08.02.07
Born Again: A Conversion Story by Fritz Williams
Click on this link to read the story - but you may want to read my comments below first: http://www.baltimoreethicalsociety.org/Conversion.php.
Save reading this 3500 word piece for a time when you really can sit down and absorb it’s wisdom. It is well worth the time you will devote to it! This is from a very deep person who has carefully thought out what he believes and what he doesn’t.
Read especially carefully the 25th paragraph. I met with this man and he says he doesn’t really believe in the growth stages. Further, he more or less professes to be an atheist (Stage 3, by definition) yet in this paragragh and many after it, he seems to be talking about Stage 4 spirituality.
It is not our purpose here to judge what stage anyone is at. I only put up these distinctions so readers can understand that growth – whether in stages or not – exists. Mr. Williams here grew disillusioned with untruths that were being propagated in his original traditional religion. He was sufficiently attached to the truth (Stage 3 value) that he felt impelled to walk away from his career as a minister, rather than promote dishonesty. Surely this took determination, strength and dedication to principle!
Yet, as you read further, there are many hints that his stance has moved beyond mere Stage 3 skepticism, faith in science and devotion to the truth. He talks of mystical experiences, communion with nature, and zest for the mystery of the journey - through life and with others. It is a more gentle type of faith, one that includes the humility of not having all the answers - with a quiet excitement toward all that life and the humanity of our interactions with others have to offer. Despite it’s slightly misleading title, this story truly shows a very advanced level of spiritual development.
I am hoping for more stories like this one – we need further examples!