Sam,
Obviously, I am not in agreement with the idea of a fearful and vengeful God. It is that very imagery that initially made me look elsewhere than Judaisim for the basis of my spirituality. It is the concept of original sin (amongst some other issues) that keeps me from Christianity.
For me(and I stress me, I dont advocate anything for anyone else)I dont think organized religion is the answer. I have no problem with other people following it, (although whatever someone believes, I personally think it should be love based, and not ego based)
I absolutely agree that most problems arise from fear. I have heard it mentioned that there are only two true emotions in the world. Love and Fear, and that all other emotions arise from, and are subsets of, these two. I have also heard it said that all actions, feelings, intentions, etc., that arise from love are those of God. conversely all actions, feeling, thought that arises from Fear are not eminating from God.
I am not learned enough to know if that absolutely true, but it certainly feels right to me, and is cetainly aligned with the path that I have currently chosen for myself.
Sam, there is a question that I have to ask you. I agree with a lot of what you say. Not the bible is fiction stuff,(I have no idea and no way to prove if that is true or not true) but I certainly agree with
the concept of the divinity within us, and that Godliness is based on love. Love of onesself, and of others.
the question I have is this. With all due respect, believing what you believe, experiencing what you have experienced, why do you let such venom enter your words? I know that sometimes I have similar problems, but I try very hard to temper them and replace them with kinder actions(I am not always successful) I think you have many interesting things to say, but they are very often hidden in anger and vitriol.
Certainly the things you have learned can be taught much more successfully with tolerance and love than they can with hatred and
dispersion.
Please dont take what I say as condemnation. I am certainlynot in a postion to condemn anyone(even Emile).Take it as well meaning
observations.
mark |
