, fear, and seduction.
But God will,"'rescue us from the evil one."' Matthew 6:13b (NRSV)
N.B. By practicing the ways of God you bring about the kingdom of God on earth (Lorraine Parkinson).
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
The Greatest Commandment.
If you look at the story about the greatest commandment in Matthew, Mark, and Luke you will see how the details differ but the basic message is the same.
In Mark 12:28-34 a scribe asks Jesus, "'Which commandment is the first of all?'" and Jesus answers, "'.....love the Lord your God.....'" and then adds, "'.....love your neighbor.....'". The scribe then says that Jesus is right and reiterates the two sayings from Leviticus and Deuteronomy. Then Jesus says to him, "'You are not far from the kingdom of God.'" (NRSV)
In Matthew 22:34-40 a Pharisee asks Jesus which commandment is the greatest. Jesus replies, "'.....love the Lord your God.....'" and adds that the second is like it, "'.....love your neighbor.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (NRSV)
In Luke 10:25-28 a lawyer asks Jesus, "'what must I do to inherit eternal life?'" Jesus asks him what is written in the law. The lawyer answers, "'.....love the Lord your God.....and your neighbor as yourself.'" Jesus says he is right and , "'do this and you will live.'"
It can clearly be seen that the identity of the questioner differs, who asks who differs, the endings differ, but the message is the same in all three versions: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might." Deuteronomy 6:5 and "you shall love your neighbor as yourself" Leviticus 19:18 (NRSV)
This should teach us not to get too hung up on the details of the narratives and parables but to look for the inner meaning.
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
In Mark 12:28-34 a scribe asks Jesus, "'Which commandment is the first of all?'" and Jesus answers, "'.....love the Lord your God.....'" and then adds, "'.....love your neighbor.....'". The scribe then says that Jesus is right and reiterates the two sayings from Leviticus and Deuteronomy. Then Jesus says to him, "'You are not far from the kingdom of God.'" (NRSV)
In Matthew 22:34-40 a Pharisee asks Jesus which commandment is the greatest. Jesus replies, "'.....love the Lord your God.....'" and adds that the second is like it, "'.....love your neighbor.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (NRSV)
In Luke 10:25-28 a lawyer asks Jesus, "'what must I do to inherit eternal life?'" Jesus asks him what is written in the law. The lawyer answers, "'.....love the Lord your God.....and your neighbor as yourself.'" Jesus says he is right and , "'do this and you will live.'"
It can clearly be seen that the identity of the questioner differs, who asks who differs, the endings differ, but the message is the same in all three versions: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might." Deuteronomy 6:5 and "you shall love your neighbor as yourself" Leviticus 19:18 (NRSV)
This should teach us not to get too hung up on the details of the narratives and parables but to look for the inner meaning.
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
Monday, 10 September 2012
The Center.
God is at the center.
Like Vairocana Buddha at the center of Indra's Jeweled Net.
God nudges, hints, guides, directs, relieves, corrects.....
In the end the process, the idea, the event is guided by God.
The hand of God can be discerned in it.
It is a movement of the Spirit.
It is a great leap forward.
It is a process of enlightenment.
The heart is at the center.
The opening of the heart.
The blossoming of the heart.
Giving love.
The water of human kindness.
To everyone.
Water.
The waters of Aquarius (an air sign) are our concepts.
Concepts are either true or false.
Satan is a concept that was invented to explain why bad things happen to good people.
Satan is a false concept.
Rewards and punishments (from God) for good or bad behavior are concepts invented by man to satisfy his concept of natural justice.
Rewards and punishments from God are false concepts.
Unconditional love is a concept which is intuitively attributed to God.
Unconditional love from God is a true concept.
Heaven and hell are concepts attributed to God after death.
Judgment is a concept.
These are false concepts.
We live in fear of things that are not there.
This is darkness.
The light that comes from God dispels the darkness.
No longer will we live in fear.
