Altruism

Is altruism an absolute and can we do anything without a motive of personal gain? These questions were asked by my nephew who believes that he can and should live without letting anyone use him for their gain. He believes that it would be better to be the very best garbage collector that he can be rather than "sell his soul" to a corporate monger that will use him and not value his work. Naturally a discussion with six other seasoned adults went off on many tangents. The fact remains; no one person is self sufficient. We borrow from nature (if not man) for food and shelter and for many other needs and wants; goods and services. Altruism is, if not selfless giving, a way to give back. Our motives for giving might be questioned (like in the movie "Blind Side") but that should not stop us from finding creative ways to do things for others. It should not stop us from doing things as a community to collectively work together for progress and improvement.
My nephew will say I missed his point, which was more about why we indoctrinate our children will Sunday School stories and church obligations when we don't really practice what we preach. There does seem to be a massive exodus from churches and worship services. The original "Fear and Obey God" purpose is losing its strength. In the history of religion we know that leads to disaster. It is easy to be overtaken when we lose our sense of community, common ground and and moral code. " Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another right now"

Seeking the Truth

Many people are very firm in their convictions. I admire the ones who work toward a common good and accomplish incredible feats, like the end to slavery, the inclusion of women in the vote and equal rights, protection of children and the environment. I also admire the Scientists that invent and explain things that were beyond our imagination. There are heroes great and small. Those who tend to the sick and teach others tirelessly and without ceasing, are the ones we all appreciate and on whom we depend. Do they have a common thread in their thinking, beliefs and faith? Perhaps just being open minded as well as focused. Open minded people are constantly seeking the truth. I feel strong in my convictions but realize that my interpretation of spiritual matters may be skewed by traditional thoughts and my background. So it it in these writings that I am organizing what I have read, heard and experienced. It is an attempt to express the truth as I encounter it. I welcome opinions and comments. I encourage dialog. I believe that no man has all the answers. I have long believed that faith in God was quite simple and enriching to one's life. I don't want to fight that, but I would like to be able to share it with all people in a way that is beneficial to everyone. The simple truths that are universal: loving is easier than hating, helping is easier than competing, and giving feels better than taking. That is the meaning of life to me. Why worry about what happens after our life if we have lived with the three universal truths and instilled them in our children and neighbors?

Angels and Visions

Most reports of of angelic visitors have occurred in dreams or been witnessed by singular accounts.  Without supporting stories from others, everyone of these visions might be dismissed. I have marveled over the stories of angels in the Bible, especially the multitude that sang to the shepherds.   And I have been fascinated by the visions that were seen by a few children in Lourdes, and the voices that led Joan of Arc into battle.  The voice from heaven, the burning bush, and the writing on the wall, all indicate some type of supernatural occurrence.  Who would argue the validity of these announcements that came from a higher power? Especially when they brought us the Ten Commandments; man's laws based on a common moral code that protect us and perhaps help us seek justice.  The higher power contends that we cannot trust the conscience of man, but must seek something greater.  Who are these messengers? Are angels like ghosts?  We have little evidence of spirits come from the dead or paranormal happenings.  Too many have been revealed as hoaxes. Why would we want to believe in something that would harm, hunt or haunt us.  We want to believe we are protected by something  beyond the control of man- a guardian angel.  We want to believe that beautiful dreams can become true-heavenly visions.  I dreamed of Jesus twice in my life.  In one he was in my kitchen cooking.  I thought a good interpretation would be for me to do likewise and feed the hungry.   In another he was on the beach picking up litter. And again, I thought there was a message -to take care of the earth.  I would like more beautiful dreams.  Unfortunately, most of mine are filled with anxiety.  Angels with wings that radiate with truth. I hope they are still out there. Little green men from Mars don't sound promising.  Angels that accompany a host from heaven and guide us to a holy light.  I love the sound.

Prayer and Meditation

It is not a new trend to pray with the purpose of talking to God in hope that our prayers will be answered.  People pray in groups, in regular intervals during the day and as Jesus taught; quietly in solitude.  Many people experience great power and comfort through prayer.  Many prayers have been answered as expected and many resulted in surprise.  Is it logical to think that a singular being hears our wishes and controls our destiny?  Does God pay more heed to prayers that are repeated by many people?  If so, there would be an end to war and illness.  So , what happens in our minds when we pray.  We vent, we organize our thoughts, we confess and understand our actions, we plan and plead. These are all things that allow positive physical reactions to a proven positive mental attitude.  Prayer gives us comfort and makes us feel better.  Prayer puts our hope in focus and allows us to act with good sense.  Is there something more than that?  Is there something magical?  Those who believe that may also think that they have the power to curse others and cause them harm with just their thoughts. That is a dangerous and unhealthy.  We are in a world where there is plenty to supply our needs.  So when we work within a loving community, all needs can be met.  We may not have everything we want or live our days without end or pain; but we can sing praise for the many blessings we have received.  I pray daily for forgiveness, wisdom and peace. So, I must also give freely of those things to others. 

