One onto my self and one among many is consistent with conventional thinking. Presuming a democracy and free market system, an individual can move freely from one societal structure to the next. Being any part of a household does not preclude one’s status in the economy, the political structure, the denomination or general social setting. On the other hand, one onto my self and one in the body of Christ, His Church, becomes paradoxical. Saint Paul uses the analogy of the human body to better explain this paradoxical interconnection. Yes, the eye is one onto itself, and yes, it is a unique entity, yet the eye only has substantive meaning within the context of the body; it is what it is because it is in the body and the body is what it is because the eye is what it is. All this gibberish is to utilize functionality, unity and the comprehensible distinction between the worldly and transcendental. Using parody as our model we can conceivably better understand paradox as analogy.
Category Archives: Musings
We Would Be Wise
We would be wise to take ourselves out of the equation; this idea speaks to the heart of paradox. Considering there is no greater worldly aspiration than to live and love in the presence of the Lord, then why take ourselves out of the equation? Sounds counter intuitive not to be part of the greatest aspiration. For me, this calls to mind some common clichés, as well as the most profound teachings. At the center of Christianity is Christ Jesus praying, pleading, sorrowfully crying and joyfully praising that His will, be put aside, and the will of God His Father be done. Simply put, don’t stand in your own light, get out of the way and let the Light shine through. Although simply put, not so simply accomplished, certainly never completed. However, the first step seems to be, to see yourself as God sees you. Leave your baggage behind, walk away from the tracks which can only take you as far as they go. Take what you know and make it what you believe. If I’m not judging myself, it would never occur to me to judge others.
Is Sin
Is sin about using our intelligence in ways that distort the Truth, or is it about not using our intelligence to form our conscience? I am suggesting we drop Truth from the conversation and focus on a more manageable process of prayer, discernment and contemplation. Self-improvement has become an art form. From physical training, to yoga, to therapy or prosperity consciousness, it’s all about making our free choices with targeted results centered on individuals and what’s best for them. By its very definition, Christian morality is about the horizonal relationship we have with others based on the vertical relationship we have with Christ Jesus. Once again, the psychological aspect of freedom has collided with the spiritual facet of liberty. Freedom being the choices made in circumstances, times, places and events to fulfill expectations, and liberty being in complete control of everything we say and do. Once the confusion and conflict have been resolved by surrendering the ego to Christ for His will, purpose and fulfillment, sin cannot enter. If it does, then the psychological process begins. We recognize, experience and release the thoughts which are not consistent with Christ Jesus and we choose liberty over freedom.
In Christian Faith
In Christian faith, sin is more than an opportunity to talk about grace and conversion, it is an opportunity to experience both. As always, there is the distinction between the spiritual and the psychological. The first leading to a deeper and more finely tune sense of trust, love, obedience, relationship, the covenant relationship between our Maker and His creatures. The latter leading to clarity, understanding and peace of mind. I am not suggesting we seek sin, any more than I would suggest we seek suffering. However, considering sin, suffering and injury are commonplace occurrences in this ego driven world; I am suggesting we neither embrace or resist them, we stand firm and not be harmed by them. Just as wise persons seek out problems because they need their gifts, we experience and release our sinfulness, suffering and injury because we need the strength and courage gained by grace and conversion