05.19.10
Posted in articles at 8:41 pm by MPJ
Someone sent me this story not long ago. I have not interviewed him,
but I do believe his story shows the trajectory of Mystic level
development. There is the early formal literal belief in traditional
religion. Following that there was a period of questioning. Then a
move back toward religious participation, even though he does not
accept all the beliefs of his church. Note his comment: "a fair
portion of what the pastor says goes in one ear and out the other"
and he refuses to accept explanations that are contrary to his
"innate sense of what a wise and loving creator of the universe
would possibly be like."
Lance's Story:
My journey through the stages of belief has been somewhat non-linear. I
was raised in an alcoholic household (both my father and mother died of
cirrhosis, my father being a brilliant man but the most hopeless Read the rest of this entry »
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09.22.09
Posted in articles at 6:12 pm by MPJ
This question appeared on another blog:What is the difference between the extreme Christian Right and Radical Muslims? (SoulPancake) I am copying my answer here:
The extreme Christian Right and Radical Muslims are at the same level of spiritual development. Both are convinced their view of God is the only right one. They are threatened and afraid of anyone who doesn’t agree so they lash out against them. Their sometimes violent attempts to quell the voices of their perceived enemies (the modern world) are motivated by fear and the need to wipe out any chance of being influenced by what they see as evil.
Both groups have an extremely literal interpretation of the scriptures of their religion, which of course makes the beliefs and practices of everyone else radically wrong in their eyes. In contrast, more “mature” believers tend to allow that most concepts put forth by their religion can be seen metaphorically. Without the literal interpretations, all religions begin to sound more similar to each other and thus “other” religions are less threatening to those who have grown spiritually to the level where they can “see” this.
The more you hear about these extremists acting up, the more you know positive change is going on in the world. Whenever the stability of the current order (even if it is evil, like our current health care system) is threatened, people at the extremist level will rebel in attempt to keep change from happening.
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