Darkness hides things (lies).
Light reveals things (truth).
Aquarian minds enter a meditative state which is like a reverie.
In this state they intuitively answer the big questions.
Life, the universe and everything.
It is clear (like crystal).
It is transpersonal.
It is mutual.
John Bodycomb called it :
"A great stream of thought, spreading like floodwaters across a plain, reaching into every corner as it goes."
It will touch everyone and everything.
It flows like a stream of consciousness.
Water flows around and over objects and levels out like a spirit level.
Everything is equal.
Concepts like non-violence, truthfulness, gentleness, goodness, self-discipline, generosity, charity, giving, even-handedness, and love surround the Divine.
But the key is love.
Love God and love your neighbor, who is God.
Concepts are either true or false.
Satan is a concept that was invented to explain why bad things happen to good people.
Satan is a false concept.
Rewards and punishments (from God) for good or bad behavior are concepts invented by man to satisfy his concept of natural justice.
Rewards and punishments from God are false concepts.
Unconditional love is a concept which is intuitively attributed to God.
Unconditional love from God is a true concept.
Heaven and hell are concepts attributed to God after death.
Judgment is a concept.
These are false concepts.
We live in fear of things that are not there.
This is darkness.
The light that comes from God dispels the darkness.
No longer will we live in fear.
Darkness hides things (lies).
Light reveals things (truth).
Aquarian minds enter a meditative state which is like a reverie.
In this state they intuitively answer the big questions.
Life, the universe and everything.
It is clear (like crystal).
It is transpersonal.
It is mutual.
John Bodycomb called it :
"A great stream of thought, spreading like floodwaters across a plain, reaching into every corner as it goes."
It will touch everyone and everything.
It flows like a stream of consciousness.
Water flows around and over objects and levels out like a spirit level.
Everything is equal.
Concepts like non-violence, truthfulness, gentleness, goodness, self-discipline, generosity, charity, giving, even-handedness, and love surround the Divine.
But the key is love.
Love God and love your neighbor, who is God.
Sunday, 9 September 2012
Fashion.
As I was waking I dreamed a dream.
I was at a large shopping center and a certain 1970s rock star was there and we were surrounded by women dressed in high fashion.
There were also gay men dressed in velvet suits and other formal wear.
Suddenly the rock star was gone and everyone was seeking him.
The inference of the dream was the temptation to buy expensive clothes offered by designers in league with the rock star.
This is the temptation to be superficial and vain.
Women are being suckered into buying expensive clothes, especially shoes, by celebrity Satanists.
After I woke I found that Venus was at the exact degree of the rock star's Sun in Capricorn which governs high fashion.
I was at a large shopping center and a certain 1970s rock star was there and we were surrounded by women dressed in high fashion.
There were also gay men dressed in velvet suits and other formal wear.
Suddenly the rock star was gone and everyone was seeking him.
The inference of the dream was the temptation to buy expensive clothes offered by designers in league with the rock star.
This is the temptation to be superficial and vain.
Women are being suckered into buying expensive clothes, especially shoes, by celebrity Satanists.
After I woke I found that Venus was at the exact degree of the rock star's Sun in Capricorn which governs high fashion.
The Dark Side.
If people choose hatred and revenge, violence and force,
no matter what their religion,
then they are choosing the dark side,
and they do evil in the world.
God is love.
God is forgiveness.
God does not punish or coerce.
This is good news.
no matter what their religion,
then they are choosing the dark side,
and they do evil in the world.
God is love.
God is forgiveness.
God does not punish or coerce.
This is good news.
Saturday, 8 September 2012
Love is a Verb.
The presence of God comes and goes as David attests.
David prays for God to destroy his enemies.
Jesus prays for God to forgive them.
God leaves a space for us to move into.
To act out what we have learned.
Love is a verb.
But it is not the verb to do.
It is the verb to love.
And what we do will follow.
David prays for God to destroy his enemies.
