amarado
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At last, IMHO, a truly worthwhile discussion. To paraphrase, "Practice will get you through times of no belief better than belief will get you through times of no practice." I have long harbored the suspicion that articulating one's beliefs is, in reality, just laying the groundwork for a disagreement. Those who teach reconciliation, teach communication of experience, not belief. To communicate practice is to communicate experience. For me, to live a spiritual practice is to increasingly become aware of the sacred presence in everything around me... and in me. The White-Shirt Warrior said "Walk in a Sacred Manner; Treat everything as Holy." I experience the Jesus Christ of scripture as living that way. I try to live that way. To the extent that I experience things as bad, evil, mean, etc., I dwell in unholyness or hell. amarado
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I know nothing about this book in particular, although it sounds like one I might add to my extensive "waiting to be read" list. However, I want to comment on the "Gnostic" mentioned by P.R. Modern scholarship, as evidenced by the writings of Elaine Pagels and others about recently discovered archeological texts, show that Gnosticism was branded a heresy and eradicated primarily because it evades being manipulated by political power, both inside and outside the church. I suspect that the same is true for "New Age" philosophy. I will admit there is a danger to the admission of modern revelation as a source of religious knowledge. After all, there is a grain of truth to the idea of a sinful human nature (ie. a rampant ego). I believe that modern revelation needs to be closely linked with religious tradition and especially with a sizable faith community to withstand those temptations. With such safeguards in place the mystic path is a treasure!
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Should We Interfaith With Conservatives?
amarado replied to BeachOfEden's topic in Progressive Christianity
I am concerned about an attitude of exclusivity that underlies the statement or assumption that non-progressive Christians won't really hear what we have to say. On the other hand, it might have more to do with the way we say it. Someone wiser than I said "Preach the Gospel. If necessary use words." I interact with many other people (most of whom I have no knowledge of their religious affiliation) in my activities to promote Social Justice and Human Compassion. I talk to many of them about these issues. I try very hard not to burden compassion and justice with specific religious and/or political labels. Two areas where I expend effort are access rights for those with disabilities and food/clothing/shelter provision for the homeless. I have become great friends with some fellow laborers in these fields and believe that my friendship and witness by action has softened their worldview and allowed them to be more sensitive to human suffering. This could not happen if I went about trumpeting myself as a "Liberal" or "Progressive" Christian, although I am both. amarado