I Believe

God is the power of love that supplies, sustains, and enriches our lives.  All other forces together cannot exceed the effects of love that radiates like the sun to awaken our spirit.  God is the creative elements in air that gives us breath, water that gives us substance, and earth that nourishes in an endless cycle.  

Jesus, a descendent of King David, lived a dedicated life of loving, teaching and healing that fulfills prophesy of spirit led people.  His way of life was serving others selflessly.  He was criticized and condemned to die for going against religious and political leaders.  He endured and overcame great suffering to reveal that the ultimate sacrifice is to give up life for the sake of others.  His way is the true path to love which is kind, generous and enduring.  He offers us salvation from a deadly existence, when we follow his path of charitable love. We can only find illumination to make good choices through this boundless love.  We are judged by our motivation that constantly leans more to our own benefit.  We cannot obtain goodness or mercy on our own merit, but by grace through faith.

The Right Spirit gives us power, patience and perseverance to believe in love, even when we are weak.  We are strengthened in a loving community where there is forgiveness of all mistakes. We join in prayer and action with all believers to continue the everlasting life of love.

Miraculous results occur when love is present.

Tradition

Many of us are indoctrinated as children in theological and ethical beliefs.  My mother, grandmother, and great grandmother recited the Nicene Creed and lived lives based on the teachings of Jesus.  I am certain that Christianity could be traced back even further in my ancestry, perhaps even 1500 years to a time of Roman influence in Poland and Sweden. However, there was much argument among early Christians and Councils as to who Jesus was and what the church community should believe.  Therefore, I think it is necessary for every individual to compose a belief statement, rather than recite a creed that men in the 4th century believed. They summarized the popular political thoughts at the time.  They also make statements that are not part of Jesus teachings.  Jesus did not claim to be God, but he did say that we are all children of God.  Jesus was critical of those who were mired in exclusive religious traditions and daily practices, and yet we still insist on traditions in the name of piety. Jesus did not say he was without sin, and he did not say that we should worship his virgin mother. But we insist on those qualities to deify him.  He did not ask us to celebrate his birth, death, or resurrection. We inserted those dates to replace popular pagan celebrations.  Jesus did ask us continuously to do the will of the Father. So, after I review the words of Jesus written and told by men who followed the disciples and witnessed great things, I will try a feeble attempt at a personal perspective.  We know when a story is retold orally, it changes and is embellished or worded to fit the understanding and purpose of the teller. Matthew, Mark and Luke do not have the same conclusions as John.  Thomas is left out of the Bible as it focused on our "inner light".  Many other writings were ordered to be destroyed- some were recovered. What is most fascinating is that the history of a small oppressed nation, has become the Old Testament and basis for the world's largest religion. The Jewish people are a story of survival and strength.  Strength in spirit and community.  It is remarkable the one Jewish man was chosen as a Savior of our hearts and souls.  There are no flaws in his teachings.  There would be world peace if everyone followed Jesus teachings.  But, his teachings are still used to increase people's pocketbook and political power.  I believe that is opposing his purpose.  St. Francis of Assisi, Gandhi, Matin Luther King Jr., are among the few who tried to reestablish the ideals of Christ.  Their influence improved the lives of many who were oppressed, the same as Jesus did without political position. What would Jesus think about our conduct today?

Everlasting Life

Nothing that breathes is immortal, yet lives on through regenerations in the planting of seeds or the scattering of cells that furtilize and nurture new growth. Is that part of everlasting life?

*When does life begin?
*When does everlasting life begin?
* When does life end?
* When does life after death begin?

Scientific, spiritual, and dogmatic communities do not know and cannot agree on the concept of eternal life. The true beginning of time, or an ending to the universe is a mystery that needs no answer. No one knows which came first: the chicken or the egg. No one knows where heaven or hell may be. Why does it matter? To some it matters because they seek to know their relevence. Some of us will be remembered for good deeds or bad. And some of us are soon forgotten. We try to leave a legacy of art or architecture, dollars or decision, in the hope that we made a difference. Many lives were made better by the lessons of one man or woman. Many lives were ended by the words of one man or woman. They are people we can name for centuries. Is that part of everlasting life?

#Do we live for an afterlife?
#Can we live in a heaven on earth?
#Can we find heaven in a hellish situation.

A wonderful life can end badly by illness and suffering. Giving comfort to those in their ending days is one way to find a heaven in the middle of hell. Loving others without expectation creates a heaven on earth. Always waiting for better things to come is like living among the dead. Many of us choose to live in a community of cooperation and support. This requires a loving spirit and results in a happy life. So who can imagine the perfect afterlife. Streets paved with gold or a garden full of watermelon. We all thirst for different things. But, mainly comfort, peace, beauty, and contentment.

Believe that it is possible, work toward helping others daily, and know that heaven is at hand.