Jesus prays for God to forgive them.
God leaves a space for us to move into.
To act out what we have learned.
Love is a verb.
But it is not the verb to do.
It is the verb to love.
And what we do will follow.
Friday, 7 September 2012
Healing.
1. Should we believe that the healing narratives in the New Testament are merely efforts to prove that Jesus is the Messiah by fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies?
Or should we take them at face value?
2. Should we place the miracles in the category of events that take place "'while the bridegroom is with them'"? Mark 2:19 (NRSV)
Or should we believe that Jesus healing power transcends death?
3. What expectations should we have of prayers for people who are sick?
(a) No expectation.
(b) Total faith (cure).
(c) Hope without expectation.
(d) Healing without cure.
(e) Coping.
One possible answer to the mystifying reality of prayer for healing is that prayers will not be answered if your attitude or ideas are wrong.
This would create a false impression of God. So He will not answer. But He may do something else.
The overall impression created by God's response to your prayer will be the maximum positive effect for the maximum number of people.
This may be healing or silence.
The healing which took place when Jesus prayed for the sick can be seen as an endorsement of Jesus' approach.
The silence which followed a group of fundamentalists' prayers for a sick friend to be cured can be seen as a rejection of their approach.
A prayer from the heart is more important.
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
Or should we take them at face value?
2. Should we place the miracles in the category of events that take place "'while the bridegroom is with them'"? Mark 2:19 (NRSV)
Or should we believe that Jesus healing power transcends death?
3. What expectations should we have of prayers for people who are sick?
(a) No expectation.
(b) Total faith (cure).
(c) Hope without expectation.
(d) Healing without cure.
(e) Coping.
One possible answer to the mystifying reality of prayer for healing is that prayers will not be answered if your attitude or ideas are wrong.
This would create a false impression of God. So He will not answer. But He may do something else.
The overall impression created by God's response to your prayer will be the maximum positive effect for the maximum number of people.
This may be healing or silence.
The healing which took place when Jesus prayed for the sick can be seen as an endorsement of Jesus' approach.
The silence which followed a group of fundamentalists' prayers for a sick friend to be cured can be seen as a rejection of their approach.
A prayer from the heart is more important.
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
Thursday, 6 September 2012
Palestine.
God is the God of the Jews.
God is the God of the Muslims.
Two brothers fighting.
God is their Father.
The wish of God's heart is that they live in peace and harmony.
Side by side in Palestine.
Live and let live.
God is also the God of Christians.
God's wish is that all of His children live together in harmony without attacking each other or retaliating or oppressing each other.
Turn the other cheek.
Do not retaliate.
Do good to those who attack you.
Pray for them.
In the hope that they may see the light of God's peace.
And enter God's grace.
God is the God of the Muslims.
Two brothers fighting.
God is their Father.
The wish of God's heart is that they live in peace and harmony.
Side by side in Palestine.
Live and let live.
God is also the God of Christians.
God's wish is that all of His children live together in harmony without attacking each other or retaliating or oppressing each other.
Turn the other cheek.
Do not retaliate.
Do good to those who attack you.
Pray for them.
In the hope that they may see the light of God's peace.
And enter God's grace.
Uranus in Aries.
At the moment the planet Uranus in Aries is square to Pluto in Capricorn.
Thus Aquarian activism is challenging corporate power and authority.
This aspect also governs the Arab Spring - the revolts against oppression across the Arab world.
This is hotting up and will last until 2015.
As Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn, has been in Libra during the first part of this conflict there was some hope of peaceful outcomes.
When Saturn progresses into Scorpio in October 2012 it will form a harmonious grand water trine with Neptune in Pisces and Jupiter in Cancer. This may mitigate the use of violence.
After that - in 2017 - Saturn will form a harmonious trine aspect to Uranus from Sagittarius with Jupiter opposite in Libra.
This may bring an end to conflict and new progress.
