Mark Dohle
Well-Known Member
Personal Infallibility
If I think something, then it must be true. Or if I believe a certain way, then all others who think differently must be wrong.
For a short time, I was part of a group that was based on Muslims and Christians 'debating'. When in fact it was just insults and silly stereotypes being traded back and forth. As if insults would open up any kind of real communication.
I do not believe or was it ever taught me as a Catholic that other religions are demonic, or lead to hell. What leads to hell is the death of the soul that comes from the extinguishing of the love of others, as well as of God. Both are one in reality. To hate is to be in darkness, as the 1st letter of John presents to us.
What does it mean to seek? Jesus said that those who seek will find. How deep can we go into that statement? A seeker is one who will rejoice when the truth is found. It is like finding a treasure in a field as Jesus said, and the one who found it will sell all he has and buy the field.
I do believe this is lived out in people's lives in more ways than we can know. Infinite Mind, Infinite Love, seeks and leads all. The blood of Christ Jesus covers us all.
Yet we all have idols, we make God into our own image and likeness, or believe things about him and allow us to understand, and yes fear.. It is easier to believe in a God of wrath, a fearful deity because it is so much like us. A wrathful God can be placated, manipulated even.
A God of Infinite Love, something beyond our understanding can be a fearful thing. For we are called to love as God loves.
Seekers should talk to one another, listen, and not to be threatened by other ways of seeking, understanding, and living out one's path.
The light within can only be ignited by a forgetting of self, and the desire to change, control, or shame others into a box that we can feel comfortable with.
Yes, and pray. For us Christians, we understand the power of prayer, the need to grow in love, and when we do that, we may be surprised at how people of other faiths, spiritual paths will open up to us. The Holy Spirit blows where it will. Let us make our souls into 'wind tunnels' of divine fire for those around us. We will be surprised at how fast narrow stereotypes about other faiths and paths will disappear. --BrMD
