Go to Twelve Steps to Becoming Moderately Okay
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GW,
I read your post with interest, as I have been aware of the 4th step for quite some time. I agree with your observation that "ego", that collection of thoughts, beliefs and resentments is not our identity. Even as I write this, I feeling a lightening and lifting of a wieght. I agree that resentments are poisonous. I do not think God inflicted suffering on us, we inflict it on ourselves by being unforgiving of ourselves and others.
posted by
Blanche.
on November 1, 2004 at 1:17 PM
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OH MY goodness!
I think you should win the prize for the longest posts ever.
I have to admit, I did start reading it, but I need to be in a different frame of mind to fully appreciate it and fully read it-which I intend on doing later. Pastor Brenda
posted by
PastorB
on October 28, 2004 at 2:55 PM
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A long and thoughtful piece
but I have to challenge you on a couple of points. As infants, our perception is one of existence, the right to exist and the need to be nurtured in this existence. Our first "change" of perception comes with the teaching that our existence is in a "fallen state" and that we are at fault for that happening. Our nature does not change, it is perfect for this existence, but it is the message that we are given that we are less than what was intended, less than the perfect creation of a god. Once we accept this belief, we endlessly try and please the source of this belief against our nature and continually find fault with ourselves and others because of it. The supremacy and perfectness of a Creator and our command to "become like it" is a set up for failure on all levels. The rebellion that is experienced is against this dogma and an attempt to assert our right to exist as we originally perceived ourselves before we denegrated to this imposed "fall" from grace. Because of the nature of belief in a supreme being, we limit our ability to develope beyond expectations. When you realize that the condemnation of our nature is at the root of our disconnect from reality and you being to own your life and embrace your true nature as in harmony with this existence, then you release all the resentment that you took on while others cricified your nature (behavior) and pointed to a supreme being for an example which you can never attain. Life ownership leads to responsibility for your life and behavior--embracing this responsibility leads you to have compassion for others, since their life is the same as your own and soon you realize that we are all of the same substance and all are worthy of life and its abundance--we begin to share and care for ourselves and the world which supports our life. A diety or higher power is not necessary to acheive this awareness, or perception, as you say--the perception exists within us from our birth and it is the expression of our true nature--not one that must be obtained through obedience of commandments and rituals imposed on us by others. True morality comes from within us, from recognition of our worth and the perfectness of our existence--respecting this in others leads us to real integrity in our behavior--you love your neighbor because he/she is a human with the same needs and desires as yourself, this is the oneness we all seek.
Peace,
Freerain
posted by
freerain
on October 28, 2004 at 2:49 PM
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