Posts
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"Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" is the deliberate, probably repeated, and voluntarily chosen act against Love, or the interests of Love, in our little world. So, true "repentance" must include following Love as closely as possible, through the expression of kindness, goodness, compassion, charity, generosity, patience, tolerance, inclusion, and the many other, and related, factors that constitute the expression of Love.
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Showing posts with label holy spirit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holy spirit. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
The "Unforgivable" Sin?
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There is no such thing as the "unpardonable sin." The idea that there is cannot make sense.
For it implies that there is a "sin" greater than God's ability to forgive, greater than God's grace or Love. This is a blasphemous suggestion, as it makes "sin" greater than God!
There is one text, in Mark 3:28, where Jesus talks about a "sin against the Holy Spirit." In the original Greek, he says that it will last "into the ages." This is a voluntary sin, harming many; and its karma lasts a long time indeed. But ultimately, in eternity, that karma, like all other, is balanced and disappears.
The problem arose with the word aionian, a Greek adjective found in the ancient manuscripts of the Bible. This word has often been mistranslated "everlasting" or "forever." This is not the meaning of the word.
For example, in most translations of the Bible, Jesus promises "everlasting" life as a reward for following him. But spiritual people such as Jesus know that all life is already everlasting; so, it would make no sense for him to promise that as a reward.
This is a mistranslation of aionian. For what Jesus promised was "timeless" life-- the life of the mystical consciousness, in the "eternal now," free of time.
And so, in Mark, Jesus says that "every sin and every blasphemy that men commit will be forgiven." Take a second, careful look at what he says:
Every sin, bar none, will be forgiven.
Then, in most translations, he contradicts himself by saying something like, "But the sin against the Holy Spirit will last forever..." or, "...will never be forgiven."
Is Jesus really selfcontradicting? No, for the latter half of this is the result of inaccurate translation. What he really said, in the ancient Greek text, is, "Every sin and every blasphemy will be forgiven, but there is one sin whose effects will last into the ages." This is very different from the mistranslation which makes Jesus say that its effects are "forever," or that it will "never be forgiven."
A "sin against the Holy Spirit" is a serious and deliberate act that harms many people. Its karmic effects can last for centuries, even millennia. They go on for "ages," to use Jesus' term. But, in the infinity of God's Love and grace, as Jesus said, every sin will be forgiven.
Why? People do not "sin" because they are evil. The word for "sin" in Greek means "to miss a target." When we miss a target, we are trying to hit it; we do not miss it deliberately. And sin is like this. Most people are doing the very best that they can. But we all slip up all the time, because we are imperfect human beings. Our imperfections, of both mind and body, are many.
Sin is not deliberate rebellion against the good; it is error, mistake, flaw. Imagine a beautiful little four-year-old girl who says, "Two plus two is five," and imagine a teacher so psychotic that she beats the child to death. Is this how God, the Compassionate, Who is Love, responds to our errors? Does not the kind, good teacher gently correct the child, and give her another chance-- in fact, many chances, to get it right?
So, the whole idea of an "unpardonable" or "unforgivable" sin is a teaching that disrespects the Love of God, for it turns It into a weak and feeble thing. In reality, the Love of God, expressed as grace, is the most powerful force in the universe!
This teaching was invented by politicians, tyrants, and sick religious leaders in order to scare, and to control, the people. But we can find comfort in the words (indeed, the prophecy) of Jesus, who assures us that "every sin will be forgiven."
*******
There is no such thing as the "unpardonable sin." The idea that there is cannot make sense.
For it implies that there is a "sin" greater than God's ability to forgive, greater than God's grace or Love. This is a blasphemous suggestion, as it makes "sin" greater than God!
There is one text, in Mark 3:28, where Jesus talks about a "sin against the Holy Spirit." In the original Greek, he says that it will last "into the ages." This is a voluntary sin, harming many; and its karma lasts a long time indeed. But ultimately, in eternity, that karma, like all other, is balanced and disappears.
The problem arose with the word aionian, a Greek adjective found in the ancient manuscripts of the Bible. This word has often been mistranslated "everlasting" or "forever." This is not the meaning of the word.
For example, in most translations of the Bible, Jesus promises "everlasting" life as a reward for following him. But spiritual people such as Jesus know that all life is already everlasting; so, it would make no sense for him to promise that as a reward.
This is a mistranslation of aionian. For what Jesus promised was "timeless" life-- the life of the mystical consciousness, in the "eternal now," free of time.
And so, in Mark, Jesus says that "every sin and every blasphemy that men commit will be forgiven." Take a second, careful look at what he says:
Every sin, bar none, will be forgiven.