Thus Aquarian activism is challenging corporate power and authority.
This aspect also governs the Arab Spring - the revolts against oppression across the Arab world.
This is hotting up and will last until 2015.
As Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn, has been in Libra during the first part of this conflict there was some hope of peaceful outcomes.
When Saturn progresses into Scorpio in October 2012 it will form a harmonious grand water trine with Neptune in Pisces and Jupiter in Cancer. This may mitigate the use of violence.
After that - in 2017 - Saturn will form a harmonious trine aspect to Uranus from Sagittarius with Jupiter opposite in Libra.
This may bring an end to conflict and new progress.
Interconnectedness.
With the advent of globalization and world financial markets we are becoming more aware of how we are interconnected.
This is complemented by the concept of the collective unconscious.
(Symbolized by Indra's Jeweled Net - Avatamasaka Sutra).
Increasingly we are all in this together (see EU bailouts).
We are brothers and sisters.
As this happens the inequalities between us are coming to the surface.
For example : land deals in third world countries by first world companies,
exploitation of labor in the same way.
As these hidden supports of western wealth are revealed the shame and stigma associated with them will force the first world (which considers itself so good and pure) to change those policies.
This will gradually cause the world to become more just and equal.
But it is a slow process and the first world powers - governments and corporations - do not wish their secrets revealed.
This will affect the wealth of the west. It is our task to see that this is done justly and compassionately. Not just by market values, which are so harsh, and not just at the expense of welfare and the social safety net.
Unfortunately the rich own the media. Therefore they control what we see. They will whitewash the west and the wealthy and demonize foreigners and the poor in order to hide their crimes - as the British Empire concealed its crimes (see Roger Casement).
The rich do not want their domination challenged and will fight to maintain it (see media hate campaigns).
This is fear.
But they will only do what they can get away with.
They cannot survive shame or legislation.
There will be boycotts and demonstrations.
Occupy Wall Street is the beginning of this movement.
People do not want to be ruled by the rich.
They want democracy.
This is complemented by the concept of the collective unconscious.
(Symbolized by Indra's Jeweled Net - Avatamasaka Sutra).
Increasingly we are all in this together (see EU bailouts).
We are brothers and sisters.
As this happens the inequalities between us are coming to the surface.
For example : land deals in third world countries by first world companies,
exploitation of labor in the same way.
As these hidden supports of western wealth are revealed the shame and stigma associated with them will force the first world (which considers itself so good and pure) to change those policies.
This will gradually cause the world to become more just and equal.
But it is a slow process and the first world powers - governments and corporations - do not wish their secrets revealed.
This will affect the wealth of the west. It is our task to see that this is done justly and compassionately. Not just by market values, which are so harsh, and not just at the expense of welfare and the social safety net.
Unfortunately the rich own the media. Therefore they control what we see. They will whitewash the west and the wealthy and demonize foreigners and the poor in order to hide their crimes - as the British Empire concealed its crimes (see Roger Casement).
The rich do not want their domination challenged and will fight to maintain it (see media hate campaigns).
This is fear.
But they will only do what they can get away with.
They cannot survive shame or legislation.
There will be boycotts and demonstrations.
Occupy Wall Street is the beginning of this movement.
People do not want to be ruled by the rich.
They want democracy.
The Koran.
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
It would appear that the Koran is constructed in a similar way to the Bible and should therefore be studied in a similar way.
In the Koran Mohammed criticizes the Jews (the People of the Book) for falsifying scriptures. He accepts, however, that the Torah is revelations from God but that the Jews did not obey their own revelations.
Mohammed also criticizes Christians for claiming that Jesus is a begotten son of God. He recognizes, however, that Jesus is a prophet but that Christians have departed from his message.
These claims are consistent with claims of Progressive Christianity :
- that many of the words of the Old Testament were put into the mouth of God.
- that the Christology which grew up after the death of Jesus is a false doctrine.
