Prosperity:
"I follow the path of my divine purpose and live a prosperous life." (DW, 6.3.09)
"We are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life." (Eph. 2.10)
Mei Meditatio:
My life is a path, a journey on which I embark and in which I develop and grow into greater prosperity. Grounding myself in Christ I grow in wisdom and experience of God, which illuminates more fully my purpose and life goals.
God has created us in God's image of Love. Being continually reborn in Christ, I am renewed and regenerated in progression towards a deeper, fuller experience of life and a heightened awareness of the God of All. This awareness inspires a duty for enacting and expressing this Divine Love through beneficial and compassionate works for all those in whom I come in contact.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Let’s Talk About God: New Book Redefines Faith Debate
Recently, outspoken atheist critics of religion such as Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, and Richard Dawkins have popularized the a-religious, or even anti-religious, perspectives through their prolific and often witty publications. They've argued very publicly for an ultimatum: either you don't believe in God/Ultimate Reality or you're intelligently deficient (to put it nicely). There have been relatively few theists or pro-religionists that have retorted in any substantial way -- a notable example being Alister McGrath who has published significantly against especially Richard Dawkins (see The Dawkins Delusion).
In a forthcoming book called The Evolution of God, Robert Wright reframes the debate by not asking "Is God real?" but rather addresses how the notions and understandings of God have evolved over time in history. His argument centers on the fact that there is much potential and actual expression of benefit and good that has come of religious scripture, belief, practice, and life than is recognized by some atheistic, anti-religion writers.
The most compelling and important idea he presents is in a hypothetical conversation with a biologist. He relates God to an electron. He tells the scientist that you know the electron is there but you can't know anything about what its properties are like through observation of any kind. Rather, we believe electrons exist because of the effects that they have on the physical world. Similarly, it's only reasonable and fair that the possibility be considered that there is an Unseen Reality that effects our reality and in which we participate; perhaps we might say that love, truth, and goodness be understood as the primary expressions of the Divine effecting human experience. Admitting this kind of analogical reasoning is an important step toward greater understanding and mutual learning in the atheist-religion / faith and reason debates.
In Unity, we surely fall in the category of belief in the reality and power of God, but since we also have shown a significant amount of interest in the sciences (especially the new science or quantum physics) it is possible to set an example for other religious denominations by highlighting this sensitivity in our ministries, outreach, and publication. Espousing a flexible and open-minded worldview, Unity is in the strategic position of being at the forefront of the dialogue (rather than debate) between atheists and religious people because of this value of plurality, diversity, and the compatibility of the spiritual and scientific spheres. (In fact, Unity Institute's Lyceum 2009 scholarly conference has the theme Science and Religion: An Evolving Dialogue, which is a testament to our awareness of the need and importance of this conversation.)
Lisa Miller of Newsweek has a review and commentary of The Evolution of God.
In a forthcoming book called The Evolution of God, Robert Wright reframes the debate by not asking "Is God real?" but rather addresses how the notions and understandings of God have evolved over time in history. His argument centers on the fact that there is much potential and actual expression of benefit and good that has come of religious scripture, belief, practice, and life than is recognized by some atheistic, anti-religion writers.
The most compelling and important idea he presents is in a hypothetical conversation with a biologist. He relates God to an electron. He tells the scientist that you know the electron is there but you can't know anything about what its properties are like through observation of any kind. Rather, we believe electrons exist because of the effects that they have on the physical world. Similarly, it's only reasonable and fair that the possibility be considered that there is an Unseen Reality that effects our reality and in which we participate; perhaps we might say that love, truth, and goodness be understood as the primary expressions of the Divine effecting human experience. Admitting this kind of analogical reasoning is an important step toward greater understanding and mutual learning in the atheist-religion / faith and reason debates.
In Unity, we surely fall in the category of belief in the reality and power of God, but since we also have shown a significant amount of interest in the sciences (especially the new science or quantum physics) it is possible to set an example for other religious denominations by highlighting this sensitivity in our ministries, outreach, and publication. Espousing a flexible and open-minded worldview, Unity is in the strategic position of being at the forefront of the dialogue (rather than debate) between atheists and religious people because of this value of plurality, diversity, and the compatibility of the spiritual and scientific spheres. (In fact, Unity Institute's Lyceum 2009 scholarly conference has the theme Science and Religion: An Evolving Dialogue, which is a testament to our awareness of the need and importance of this conversation.)