Then, in most translations, he contradicts himself by saying something like, "But the sin against the Holy Spirit will last forever..." or, "...will never be forgiven."
Is Jesus really selfcontradicting? No, for the latter half of this is the result of inaccurate translation. What he really said, in the ancient Greek text, is, "Every sin and every blasphemy will be forgiven, but there is one sin whose effects will last into the ages." This is very different from the mistranslation which makes Jesus say that its effects are "forever," or that it will "never be forgiven."
A "sin against the Holy Spirit" is a serious and deliberate act that harms many people. Its karmic effects can last for centuries, even millennia. They go on for "ages," to use Jesus' term. But, in the infinity of God's Love and grace, as Jesus said, every sin will be forgiven.
Why? People do not "sin" because they are evil. The word for "sin" in Greek means "to miss a target." When we miss a target, we are trying to hit it; we do not miss it deliberately. And sin is like this. Most people are doing the very best that they can. But we all slip up all the time, because we are imperfect human beings. Our imperfections, of both mind and body, are many.
Sin is not deliberate rebellion against the good; it is error, mistake, flaw. Imagine a beautiful little four-year-old girl who says, "Two plus two is five," and imagine a teacher so psychotic that she beats the child to death. Is this how God, the Compassionate, Who is Love, responds to our errors? Does not the kind, good teacher gently correct the child, and give her another chance-- in fact, many chances, to get it right?
So, the whole idea of an "unpardonable" or "unforgivable" sin is a teaching that disrespects the Love of God, for it turns It into a weak and feeble thing. In reality, the Love of God, expressed as grace, is the most powerful force in the universe!
This teaching was invented by politicians, tyrants, and sick religious leaders in order to scare, and to control, the people. But we can find comfort in the words (indeed, the prophecy) of Jesus, who assures us that "every sin will be forgiven."
*******
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
First and Second Corinthians
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First Corinthians is considered one of the great written classics of Christian spirituality. It begins, in chapter 2, with correcting the "errors" in the church.
There is a warning against factionalism, against "following men."
Spiritual people are encouraged to agree with each other, not because of centralized dogma or doctrine, but because they all receive from the same Source, and God wants peace, not disputations and disagreements. The church was factionalizing, fragmenting due to human selfstyled "leaders," each getting a following. This is analogous to the formation of cults, in which people receive "new understandings," and break away from, and disagree with, all others. But "Christ" (God, Love) should be the only "leader."! Even Paul did not want people to follow him. God's message
is not intellectual. From that view, it looks "foolish."
The Gospel was rejected by the Jews because it did not have the "proper authority." God does not use merely human wisdom. The "Holy Spirit" teaches spiritual people directly.
We are God's "living building." It is built upon Christ (God, Love). No human leader is to be followed, but you are to follow only the "Word" of God. This is not only the Bible, but the living Word, which is God Itself. (Jn. 1:1) Christians should avoid intimate association with people who are openly sinning. Our bodies are the temple of God. We should not abuse them through fornication.
Both marriage and the single state are acceptable to the Lord of Love. Paul implores Christians to support his ministry via charitable giving. Yet he refused to be "hired" for "payment." As the people of Love (God), we are unified through Communion.
Next, Paul supplies the famous and important principle, "All things are lawful." That is, everything which does not resist or destroy Love is not forbidden by God. Next, Paul betrays some chauvinism no doubt picked up during his days as a Pharisee, and commands that women symbolically cover their heads when praying. Paul then gives advice re the ceremony of Communion (Eucharist). Paul then examines the famous analogy of the Church as a "body," unified although it contains many "parts." God gives spiritual gifts and Love-gifts. This is where we find the famous "Canticle of Love," in First Corinthians chapter thirteen. Paul also has much to say about "glossolalia," or speaking in foreign languages. Again, Paul's old bigotry slips through into his words, and he prohibits women to teach in the public church. Paul closes with what has been called the "Gospel of the Resurrection," in chapter fifteen. He says that everyone who has a physical body also has a spiritual one designed for "heaven" (perfect Mindworld of Love). The "resurrection" is a fundamental tenet of true spirituality, and is associated with several other important ideas. As we reflect the nature of "dusty" man, Adam, so we must also reflect the nature of heavenly Spirit, Christ. We will not all die; some of us will be "translated" into our heavenly bodies.