Progressive Christianity is close to Sufism (Islamic mysticism) which is based on the love of God and trust in Him.
The Koran says that God loves goodness, honesty, and charity.
The Koran also says that God does not love the aggressor.
We have to read the Koran, however, in the same way as we read the Bible, i.e. editing out the violence and punishments attached to such statements.
Islam is a religion of success in that it believes that our fortunes on earth reflect God's favor or disfavor.
(This is refuted in the Christian Bible in the book of Job).
The Koran should be read in a similar way to the Bible. You should be highly selective of which passages you read.
But these writings also contain the light of revelation and as such should be respected.
It would appear that the Koran is constructed in a similar way to the Bible and should therefore be studied in a similar way.
In the Koran Mohammed criticizes the Jews (the People of the Book) for falsifying scriptures. He accepts, however, that the Torah is revelations from God but that the Jews did not obey their own revelations.
Mohammed also criticizes Christians for claiming that Jesus is a begotten son of God. He recognizes, however, that Jesus is a prophet but that Christians have departed from his message.
These claims are consistent with claims of Progressive Christianity :
- that many of the words of the Old Testament were put into the mouth of God.
- that the Christology which grew up after the death of Jesus is a false doctrine.
Progressive Christianity is close to Sufism (Islamic mysticism) which is based on the love of God and trust in Him.
The Koran says that God loves goodness, honesty, and charity.
The Koran also says that God does not love the aggressor.
We have to read the Koran, however, in the same way as we read the Bible, i.e. editing out the violence and punishments attached to such statements.
Islam is a religion of success in that it believes that our fortunes on earth reflect God's favor or disfavor.
(This is refuted in the Christian Bible in the book of Job).
The Koran should be read in a similar way to the Bible. You should be highly selective of which passages you read.
But these writings also contain the light of revelation and as such should be respected.
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Health Regulations.
When Moses delivered the ten commandments they represented what was needed by the Hebrew tribe who were by all accounts a rather unruly bunch.
As happens with most things, however, the powers that be decided that if rules and regulations were good (pleasing to God) then more and more rules and regulations would be better and better (even more pleasing to God).
But that is not necessarily the case.
The commandments of the law were health regulations and prohibitions on such things as incest. Most of these things were for the good of the tribe.
As happened in the 1960s when too much regulation was rectified by more and more freedom until there were virtually no rules at all, the pendulum swings wildly one way and then the other.
Perhaps the answer lies in the UCA Sexuality Report which suggests freedoms and responsibilities.
A balance between the two.
Interestingly these two principles are ruled astrologically by Uranus and Saturn - the two co-rulers of the sign of Aquarius.
So finding a balance between the two extremes is a clue to the Age of Aquarius.
Saturn rules regulations and restrictions, the traditional, old things (the right wing).....
Uranus rules freedoms, the radical, new things (the left wing).....
You will find both in the Bible :
- the law, the Old Testament,
- the New Testament, new wine, a new thing, New Jerusalem.
Although some rules and regulations may be a good thing it by no means justifies harsh punishments.
I have never known God to punish anyone.
Punishment is a concept based on fear :
- fear of crime,
- fear of violence,
and as such is a human invention.
God works through light :
- enlightenment,
- realization,
and relies on goodness.
Punishment relies on a dim view of humanity.
"'You of little faith.'" Matthew 14:31 (NRSV)
Consequences, on the other hand, are to do with cause and effect.
AIDS is not a punishment from God for homosexuality but if you are promiscuous and have many sexual partners you run an increased risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
This has more to do with common sense than moral law.
The law is a set of guidelines to protect the community from disease and suffering.
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
As happens with most things, however, the powers that be decided that if rules and regulations were good (pleasing to God) then more and more rules and regulations would be better and better (even more pleasing to God).
But that is not necessarily the case.
The commandments of the law were health regulations and prohibitions on such things as incest. Most of these things were for the good of the tribe.