Lisa Miller of Newsweek has a review and commentary of The Evolution of God.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Saying "Yes" to Change -- Joan Borysenko Essay
Joan Borysenko's article entitled "Saying Yes to Change: The Anatomy of Spiritual Transformation" has been reprinted on Unity.org after having originally appeared in The Daily Word. She deals with change as being a fundamental constant in human life. The article addresses how accepting the reality of change and altering one's attitude toward the ever-evolving process of life's events is an essential part of spiritual growth. Borysenko also, in typical Unity fashion, produces a kind of practical methodology by which one may guage the process of transformation in this sea of life's changes.
Let me briefly outline her 3-step structure with some brief commentary:
1) Separation -- When the journey of transformation commences, a rift occurs between the present and the past, what is and what was, an experienced distance between an individual and who they felt they were. This is a result of a resistance to the change that is occurring in life -- fear is often the feeling that results.
2) Dwelling at the Threshold -- This is the situation of existing in between "no longer and not yet." It's the circumstance of being in a kind of limbo, standing at the doorway of future potential but not yet realized. The challenge is that, in order to walk through the threshold of personal transformation, one must be willing to let go of past beliefs and attitudes preventing the progression. And this may take time.
3) The Return -- This is the breakthrough point where one is able to totally let go of the past and problem beliefs and is reborn into a new outlook on life, a fresh and revitalized way of living in the world.
This is a wonderfully insightful, yet rather brief, look at the process of change and transformation from a Unity spiritual perspective.
Read Borysenko's essay at Unity.org.
Let me briefly outline her 3-step structure with some brief commentary:
1) Separation -- When the journey of transformation commences, a rift occurs between the present and the past, what is and what was, an experienced distance between an individual and who they felt they were. This is a result of a resistance to the change that is occurring in life -- fear is often the feeling that results.
2) Dwelling at the Threshold -- This is the situation of existing in between "no longer and not yet." It's the circumstance of being in a kind of limbo, standing at the doorway of future potential but not yet realized. The challenge is that, in order to walk through the threshold of personal transformation, one must be willing to let go of past beliefs and attitudes preventing the progression. And this may take time.
3) The Return -- This is the breakthrough point where one is able to totally let go of the past and problem beliefs and is reborn into a new outlook on life, a fresh and revitalized way of living in the world.
This is a wonderfully insightful, yet rather brief, look at the process of change and transformation from a Unity spiritual perspective.
Read Borysenko's essay at Unity.org.
Daily Word (6.2.09)
I Can:
"I am able to do all things through God's spirit within me." (DW, 6.2.09)
"Jesus said to him, 'If you are able!--All things can be done for the one who believes.'" (Mk. 9.23)
Mei Meditatio:
The decision of faith gives me trusting acceptance in the truth that I'm filled with the Spirit of the living God of the universe. Participating in this Reality, I know that the possibilities for me at any given time and place are abundant and at hand.
Through Christ, God is the Life, Peace, and Love that endows me with the divine powers of living, peacableness, and loving that I manifest in my relationships and act towards the betterment of society. Empowered by the Life, Peace, and Love of God in Christ, I do what I know I can do to practically help bring about health, justice, and equality in the outer societal world. The advance of social well-being, in turn, helps further my own personal spiritual growth by virtue of the interrelation of all in God.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"I am able to do all things through God's spirit within me." (DW, 6.2.09)
"Jesus said to him, 'If you are able!--All things can be done for the one who believes.'" (Mk. 9.23)
Mei Meditatio:
The decision of faith gives me trusting acceptance in the truth that I'm filled with the Spirit of the living God of the universe. Participating in this Reality, I know that the possibilities for me at any given time and place are abundant and at hand.
Through Christ, God is the Life, Peace, and Love that endows me with the divine powers of living, peacableness, and loving that I manifest in my relationships and act towards the betterment of society. Empowered by the Life, Peace, and Love of God in Christ, I do what I know I can do to practically help bring about health, justice, and equality in the outer societal world. The advance of social well-being, in turn, helps further my own personal spiritual growth by virtue of the interrelation of all in God.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Daily Word (6.1.09)
Breathe:
"Each breath of life renews and energizes me." (DW, 6.1.09)
"Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being." (Gen. 2.7)
Mei Meditatio:
It is God's spirit (Heb. ruach) breathed into us and flowing through us that animates us and makes us living beings. Without God's divine spark within, we'd be nothing but "dust of the ground." Our life as humans is made possible by the presence of divine Spirit coursing through our being.
