Evolutionary Religion

 

A lot has changed in the last couple of millennia, don't you think? We have a far deeper understanding of the workings of our universe, and our thinking has expanded exponentially about many topics. Something which has not changed appreciably is our idea about God. Religion has pretty well held us locked in to what has been taught as truth. Many of us are fearlessly admitting that we are all, each and every one, the expression and experience of God. We're happily allowing our thoughts to embrace new concepts such as, "I am the light of the world"! This is not a self-important declaration, but an all-inclusive, divine-Love centered exclamation of the wonder we know as Life. Our expanding thought is bringing a joy we never dreamed would be possible on this earth plane. We're beginning to understand that the kingdom of heaven is right here, right now, waiting for us to embrace it. If your belief system doesn’t  answer every question you have, if you are believing doctrine simply because you’ve been told to do so, you aren’t alone. Never be afraid to question so-called authority!

“The Hebrew and Greek words often translated belief differ somewhat in meaning from that conveyed by the English verb believe; they have more the significance of faith, understanding, trust, constancy, firmness. Hence the Scriptures often appear in our common version to approve and endorse belief, when they mean to enforce the necessity of understanding.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 488:7-1

“A major tenet in the ego’s insane religion is that sin is not error but truth, and it is innocence that would deceive. Purity is seen as arrogance, and the acceptance of the self as sinful is perceived as holiness. And it is this doctrine that replaces the reality of the Son of God as his Father created him, and willed that he be forever. Is this humility? Or is it, rather, an attempt to wrest creation away from truth, and keep it separate” 

A Course in Miracles T-19.II.4:1-5

Right-Mindedness

 During the years I worked with the public, I learned to say "you may be right about that" when someone said something with which I disagreed. It's a good way to say absolutely nothing, yet somehow not agree. But now there are too many injustices being perpetuated all around us to be silent. When I hear someone say that healthcare is not a right, it's a privilege, I must say that it is a privilege for the privileged at this point in time, and that is not right. When someone tells me they've worked hard for what they have and if someone can't take care of themselves then they haven't worked hard enough, I wonder what sect they come from, because the man for whom Christianity was named did not teach this. When someone tells me a woman's body is everybody's business and we should dictate its purpose, I can't even fathom where that idea originated. People who think oil is more important than the natural state of things, when they find fault with the power of the sun and wind and water, I wonder what corporation they are bowing down to. When I am told we can't feed the world by organic means and we must use pesticides and genetically modify our foods, I know the brainwashing which got them to this way of thinking -- because I've seen it develop in my lifetime. I could go on and on, as I'm sure you could, too. But the bottom line is I will no longer be saying, "you may be right about that", when I know darn well they are not. 

"Think of this, dear reader, for it will lift the sackcloth from your eyes, and you will behold the soft-winged dove descending upon you. The very circumstance, which your suffering sense deems wrathful and afflictive, Love can make an angel entertained unawares." 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 574:25

“I have already said that miracles are expressions of miracle-mindedness, and miracle-mindedness means right-mindedness. The right-minded neither exalt nor depreciate the mind of the miracle worker or the miracle receiver. However, as a correction, the miracle need not await the right-mindedness of the receiver. In fact, its purpose is to restore him to his right mind. It is essential, however, that the miracle worker be in his right mind, however briefly, or he will be unable to re-establish right-mindedness in someone else.” 

A Course in Miracles T-2.V.3:1-5

One Decision at a Time

 

Art: Ruth Evans Art

From Mary Reynolds’ “We Are the ARK”

“It’s time to go to work to save the sovereignty of our land, our water, our air, and all the creatures we share this planet with. The earth has become a barren green, brown, and scorched desert, but we can be the ones to create the island oases in this desert. These oases will be the seeding grounds for our new story. They will be sanctuaries for as many creatures as we can fit into them, safe havens for the magic and abundance in the natural world. They will become the ark for the flood of extinction that is already upon us. We are the last frontier and the last generation with enough time left to save this planet, by the skin of our teeth.

One person can effect such big change in this world, simply by inspiring change all around them.

One person, one patch of land, one decision at a time.

~ Mary Reynolds from “We Are the ARK - Returning Our Gardens to Their True Nature Through Acts of Restorative Kindness”

“The Garden of Eden, or the pre-separation condition, was a state of mind in which nothing was needed. When Adam listened to the ‘lies of the serpent,’ all he heard was untruth. You do not have to continue to believe what is not true unless you choose to do so. All that can literally disappear in the twinkling of an eye because it is merely a misperception. What is seen in dreams seems to be very real. Yet the Bible says that a deep sleep fell upon Adam, and nowhere is their reference to his waking up. The world has not yet experienced any comprehensive reawakening or rebirth. Such a rebirth is impossible as long as you continue to project or miscreate. It still remains within you, however, to extend as God extended His Spirit to you. In reality this is your only choice, because your free will was given you for your joy in creating the perfect.” 

