One of the things that is so prevalent in this day and age is the contempt that many people have for religion. And many of the reasons behind it are understandable - materialsism, outdated dogma, horrible scandals, "holy" bloodshed due to ancient prejudices and a lack of a modern vision for the world - to name just a few.
Problem is that sometimes I feel that many people get so tired of trying to reconcile religion to their worldview and failing, that they "throw the baby out with the bathwater" so to speak. Meaning, they drop religion altogether and just try to "be a good person". And of course that is commendable and praiseworthy, but... why would God send us Christ, Mohammad, Buddha and all of these other Manifestations of God if we weren't meant to learn about God thru them and the teachings they left us?
Seriously, think about it. Ok, based on individual beliefs you may believe in one, none or all of these "Prophets" or Manifestations of God. But in a way, I think it is irrelevant. No matter what your beliefs, why would God send teacher(s) to us without the express purpose that we learn about Him through Them and the Word that they brought? He did not intend for us to be on our own and to try and reach Him without help. That is why He sent us guidance in the form of these Holy Souls when we most needed them throughout history - to support us in our development and journey towards God.
Yes, maybe humanity has warped the original beauty and meaning behind the Word of God that They revealed, but maybe, just maybe, we should take responsibility for our learning and focus on wiping away all that drivel and slice our way thru the nonsense so that we can find the Truth again in the Holy Scriptures or "Word of God". It's still there, just waiting to be found.
By all means, throw out the "bathwater", but I say keep the "baby" - it was sent from the Source especially for us.
"...good actions alone, without the knowledge of God, cannot be the cause of eternal salvation, everlasting success, and prosperity, and entrance into the Kingdom of God." (Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 238)
"...when a person performs a good action, although it is praiseworthy, if it is not caused by the love and knowledge of God, it is imperfect." (Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 304)
"The supreme cause for creating the world and all that is therein is for man to know God." (Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 267)
"If you recognize His Glorious Virtues, then you shall come to know God; thus virtue shall dwell in you, and sin shall run away." (Shri Guru Granth Sahib, Section 8 - Raag Aasaa)
"And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." (King James Bible, Luke 4:4)
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3 comments:
....because it keeps you from being a pest.
Just as when we are growing up, we temper our actions by the consequences (good/bad) we will reap from our parents, we can use our relationship with God in the same manner. When we have a lack of accountability, we lose our way, and start acting irresponsibly toward others and ourselves. :)
I think when the world becomes a hard place to be we water down our faith to good intentions. In everything we are taught to be the hands,feet and heart of Jesus, through works and words. One of my favorite verse in song reads, "I won't bend and I won't break. I won't water down my faith. I won't compromise in a world of desperation. What I've been I cannot change, but for tomorrow and today, I will be a light for future generations. Now we can only be a light when we ourselves are filled with the light or spirit of God. It is then that we are able to share. Lately an old phrase keeps running through my head faith without works is dead...I am trying to apply this to my life. So I agree we should spread God, through words and examples. Well said, sir!
First Anonymous - I could see that, makes sense. In the same vein, the more we "know' of God the more we will joyfully and naturally act in accordance with his teachings and precepts.
Second Anonymous - I like that. We can only be a light when we are filled with light. And we fill that light by immersing ourselves in and studying the Word of God. He sent it to us, right? We should cherish it!
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