As happened in the 1960s when too much regulation was rectified by more and more freedom until there were virtually no rules at all, the pendulum swings wildly one way and then the other.
Perhaps the answer lies in the UCA Sexuality Report which suggests freedoms and responsibilities.
A balance between the two.
Interestingly these two principles are ruled astrologically by Uranus and Saturn - the two co-rulers of the sign of Aquarius.
So finding a balance between the two extremes is a clue to the Age of Aquarius.
Saturn rules regulations and restrictions, the traditional, old things (the right wing).....
Uranus rules freedoms, the radical, new things (the left wing).....
You will find both in the Bible :
- the law, the Old Testament,
- the New Testament, new wine, a new thing, New Jerusalem.
Although some rules and regulations may be a good thing it by no means justifies harsh punishments.
I have never known God to punish anyone.
Punishment is a concept based on fear :
- fear of crime,
- fear of violence,
and as such is a human invention.
God works through light :
- enlightenment,
- realization,
and relies on goodness.
Punishment relies on a dim view of humanity.
"'You of little faith.'" Matthew 14:31 (NRSV)
Consequences, on the other hand, are to do with cause and effect.
AIDS is not a punishment from God for homosexuality but if you are promiscuous and have many sexual partners you run an increased risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
This has more to do with common sense than moral law.
The law is a set of guidelines to protect the community from disease and suffering.
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
The Weak Link.
The homosexual Satanists are the weak link in the chain because they are being made the scapegoat by right wing religious forces.
They say "hop on the bandwagon" - the gay express.
We are being tempted and led astray with the objective of getting us into hell.
But you can't sell homosexuality and scapegoat it at the same time.
Homosexuals should be warned about their rock stars and sporting heroes. They should be told what they intend to do.
It is not in the interests of the homosexual Satanists to conspire with the right wing because they will betray them and cast them as evil.
The scapegoating process is generational - casting the older generation with generations x and z against the hippies and generation y. This is political, pitting right against left.
The media and some religious institutions demonize the left wing and homosexuals in order to gain political power.
We saw this in the 1980s with the downfall of Russian communism.
No doubt they intend to use this tactic to attack communist China.
So the homosexual Satanists are the meat in the sandwich. They cannot side with the right wing and if they side with the left wing they will be working against the scapegoat.
"'Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.'" Matthew 12:25b (NRSV)
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
They say "hop on the bandwagon" - the gay express.
We are being tempted and led astray with the objective of getting us into hell.
But you can't sell homosexuality and scapegoat it at the same time.
Homosexuals should be warned about their rock stars and sporting heroes. They should be told what they intend to do.
It is not in the interests of the homosexual Satanists to conspire with the right wing because they will betray them and cast them as evil.
The scapegoating process is generational - casting the older generation with generations x and z against the hippies and generation y. This is political, pitting right against left.
The media and some religious institutions demonize the left wing and homosexuals in order to gain political power.
We saw this in the 1980s with the downfall of Russian communism.
No doubt they intend to use this tactic to attack communist China.
So the homosexual Satanists are the meat in the sandwich. They cannot side with the right wing and if they side with the left wing they will be working against the scapegoat.
"'Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.'" Matthew 12:25b (NRSV)
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
Monday, 3 September 2012
Rainbows.
You cannot have crystals without rainbows.
Crystals create rainbows.
The spectrum of colors is refracted through the crystals.
The symbol of crystal is prominent in the imagery of New Jerusalem :
"the holy city Jerusalem.....has the glory of God and a radiance like a very rare jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal." Revelation 21:10,11 (NRSV)
"the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city." Revelation 22:1,2 (NRSV)
The rainbow represents peace with God - the covenant with Noah after the flood.
The rainbow is also the emblem of the gay community.
It represents diversity, variety, the full spectrum of views.
It is also associated with Aquarius.
Aquarius represents prophecy and astrology, which is the instrument of prophecy.