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2 Corinthians summary
The truth is only hidden from those who do not hear the call to believe
(4:1-6)
The weakness of the suffering apostle demonstrates the glory of god which
we will share in the resurrection (4:7-5:10)
the apostle is even willing to suffer to bring people to Christ (6:1-13;
7:2-4)
Holiness is separation from the "world" (material order]. (6:14-7:1),
possibly non-Pauline]
Against the "super-apostles" (chapters 10-13)
Do not be led astray by their flattery (11:1-6)
True sign of an apostle is God’s power manifested in suffering and
weakness (11:16-12:13)
*******
First Corinthians is considered one of the great written classics of Christian spirituality. It begins, in chapter 2, with correcting the "errors" in the church.
There is a warning against factionalism, against "following men."
Spiritual people are encouraged to agree with each other, not because of centralized dogma or doctrine, but because they all receive from the same Source, and God wants peace, not disputations and disagreements. The church was factionalizing, fragmenting due to human selfstyled "leaders," each getting a following. This is analogous to the formation of cults, in which people receive "new understandings," and break away from, and disagree with, all others. But "Christ" (God, Love) should be the only "leader."! Even Paul did not want people to follow him. God's message
is not intellectual. From that view, it looks "foolish."
The Gospel was rejected by the Jews because it did not have the "proper authority." God does not use merely human wisdom. The "Holy Spirit" teaches spiritual people directly.
We are God's "living building." It is built upon Christ (God, Love). No human leader is to be followed, but you are to follow only the "Word" of God. This is not only the Bible, but the living Word, which is God Itself. (Jn. 1:1) Christians should avoid intimate association with people who are openly sinning. Our bodies are the temple of God. We should not abuse them through fornication.
Both marriage and the single state are acceptable to the Lord of Love. Paul implores Christians to support his ministry via charitable giving. Yet he refused to be "hired" for "payment." As the people of Love (God), we are unified through Communion.
Next, Paul supplies the famous and important principle, "All things are lawful." That is, everything which does not resist or destroy Love is not forbidden by God. Next, Paul betrays some chauvinism no doubt picked up during his days as a Pharisee, and commands that women symbolically cover their heads when praying. Paul then gives advice re the ceremony of Communion (Eucharist). Paul then examines the famous analogy of the Church as a "body," unified although it contains many "parts." God gives spiritual gifts and Love-gifts. This is where we find the famous "Canticle of Love," in First Corinthians chapter thirteen. Paul also has much to say about "glossolalia," or speaking in foreign languages. Again, Paul's old bigotry slips through into his words, and he prohibits women to teach in the public church. Paul closes with what has been called the "Gospel of the Resurrection," in chapter fifteen. He says that everyone who has a physical body also has a spiritual one designed for "heaven" (perfect Mindworld of Love). The "resurrection" is a fundamental tenet of true spirituality, and is associated with several other important ideas. As we reflect the nature of "dusty" man, Adam, so we must also reflect the nature of heavenly Spirit, Christ. We will not all die; some of us will be "translated" into our heavenly bodies.
***
2 Corinthians summary
The truth is only hidden from those who do not hear the call to believe
(4:1-6)
The weakness of the suffering apostle demonstrates the glory of god which
we will share in the resurrection (4:7-5:10)
the apostle is even willing to suffer to bring people to Christ (6:1-13;
7:2-4)
Holiness is separation from the "world" (material order]. (6:14-7:1),
possibly non-Pauline]
Against the "super-apostles" (chapters 10-13)
Do not be led astray by their flattery (11:1-6)
True sign of an apostle is God’s power manifested in suffering and
weakness (11:16-12:13)
*******
Monday, August 06, 2007
Christianity and Buddhism
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Buddhism and Christianity both have great value for the student of religion, or of spiritual psychology.
But a direct comparison between the two is a bit like a comparison of apples and oranges, or tulips and roses. Each system of philosophy, each pattern of behavior, has its place in the enlightened life.
Christianity's great strength is that it emphasizes Love. It super-emphasizes It, for it says, "God is Love." No higher complement to any ideal could ever be made.
Buddhism also highlights maitri ("Love) and karuna ("compassion") as supreme values.
Christianity says that we all contain a Mind of enormous spiritual Power, Love, and wisdom. It is called the "indwelling Holy Spirit," and this is an equivalent term with "Christ," equal to "God."
While Buddhism says nothing about an "outer, anthropomorphic (human-like) God, it does recognize the inner Spirit. This is called your "Buddha-nature." It is our purpose as human beings to cultivate this higher nature of Love, compassion, kindness, and goodness. A famous Buddhist leader said, "Kindness is my religion."
Anyone who sincerely tries to cultivate and express the Christ-spirit or Buddha-nature will become a much improved person.