Crying in the Wilderness

John the Baptist is one of my favorite stories.  And Jesus must have been most fond of him, as his final words are, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit".  The symbol of water and the word have become a most important event in the life of a Christian.  And now we promise our children when they are infants, that we will teach them to know Jesus and raise them in a Christian home.  Baptism requires no test and no proof that you believe Jesus is the Savior from your sins.  It is freely offered, and monitored by your own conscience.  The rite of Baptism lasts ten to fifteen minutes and your sins are washed away.  It is beautiful and life changing for many.  Jesus cousin John had a mission similar to Jesus; to teach, to heal, and to love. My impression was that John was more forceful in pointing out our wicked ways and need for change.  Then Jesus told us how to change.  Many of us find it easier to follow John's example and find fault in others and ourselves, but not to practice Jesus lessons of love and peace.  We all desperately want the security that peace brings.  It should be easy then to promote something everyone wants.  The cost is putting other's needs before our own.  Why then do we continue to seek material goods and personal power at the expense of peace?  Is it really our nature, our sinful nature, to go against the common good?  Then the meaning of life would be to constantly fight against our personal desires in order to strive for peace.  All the prophets proclaim that we will never have world peace, even though Jesus shows us the way.  So we strive for inner peace.  We will never hear the voice of God proclaim, "This is my son with whom I am well pleased," during a baptism.  That was for Jesus alone who invites us to be children of God.  We are brothers in faith, we are the branches on the vine that must bear good fruit. 

Keeping the Commandments

Is there any person or religion that disagrees that it is wrong to kill people.  Then there should be no exception for war, abortion, retribution, execution, or euthanasia. Period.  It is wrong to lie, stretch the truth, withhold information, and gossip.  It is wrong to want, take, or steal what belongs to others.  There are seemingly good arguments that there are grey areas; that right and wrong are not black and white. That rubber band has been stretched so far now that it is limp, frayed or broken.

We should love, honor, and forgive our parents, our leaders, and our neighbors.  We should feed the hungry, clothe the needy, care for the sick and those imprisoned.  We should have jobs that reflect our values.  We should use our resources wisely and share generously.  Putting God first, means putting love first. It requires self sacrifice and it is very tiring.  That is why we need a Sabbath,  a day of rest and regeneration.  We need to refuel with the love of others and learn of new and better ways to serve those in need. Song and dance can be tiring as well, but it sure lifts the spirit to start anew.

The Father's will is that we love one another with all our heart, soul, and mind. Not for personal gain or recognition or power. Just simply love.

Are we even close?

We are asked to do the will of the Father.  It is plain but not simple.  In the history of religions that over a billion people follow, we are asked to worship and sacrifice.  Many cultures have built monuments to their gods, and follow strict routines without question.  This makes life a little easier, but it is not always logical or truly an act of love and reverence.  

The Christian Church has been a refuge for many, an excuse for several, and a source of conflict for all of us.  We can't seem to get it right.  Should our beliefs and practices change because people evolve?  Jesus tried to set things straight with church leaders, scholars, merchants and townspeople. Love and forgive everyone.  Helping one another is more important than judging and excluding those who don't fit the mold. But we still are more caught up in the rituals than we are in the service to others.  Are church leaders supposed to climb a latter of success, and is that success based on their ability to influence people to give money and come to church? Is that success based on a clean reputation and following the ten commandments better than anyone else?  Can a sinner be a leader?  All rhetorical questions. Jesus tried to set us straight.  We made him a king even after his death, resurrection and ascension.  We are mired in celebrating holy days and sacraments that Jesus did not do himself or ask of us.  We remember him when we break bread and drink wine.  We remember him in baptism as we promise to follow the way of love.  We remember him when we pray and meditate.  We do not do the will of the father, and we are not even close to following the way. What should we do if we are truly wishing to be Christlike? Next blog.