So the symbolism of crystal and rainbows is linked with positive imagery in the Bible.
It represents peace with God and a new covenant.
(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.)
Photo Credit: matt.forestpath (flash200) via Compfight cc
Saturday, 1 September 2012
The Dark and the Powerful.
The dark and the powerful command our attention.
The movies, the media, the music, the books, the magazines, the newspapers.....
They all push Satan and celebrity worship.
The television is the same.
The news is controlled by the powerful.
The entertainment is controlled by the dark.
The web of evil tempts, seduces, leads us astray, poisons, distracts, and controls us day and night.
We must regulate our intake of the media.
We must neutralize the darkness with spiritual input :
sacred,classical music; spiritual writings; Bible study; prayer.....
We must appeal to God to rescue us.
Otherwise we are lost.
The movies, the media, the music, the books, the magazines, the newspapers.....
They all push Satan and celebrity worship.
The television is the same.
The news is controlled by the powerful.
The entertainment is controlled by the dark.
The web of evil tempts, seduces, leads us astray, poisons, distracts, and controls us day and night.
We must regulate our intake of the media.
We must neutralize the darkness with spiritual input :
sacred,classical music; spiritual writings; Bible study; prayer.....
We must appeal to God to rescue us.
Otherwise we are lost.
Hippies.
Who is it that the world hates?
It is the idealistic hippies and their descendants.
It is the New Age humanitarians.
It is the socialists and the left wing.
These are the things which the world hates and seeks to persecute.
But the hippies have been disenfranchised, disillusioned, reconstructed.
It is more like they were in the beginning :
Peace and Love.
No more war.
The victims of society - the poor, the persecuted.
It is not a call for harsher punishments.
It is a call for rehabilitation, re-education, reconciliation.
The hippies were betrayed by Satanic rock stars whose values are the values of the world : ego, win at all costs, materialism, physicality, money, corruption.....
It is not stronger, more powerful, mightier, more violent, triumphant victory.....
It is faith in God.
He is gentle.
He is mild.
Reduce that which is too great.
Increase that which is too little.
Enlighten the world.
Give love!
Love is the water of life.
For without love we cannot live.
It is the idealistic hippies and their descendants.
It is the New Age humanitarians.
It is the socialists and the left wing.
These are the things which the world hates and seeks to persecute.
But the hippies have been disenfranchised, disillusioned, reconstructed.
It is more like they were in the beginning :
Peace and Love.
No more war.
The victims of society - the poor, the persecuted.
It is not a call for harsher punishments.
It is a call for rehabilitation, re-education, reconciliation.
The hippies were betrayed by Satanic rock stars whose values are the values of the world : ego, win at all costs, materialism, physicality, money, corruption.....
It is not stronger, more powerful, mightier, more violent, triumphant victory.....
It is faith in God.
He is gentle.
He is mild.
Reduce that which is too great.
Increase that which is too little.
Enlighten the world.
Give love!
Love is the water of life.
For without love we cannot live.
Winners and Losers.
God supports the oppressed, the poor, and the disabled.
God comes last.
We are not to sell out our ideals to the world.
If we cry out to God He will hear.
God treats losers the same as winners.
God treats the wicked the same as the good.
We must not think of ourselves as better than others because we are good.
We will not receive more than others.
If we love God He draws near and we begin to see.
God will teach us His ways.
Violence will be replaced with gentleness.
Ego will be replaced with humility.
The world may hate us.
The world may crucify us.
We must open our hearts :
to the weak, to the poor, to the least of this world.
There we will find God.
The charmless, the ugly, the disabled
- these God values equally with the winners of this world.
God is not a winner.
God is a loser.
The ways of the powerful: pragmatism, violence, force.....
these are not the ways of God.
Pray for the oppressed.
Do not retaliate.
But love your enemies and do good to the wicked.
Commit yourself to non-violence.
Give love to all.
Do not judge others.
But help those around you.
For these are the ways of God.
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