Every adult might well distinguish between "religion" and "theology"; we need to separate the two in our minds and realize that many of the doctrines and beliefs we have inherited were formed centuries ago for the purpose of strengthening and perpetuating the powers of the priesthood. The real Truth hurts, but it is time we seek it, for, as has been wisely said, "there is no religion higher than Truth.
Behind the universe with its multitude of suns and worlds and underlying all the cosmic activities, guiding the evolution of life itself, is a Power, Force or Mind which is recognized as First Cause. This "Supreme Being" is
spoken of as "God". Philosophers in all ages have pondered the problem and have come up with the conclusion that "God" is "unknowable".
Yet theology teaches that if one will pray, entreat,
solicit or beg to this "God" vigorously enough and with
sufficient "faith", "He" may be persuaded to grant one's requests, irrespective of their merits. But this "God" whom the priesthood claims to represent is not a God within human reach. That Infinite Power and Mind must reside in the center of creation, no one will doubt. It touches all forces and all life flows from It. But man has no communication with it, i.e., none that can be initiated from this end.
I want to make it clear that the assumption that prayers
are heard and answered by a Cosmic Divine Power is entirely groundless and should be abandoned for a saner hypothesis. Here is a clue to such hypothesis. Within each individual
is a "spark" or unit-share of "God's" own life. This inner spirit is "nearer than breathing, closer than hands and feet". That is the "God" with whom man can communicate.
Both the human and divine elements are within each person's range of cultivation. This inner spirit resides within each individual person giving it life and consciousness. Call it "soul", "subconscious mind", "superconscious mind", "ego" or by any term you wish. When we address "Our Father in Heaven" we address this inner spirit-life of ours, which is the only Divine Spirit with which we have any communion, and may be said to be "talking to ourselves". To the extent that the prayer is wholesome and serves to "suggest" to our inner-self certain desirable conditions which our own conscious efforts might aid in bringing to fruition, it is harmless and may even be "answered"--if we do our individual part and duty.
"BE YE NOT DECEIVED", said Paul, "GOD IS NOT MOCKED: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Gal. 6:7). In his attempt to avoid the troubles which his own mode of living has brought upon him, man has fondly held
the belief that an appeal to Divine Power will result in a better and happier state. But whether such state arrives depends, in the last analysis, upon what the man himself does to improve his mode of life.
That this is a universe of precision, of "cause and effect" cannot be denied. In its physical operations, Nature responds with exactitude. In its spiritual operations it likewise has no clumsy habits. No act nor deed, be it good or evil, but receives its just reward or punishment in due season! If we want the blessings and "rewards", the guide books of all major faiths say we must earn them by the kind of a life we lead. It's as simple as that! They do not come to us by any other method--not by prayers for forgiveness, not by any request of ours asking that universal laws be suspended or set aside for us, nor by any later gracious
act of a "saviour", for even He taught--"then shall he reward every man according to his works."
The Master Self in you knows ahead of time when you should or should not do a certain thing, or what you should do, or what you should not do. When your mind comes perfectly in tune with the Master Self, it finds immediate response.
If you can keep your mind polarized to the Master Self
with the contemplation that Something in you knows and sees all, you will receive direction and guidance as to what you should or should not do. Suppose you want to go to a certain place, if you ask your Master Self what you should do, you will receive an impression for or against it--you will know it by your feeling or mental reaction. If you follow the "hunch" or direction from the Master Self you will be able to avoid many unpleasant experiences.
In order to receive clearer direction from your Master Self you must do two things. You must hold in abeyance your own imagination and you must curtail your personal inclination.. If you want anything, you should ask your Master Self whether you should have it or not. If you feel right or
have a favorable mental reaction, then you should leave
word with the Master Self to bring about that thing. In an unforeseen manner you will contact that thing.
No matter how skeptical you may be, you cannot deny the
fact that in some mysterious way you have received many of your pleasant surprises. You know that in spite of your strenuous effort you have not been sure of results. The determination of a result always remains in the hands of
the Unknown Something--it is your Master Self. Not being in tune with your Master Self, you often follow your personal inclination and thus unwittingly invite many unnecessary problems. |
