Let's say, for the sake of argument, that you accept Jesus Christ as your lord and savior today, and that you are thus assured of eternal salvation in the afterlife. Does that do anything for you today in the hear and now?
Had to double check what section of the site I am responding in.
Some Christians (like me) do not accept Jesus as Lord, nor as savior. Jesus is one example of Christ, but is not "one and only" as that is close to idolatry, IMO, to think of 'him' in that way. With all this said, I do believe I have reasonable understanding of salvation. And it helps in the here and now by understanding a few things, which amount to learning to forgive (error, sin) so one can truly see Christ in all. This starts with own Self, and extends without end.
Does it reconcile you to your life? Does it give your life meaning and purpose?
Yes. It enhances greatly outlook on social life. I find I can somehow manifest grievances and grudges with others and this helps align me with what is really going on. Saves time in a sense, as say 10 years ago, I would've allowed more festering to happen, especially in my own mind.
Does it make you better able to love everyone -- including your enemies?
Yes. It is a profound Love, that continues to teach and enrich me.
Does it create in you an appreciation for nature?
Hmm, depends on what one calls nature, or natural. I am of the understanding that miracles are natural, and when they do not occur something has gone wrong. I understand that others perceive of miracles as supernatural events that are magical spectacles designed (I guess) to make all believers and in awe of the miracle worker. I don't have appreciation for that take on miracles, nor do I have much appreciation for that which insists physical is only way to do certain things, i.e. healing. All I can say, here in short order, is I know better.
Does it make you more likely to adhere to your morals?
Yes, it is moral compass.
Do you consider yourself enlightened?
More aware in general? Yes. I've experienced what may be called enlightenment, I refer to it as "moment of Grace" (that went on for good 3 days, likely longer, and hasn't been completely lost to me). Part of salvation as I understand it though is seeing 'enlightenment' all around, rather than in only 'select few.'
Do you consider yourself fulfilled?
Sometimes. Spiritually speaking? Yes. On journey of specific learning? Not quite fulfilled. If I experience any sense of illness, I feel like I picked up the, "go to jail, go directly to jail, do not pass go" card. Aka, near empty.
Do you consider yourself self-realized?
Yes, for most part.
What exactly does it do for you?
It realigns teaching and learning. I connect to Inner Teacher (as well as outer ones) and then realize, often and acutely, to what degree I am teaching. Mainly teaching myself, but also teaching in situations where say 10 years ago, I wouldn't have seen that as 'teaching' but more in vein of, 'normal human relations.' And then I realize that often I am operating under principle of, "teach love, for that is who you are." Not that I only teach love, and everyone sings kumbiya around me, while wearing magic crystals and holding hands. No, I'm not really into the 'airy fairy' perception of what's around. Not my cup of tea. Again, it is a profound love, and it goes beyond physical to core understanding of who person is, where they are now at, what is it they truly desire. I may not get this anywhere near 100% accurate, but in 'learning' I have grown far more accustomed, compared to what I once was.
Allowing myself to be a 'bringer of Light,' really helps me see Light in all, and then teach from that perspective. Not that all would perceive of me in this way, but from my experience with enlightenment, there is how we may see things through perception (clouded) and there is how vision sees Creation (you and me) and it is working on another level that when seen shows up as natural and, I would say, very obvious. Almost like, how could I have possibly missed this from the other way of 'seeing.'
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