Buddhism has nothing to say about the "end of the world." But, in the original Bible (the best ancient Greek manuscripts), this phrase is not found even a single time, not even in Revelation.
Buddhism, with its clear teaching of reincarnation, agrees with Christianity that the Soul (mind) survives death. Historians recognize that early Christians also accepted this "controversial" view of the Soul. For example, John the Baptizer was Elijah, and the common people believed that Jesus was "Isaiah or one of the other prophets."
The wise student works hard to remain open to new ideas, to growth and development. She is careful not to let her mind become "set in concrete." (This would make her a "blockhead"!:) Remaining open to wisdom from every and any source, we can study Buddhism and Christianity in tandem, letting them together mutually support and reinforce each other. And they can both sustain a deeper spirituality. For these great systems are not in conflict.
Btw, Buddhists do not "worship" statues of the Buddha. These statues exist only to remind us of our interior nature of gentleness, tenderness, mercy, and forgiveness. If a Buddhist "worships" formally at all, she worships the interior Holy Spirit, Christ-spirit, or Buddha-nature.
*******
Buddhism and Christianity both have great value for the student of religion, or of spiritual psychology.
But a direct comparison between the two is a bit like a comparison of apples and oranges, or tulips and roses. Each system of philosophy, each pattern of behavior, has its place in the enlightened life.
Christianity's great strength is that it emphasizes Love. It super-emphasizes It, for it says, "God is Love." No higher complement to any ideal could ever be made.
Buddhism also highlights maitri ("Love) and karuna ("compassion") as supreme values.
Christianity says that we all contain a Mind of enormous spiritual Power, Love, and wisdom. It is called the "indwelling Holy Spirit," and this is an equivalent term with "Christ," equal to "God."
While Buddhism says nothing about an "outer, anthropomorphic (human-like) God, it does recognize the inner Spirit. This is called your "Buddha-nature." It is our purpose as human beings to cultivate this higher nature of Love, compassion, kindness, and goodness. A famous Buddhist leader said, "Kindness is my religion."
Anyone who sincerely tries to cultivate and express the Christ-spirit or Buddha-nature will become a much improved person.
Buddhism has nothing to say about the "end of the world." But, in the original Bible (the best ancient Greek manuscripts), this phrase is not found even a single time, not even in Revelation.
Buddhism, with its clear teaching of reincarnation, agrees with Christianity that the Soul (mind) survives death. Historians recognize that early Christians also accepted this "controversial" view of the Soul. For example, John the Baptizer was Elijah, and the common people believed that Jesus was "Isaiah or one of the other prophets."
The wise student works hard to remain open to new ideas, to growth and development. She is careful not to let her mind become "set in concrete." (This would make her a "blockhead"!:) Remaining open to wisdom from every and any source, we can study Buddhism and Christianity in tandem, letting them together mutually support and reinforce each other. And they can both sustain a deeper spirituality. For these great systems are not in conflict.
Btw, Buddhists do not "worship" statues of the Buddha. These statues exist only to remind us of our interior nature of gentleness, tenderness, mercy, and forgiveness. If a Buddhist "worships" formally at all, she worships the interior Holy Spirit, Christ-spirit, or Buddha-nature.
*******
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Overcoming the Lower Nature
Overcoming the Lower Nature
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The lower nature, also called the "humanimal nature" and the "fear-nature," among other synonyms, can be both "enemy" and "teacher." If we fiercely resist and hate it, it becomes an enemy, and to have this "enemy within" is not the best situation.
So, let us begin our work with the lower nature by recognizing that God has permitted it to exist for a purpose. That purpose is education: Without the resistance of the lower nature, we might not learn anything at all from life.
Like fear generally, it is NOT a factor in God's active will, but is an aspect of His permissive will. It exists not because it is the will of Love, but because Love simply permits it, as a teacher.
The best way to eradicate the lower nature, or to neutralize its power in the heartmind, is to practice regular meditation, "interior prayer," or the "prayer of silence." In this relaxed state of mind, we invite the Love-nature to enter our minds and "take over" our lives. We permit it; we allow It; we surrender to it.
How we invite the higher nature to enter our lives is summed up by the word PLAYS. The enlightened person "plays" her way through life. This acronym stands for: Permits, Lets, Allows, Yields, and Surrenders.
We must first discover God (the Spirit, "Father," "Mother," "Absolute," "Ultimate," etc.) exists as purest Love deep within the Mind. Then, moving forward with this powerful conviction, we can invite God (Love) to begin to think and act through us. This phase is called "surrender."