Thus, I awake to the truth that Spirit is present within my being -- it is that which makes me a living being alive with animation and agency. I awake to the truth that nothing can separate me from the God-presence of Christ and knowing this reality makes it ever more real to me. As I inhale and exhale in my breathing, I'm reminded of the Spirit flowing in me and through me, rejuvinating and renewing my being and thus my relationships. I'm born again in and through Christ who reveals and unites me to my spiritual heritage as a child of the living God.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"Each breath of life renews and energizes me." (DW, 6.1.09)
"Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being." (Gen. 2.7)
Mei Meditatio:
It is God's spirit (Heb. ruach) breathed into us and flowing through us that animates us and makes us living beings. Without God's divine spark within, we'd be nothing but "dust of the ground." Our life as humans is made possible by the presence of divine Spirit coursing through our being.
Thus, I awake to the truth that Spirit is present within my being -- it is that which makes me a living being alive with animation and agency. I awake to the truth that nothing can separate me from the God-presence of Christ and knowing this reality makes it ever more real to me. As I inhale and exhale in my breathing, I'm reminded of the Spirit flowing in me and through me, rejuvinating and renewing my being and thus my relationships. I'm born again in and through Christ who reveals and unites me to my spiritual heritage as a child of the living God.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Unity.FM 6.1-5.09
Check out the programming this week on Unity.FM.
Highlights include The Leading Edge with Mindy Audlin celebrates the Daily Word's 85th anniversary, a classic Unity talk by Charles Fillmore on the crucifixion of Jesus on Classic Unity Radio with Bob Brach, and cultivating the mystical and numinous in ritualistic and liturgical traditions on World Spirituality with Paul John Roach.
Highlights include The Leading Edge with Mindy Audlin celebrates the Daily Word's 85th anniversary, a classic Unity talk by Charles Fillmore on the crucifixion of Jesus on Classic Unity Radio with Bob Brach, and cultivating the mystical and numinous in ritualistic and liturgical traditions on World Spirituality with Paul John Roach.
Putting the “Protest” Back in Protestant: Reclaiming the Spirit of Resistance
Peter Laarman of Religion Dispatches writes a provocative piece about how the Protestant tradition was originally a movement that actually "protested" beliefs and practices understood to be detrimental to the the common good, spiritual growth, and the life of faith. Laarman points out the central impulse of the Protestant Reformers was one of questioning the status quo, affirming universal individual rights (whether it be socio-political or soteriological), and arguing for action -- concrete steps made by the devoted toward the desired change.Laarman's article is geared toward the historical side of the issue, tracing the formation and development of some prominent Reformers and advocating that Protestants today should learn from their forefathers and bring back that spirit of resistance to institutional, social, and individual evils.
The point Laarman raises is a good one. But I think it holds true for the entirety of the Christian tradition. That is, though Protestants have in their history and name the principle of protesting both for truth and justice and against the contrary as they see it, this is a heritage that spans the whole of Christianity. This value of protesting for and against extends back to the life and teaching of Jesus himself who stood firmly in the prophetic tradition, where a prophet (pro- for; phetes- to speak) wasn't so much a fore-teller of the future but a forth-teller of divine love, power, and justice in the present. The prophetic spirit is fundamental to Jesus' social-spiritual message of sacrificial love and equality, and is inherent throughout the plurality of Christian denominations.
There are many different positions within Unity circles as to whether or not Unity should even be explicitly called "Christian" since it incorporates so much of other traditions into its fold. This is a debate I'll enter into in more detail at a later time. Suffice it to say that, for the present purposes, Unity has historically, culturally, linguistically, and spiritually grown out of the Christian tradition and is thus a part of Christianity (Fillmore's leaned toward a Christian identity of Unity, our central authoritative texts are Christian, the theological language we employ is God and Christ-centered, etc.). Thus, Unity could take some cues from Laarman and/ perhaps use some of his arguments and research to corroborate social action that is already taking place within Unity congregations and even help to sculpt a more prophetic voice for Unity that's relevant to our present modern/post-modern context of globalization, plurality, and apparent ambiguity.
(Above photo from Religion Dispatches website.)
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