Belief
(as defined by
Merriam-Webster Dictionary): 1 : a state or habit
of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing
2 : something believed; especially : a tenet or body of tenets held by a group
3 : conviction of the truth of some statement or the reality of some being
or phenomenon especially when based on examination of evidence
In order to understand my beliefs, I need to explain where it is I come from. I was raised in a very Christian home, my family belonging to the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. We were very active in the church and I still really enjoying visiting.
As I got older and grew in my beliefs, I discovered that there were many teachings and dogma within the church that I either did not agree with or did not make sense to me. I started questioning what I had been taught and seeking answers where I might find them.
In my search I have had a number of epiphanies. I do believe in godde, miracles, angels, and a devil. However, I do not believe that any one religion is one and only Way. This is when I came up with a "crystal" metaphor - hence the name of this site.
Imagine, if you will, a crystal. Give it innumerable facets. Now think of each facet, or face, of that crystal as spiritual belief. Every religion known to man is a face of this crystal--to include those generally regarded as evil, satanic, devil-worship. This gigantic crystal is The Truth.
Yes, all beliefs are part of the whole Truth. Not all truths are attractive, but that does not make them any less true.
If you have imagined the crystal as multi-faceted, as I did, you will notice that even taking into account all the religions that are now extinct, there are many more facets than possible beliefs. I do not think we, as humans, have discovered them all yet.
This is just part of what I have written (you can find the rest here), but it gives the main idea. Everyone sees the Truth in different ways - that is not to say that any perspective is wrong or incorrect, just different. Why can't humanity celebrate the differences instead of focusing negatively on them?
Since I have accepted these epiphanies, I have felt godde in my life all of the time. I am talking to godde several times a day - and I know that I am heard. That is not to say that my beliefs or worship is right for you. It is for me.
I have always felt that Heaven and Hell are very personal. So too do I think is personal spirituality. Religion has evolved through the ages to what mankind has needed. The evolution has seldom been pretty or friendly. I feel that we are on the brink of a joyous spiritual revolution - one of peace, if we let it.
We need to learn and work together. That is the key and the secret. I pray that someday humanity will be able to do this. I hope that you and I together can help bring that day here.
Until that day comes, I will continue to preach and teach tolerance. I will also learn as much as I can...from my teachers and students, for we all are both.
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