NOTE: We never surrender our will to any human pastor, minister, preacher, guru, priest, rabbi, imam, or other religious leader. We surrender to only God as Love in the heart.
Gradually, through repeated inward reaching, introspection, and meditation, we begin to establish a relationship with the living Love-nature within. This becomes much brighter, stronger, and clearer with practice.
We also make an interior vow, not to be "perfect" (for that is unrealistic), but to follow the higher nature of Love in all our ways. The flipside of this vow is to cease the activities of the lower nature. These include all fearbased activities and all actions that can harm self or others.
This is an indispensable vow. It is called ahimsa. It says, "I solemnly vow, to God, the highest Self, and to all spiritual creation, that I will never again act in any way that can harm or hurt another living being-- especially human beings. I will refuse to harm anyone physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually."
Before making this sacred vow to God, we must be prepared to follow it. Then, we make it, with or without human witnesses to the vow; and after that, we live it every minute of every day. This is a very sacred and holy vow, and so, must not be made carelessly. And, of course, we call in the Holy Spirit to give us the strength to stay faithful to the vow.
These are the beginning steps in overcoming the lower nature. After a long time, it begins to lose its energy ("die"). The process, say enlightened souls, can also involve personal suffering. (In those cases, it has been called, historically, the "interior crucifixion.")
After these steps are taken, the lower nature is weakened significantly; it has very low energy, and is very "sick." But it does not lose all energy until we begin to live each and every minute, of each and every day, from the state of pure Love. This is Love for all creatures, and respects all; no one is excluded, not even "enemies." You can see, it is a challenging path!
But there is none more splendid, glorious, or ecstatic!
*******
*******
The lower nature, also called the "humanimal nature" and the "fear-nature," among other synonyms, can be both "enemy" and "teacher." If we fiercely resist and hate it, it becomes an enemy, and to have this "enemy within" is not the best situation.
So, let us begin our work with the lower nature by recognizing that God has permitted it to exist for a purpose. That purpose is education: Without the resistance of the lower nature, we might not learn anything at all from life.
Like fear generally, it is NOT a factor in God's active will, but is an aspect of His permissive will. It exists not because it is the will of Love, but because Love simply permits it, as a teacher.
The best way to eradicate the lower nature, or to neutralize its power in the heartmind, is to practice regular meditation, "interior prayer," or the "prayer of silence." In this relaxed state of mind, we invite the Love-nature to enter our minds and "take over" our lives. We permit it; we allow It; we surrender to it.
How we invite the higher nature to enter our lives is summed up by the word PLAYS. The enlightened person "plays" her way through life. This acronym stands for: Permits, Lets, Allows, Yields, and Surrenders.
We must first discover God (the Spirit, "Father," "Mother," "Absolute," "Ultimate," etc.) exists as purest Love deep within the Mind. Then, moving forward with this powerful conviction, we can invite God (Love) to begin to think and act through us. This phase is called "surrender."
NOTE: We never surrender our will to any human pastor, minister, preacher, guru, priest, rabbi, imam, or other religious leader. We surrender to only God as Love in the heart.
Gradually, through repeated inward reaching, introspection, and meditation, we begin to establish a relationship with the living Love-nature within. This becomes much brighter, stronger, and clearer with practice.
We also make an interior vow, not to be "perfect" (for that is unrealistic), but to follow the higher nature of Love in all our ways. The flipside of this vow is to cease the activities of the lower nature. These include all fearbased activities and all actions that can harm self or others.
This is an indispensable vow. It is called ahimsa. It says, "I solemnly vow, to God, the highest Self, and to all spiritual creation, that I will never again act in any way that can harm or hurt another living being-- especially human beings. I will refuse to harm anyone physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually."
Before making this sacred vow to God, we must be prepared to follow it. Then, we make it, with or without human witnesses to the vow; and after that, we live it every minute of every day. This is a very sacred and holy vow, and so, must not be made carelessly. And, of course, we call in the Holy Spirit to give us the strength to stay faithful to the vow.
These are the beginning steps in overcoming the lower nature. After a long time, it begins to lose its energy ("die"). The process, say enlightened souls, can also involve personal suffering. (In those cases, it has been called, historically, the "interior crucifixion.")
After these steps are taken, the lower nature is weakened significantly; it has very low energy, and is very "sick." But it does not lose all energy until we begin to live each and every minute, of each and every day, from the state of pure Love. This is Love for all creatures, and respects all; no one is excluded, not even "enemies." You can see, it is a challenging path!
But there is none more splendid, glorious, or ecstatic!
*******
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