A Course in Miracles T-2.I.3:1-10

“Mortal error will vanish in a moral chemicalization. This mental fermentation has begun, and will continue until all errors of belief yield to understanding. Belief is changeable, but spiritual understanding is changeless.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 96:21-24

With Apologies …

Photo courtesy of Blake Lasater

It is difficult to express what I’m trying to say in a short paragraph, and sometimes I fail miserably. It seems as though yesterday was one of those times, as this morning I had a response from someone who interpreted my words to mean I want people to ignore the plight of our planet and just be happy. I have apologized to him, and I apologize to you.  My goal had been to address the question of, “Do you want the problem or the answer?” The reason I suggested my fatalistic friend be happy and grateful for every little thing is because he is so miserable. It’s not necessarily climate change he’s given up on, but people as a whole.  He laments life and seems to have no desire to be proactive. And so I suggested he do something to free his mind, hoping that would free up space for something to  get in there other than his circular thinking on problems. A friend and educator once had a poster on her wall which told us she only wanted to hear about the problem as an identifier; after that, look for solutions. I love that. Namaste 

“We should examine ourselves and learn what is the affection and purpose of the heart, for in this way only can we learn what we honestly are. If a friend informs us of a fault, do we listen patiently to the rebuke and credit what is said? Do we not rather give thanks that we are ‘not as other men’? During many years the author has been most grateful for merited rebuke. The wrong lies in unmerited censure, — in the falsehood which does no one any good.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 8:28-4

“By recognizing spirit, miracles adjust the levels of perception and show them in proper alignment. This places spirit at the center, where it can communicate directly.” 

A Course in Miracles T-1.I.30:1-2

You May Be Right About That

Photo credit: Blake Lasater

I got a phone call today from a rather fatalistic friend on the west coast. He was lamenting the state of the world and predicting this was the end of humanity. As I listened to him, my thoughts went back to a video from David Hoffmeister, a teacher of A Course in Miracles, wherein he asks us, “Do I want the problem or do I want the answer?” My friend wasn’t looking for answers, he simply wanted someone to agree with him. Another thing Mr. Hoffmeister advised in his video was that many people are not ready to hear truth and it’s necessary to meet them where they are. Following his advice, I said something I often say when I disagree with someone: “You may be right about that.” I listened for a while as he presented more horrific scenarios, then ended our conversation by saying the best thing we can do is to be overflowing with joy; to be grateful for every little thing and to express it though happiness. He said, “You may be right about that.” Ha!

“Little child of God, you do not understand your Father. You believe in a world that takes, because you believe that you can get by taking. And by that perception you have lost sight of the real world. You are afraid of the world as you see it, but the real world is still yours for the asking. Do not deny it to yourself, for it can only free you. Nothing of God will enslave His Son whom He created free and whose freedom is protected by His Being. Blessed are you who are willing to ask the truth of God without fear, for only thus can you learn that His answer is the release from fear.” 

A Course in Miracles T-11.VIII.7:1-7

“Imperfect mortals grasp the ultimate of spiritual perfection slowly; but to begin aright and to continue the strife of demonstrating the great problem of being, is doing much.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 254:12-15

Beautiful Women

The Fabulous Virginia - photo credit: John Rankine

This morning I had the honor of playing organ for a celebration of life, and I’m still feeling elated! The well-loved woman had been Eureka’s first woman president of the Rotary Club and the multi-talented owner of a fabulous antique shop (only two hats of many she wore). While listening to people’s words about her, my mind visited two other women I know and love. One is pictured here and she once made national news by stealing Baby Jesus from the crèche in Basin Park. Her granddaughter thought it would be a good idea and Virginia agreed! This photo is from a Sunday visit to church and then lunch at a local restaurant. Another matriarch of Eureka Springs is a personal hero of mine. She is always cheerful and helpful, giving people a boost when they need it, and now that her mobility requires a wheelchair she is receiving that helping hand from many others. She lives an active life of service and is as beautiful as the first day I met her three decades ago. At one time someone suggested we should have a calendar featuring the beautiful white-haired women of Eureka. I must say I agree!! Here’s to all of us who keep on doing what we do best, despite physical and mental impediments. Cheers!!

“How beautiful indeed are the Thoughts of God who live in His light! Your worth is beyond perception because it is beyond doubt. Do not perceive yourself in different lights. Know yourself in the One Light where the miracle that is you is perfectly clear.”
A Course in Miracles T-3.V.10:6-9

“Even Shakespeare’s poetry pictures age as infancy, as helplessness and decadence, instead of assigning to man the everlasting grandeur and immortality of development, power, and prestige.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 244:27-32

Trust Issues

 

Trust  issues. These words used to be heard only in reference to a romantic break-up, but now it seems to be a national  topic.  People we have learned to trust suddenly feel frightening — i.e., policemen, politicians, preachers. Sometimes we have a tough time trusting our friends and loved ones. I know people who speak in derogatory terms about their children and their spouses. What is this thing we call trust? Does it truly originate in someone else, or does it come from within ourselves? Perhaps we don’t trust others because we don’t trust ourselves, or do we not trust ourselves because we don’t trust others? It all seems terribly complicated, so I’m questioning my beliefs and understanding surrounding trust: what it means, where it starts, where it ends. Perhaps it’s like love, and there is no beginning nor end, although there often appears to be a finite amount to  be allocated. I suppose I’m looking at this from a material view and I should practice what I preach, looking beyond human feelings and fears into the infinite realm of Love.  Be gentle with yourselves when you become caught up in the drama of daily life. Turning to "higher ideals of life and its joys" (as quoted below) is where I want to live today. 

“My angels are exalted thoughts, appearing at the door of some sepulchre, in which human belief has buried its fondest earthly hopes. With white fingers they point upward to a new and glorified trust, to higher ideals of life and its joys.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 299:7-12

“There is a distance you would keep apart from your brother, and this space you perceive as time because you still believe you are external to him. This makes trust impossible. And you cannot believe that trust would settle every problem now. Thus do you think it safer to remain a little careful and a little watchful of interests perceived as separate. From this perception you cannot conceive of gaining what forgiveness offers now. The interval you think lies in between the giving and receiving of the gift seems to be one in which you sacrifice and suffer loss. You see eventual salvation, not immediate results.” 

A Course in Miracles T-26.VIII.2:1-7