(09-19-2010, 01:15 PM)Shemaya Wrote: I would venture to say that there is more to the disagreement then that and that is why I quoted the above passage from christian scripture. This passage has helped me so much to move ahead in my path, and seek the truth about LOVE.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful quote from Christian scripture!
(09-19-2010, 01:15 PM)Shemaya Wrote: I am still learning, and it is a process.
As we all are!
(09-19-2010, 01:15 PM)Shemaya Wrote: The LOO was a blessing to me the way it explained our purpose...this being a density of choice...and for me that means choosing love, and learning what that means. How can I love more authentically, more truly? What does that mean to me? I am a Christian, meaning I follow Jesus as a wayshower, and Jesus' teachings. I was born and raised in Christianity in this lifetime and others, my circle of family and friends is completely penetrated with the history and energy of christianity. Born catholic and now part of a community of evangelical Bible-believing christians, it has been a challenge to trust my inner truth to follow this "mystical" path.
I have finally let go of the doctrine! and am finally at peace with that, I embrace myself as a mystical Christian. However my friends and family have not. They are my loved ones and community. How do I best serve them?
That is wonderful! And I agree that seeking to serve and to love is what is most important.
I am curious: Have you been able to share with your friends and family your interest in the Law of One? If so, I am curious how you were able to do that.
(09-19-2010, 01:15 PM)Shemaya Wrote: Well I also finally learned that it doesn't work to beat them over the head with a truth two-by-four. And by that I mean, my attitude that I know the truth and they do not. The attitude that I am superior in my wisdom and knowledge of Truth . It can be very unloving.
That's for sure!
I really admire Carla for being able to be open about her channeling work while attending church and participating in her church community. Maybe it's geographical, but in my area, I don't know of any mainstream churches that would be so embracing of a mystic, much less someone who channels!
I don't think anyone is suggesting that we hit them over the head with a 2x4. But how do we remain open about who we are and our own spiritual path, amongst those who would fear and condemn us?
I have a lot of Christian friends with whom I have never shared my spirituality. It isn't necessary in order to interact with them. Still, it would be nice to be open about my own path. I dislike having to hide it lest they become terrified and judgmental. Am I really serving them, by keeping my own perceptions of truth hidden? Would I serve them better by being more open?
Am I denying them an opportunity to learn to be less fearful and more accepting, when I acquiesce to their paradigm? Am I succumbing to fear of being judged myself, when I refrain from wearing crystal earrings when I'm around them? Am I perpetuating division and separation when I hide my Tarot books before a Christian guest visits my house?
Is it simple courtesy that is driving my actions, or am I being fearful and not trusting in their ability to evolve past the fear and judgment they've displayed in the past? Am I being part of the process facilitating their unfoldment (along with mine) or am I contributing to the negative aspects of their religion when I walk on eggshells around them?
Am I actually being elitist when I hide who I really am? If I didn't think my knowledge was somehow more 'pure' or less distorted, then why don't I share it with them freely, instead of only listening to their ideas in a 1-sided conversation? If both paths are equally valid, then why can't we have an open exchange of ideas? Why can't I be more open when I'm around them? If I truly value their path as valid, then what do I have to be concerned about?
It would be elitist and arrogant for me to tell them their path is wrong. But isn't it also elitist and arrogant for me to treat them as though they aren't smart enough or open-minded enough to accept me for who I am? Am I contributing to an elitist/judgmental attitude when I hold them to the past, expecting them to judge me for not being 'saved' according to their beliefs? If they judge me, since we are all mirrors, then is it I who am judging? If I am concerned about being judged, isn't that the flip side of judging? Should I just be open about my beliefs in reincarnation, etc. and be willing to accept whatever their reaction is? Is it a more loving approach to knowingly reinforce whatever limitations they already have? Am I not reinforcing limitations, when I nod my head in agreement, or neglect to mention other spiritual paths, when they tell me the Bible is the 'only' truth, and Jesus the 'only' way?
Am I missing an opportunity to serve them when I mumble "Oh I have a personal spiritual path" when they ask me what church I attend? Am I serving them when I make an excuse to decline their offer to attend their church? Am I neglecting to forgive them for the times they harassed me for not returning to their church after I attended a few times out of courtesy? Can I truly bring in my own unique spark of the Divine, into their domain? Or do I have to remain outside their church doors? Would they accept me as I am? My experience is that they don't. But why not? If the structure/institution really is inconsequential, why am I even asking these questions?
By thinking that I am extending courtesy to them when I allow them to believe I'm a Christian (rather than rocking their boat), am I really serving them? Or am I actually doing the very thing I'm trying to avoid, which is to be divisive or judgmental?
I'm reeling with the implications. I don't know the answer to these questions. That's why I am curious how you have handled this, in your life.
(09-19-2010, 01:15 PM)Shemaya Wrote: Our global community of humanity has so many unique sparks of the Creator, there are 2 billion Christians. How will we best serve the emergence of 4-D. Criticize their viewpoint? Point out their errors of intellect? I recently left a spiritual teaching that asked me to do that. It was separating and divisive.
Criticizing their viewpoint would be divisive.
Is there a way to share our viewpoint without criticizing theirs?
(09-19-2010, 01:15 PM)Shemaya Wrote: I would like to suggest that we approach these matters from our hearts, in a like-hearted and loving community of seekers.
It's an ongoing process, to balance the heart and intellect! That's why it's so valuable to have all these differing viewpoints. We can each learn from one another.
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