I’ve arrived at a point that feels more comfortable than I have ever been in my life. Now that comfort seems to be disrupted as change occurs again. This is Good. In this place, I feel comforted and have arrived at place that appreciates the embedded theology of my life; the God of Childhood; the Bible and religion as a basis of early understanding with so much more to uncover. I am much like a child again learning to walk, except this time I get to bring along many experiences from the years before.
I have been able to prove time and again for myself that an effort to dig in as fiercely as I rest with the unearthing has brought about so much more peace than the world of living with a puppet master.
So much ability in the outcome of my own destiny has given me both feelings of great accomplishment and also brought up at times, levels of fear. Occasionally, the association of “God” can give me brief glimpses of a ruler, a cloudy heaven and sometimes an authoritative figure that passes judgement. Depending on where I may be coming from at that moment, it is brief and thankfully fleeding, but the appreciation of the old remains as I can relate to where so many come from in their current level of consciousness. I believe it is a gift to be able to relate, and speak to a shift in consciousness and thought provoking evolution. I have come to realize and acknowledge the embedded theology and grow from it. It is like a reoccurring dream of the past except I now know what to do with it.
Although, so much of the embedded theology that many live from comes from an early example of Church, Sunday school, preachers, ministers, teachers, parents and grandparents, I grew up with a conflicting view from the leaders and examples.
The church was preaching the “fear of God” and “joy to the Lord” just as the text How to Think Theologically mentions. I had this going on while the actions of my mother and father were distressed and grandparents were either laid back or judgmental. I am grateful for it all! It, for me, helped to develop a true cross section of the metaphysical way in which we all can be in our own lives and within ourselves everyday.
Today is new day. What will I discover today? I am continuing the exploration of my own beliefs and look forward to questioning. I fall in love with the discovery. I smile as I find hidden treasures uncovered every time I pass upon a portion, a scripture or assigned text that gives me pause. Just when I think the work seems so challenging and I dig into it (usually in “over thinking it”) I then say to myself...Ahhhh. It’s like the proverbial “light bulb” comes on and the thoughts of how perfectly aligned and clear everything becomes. God as redefined for me as Source and Absolute Good, has re-framed the old theology to a current and more precise word for me.
The Source is revealed everyday and I am grateful.
Good start. Your use of the term, "embedded theology" shows you've been reading Stone & Duke. Remember that an embedded theology is not a pejorative term, because most of us come to the study of theology with embedded beliefs about God as good, life as good, and life's possibilities as open.
ReplyDeleteThank you! When re-read my writing I do get a sense of my use of the "embedded theology"in that could be viewed as insulting to others that will be reading and listening. This was not the intent, but such a good review of different lenses that many and myself have looked through or are looking through depending on the place and time. When I used "grow from it" it does sound as if it were something to "get away from." Thank you again.
ReplyDeleteHi Doug;
ReplyDeleteI wanted to say that I enjoy your picturesque writing style. You paint an image of emotions, for me, and I identify with much of your sharing.
In particular, I wanted to comment on the line "Occasionally, the association of “God” can give me brief glimpses of a ruler, a cloudy heaven and sometimes an authoritative figure that passes judgement. Depending on where I may be coming from at that moment,...."
I have that same experience - at my stage of (what shall I call it? Growth? Development? Understanding?) whatever... I seem to have a rather schizophrenic relationship to my "God" concept(s). (Schizophrenic defined as "a state characterized by the coexistence of contradictory or incompatible elements") More often than not, I can hold onto my Christ-consciousness awareness; but there are many times when I realize I am lost in an "old idea" about "God"... and have to pull myself back.
For me, awareness is the key. Once I am aware, I can change!
Blessings,
Lonnie
Thank you for this. Your heart speaks clearly in your words. Yes, where is it classified? growth? development? understanding? it is all and none :)... We are thinking and digging, yet we remember to pause, stop, empty out. The incredible part is we know it's happening and we are aware! This is the gift and we're not just mulling through this existence- we are able to "prove we are not a robot" as the verification will ask shortly. I'm getting tired- I can tell, the silly humor sets in.
ReplyDeleteLove and Blessings,
Doug
"What will I discover today?"- such a great way to greet each day...because we know all Truth is already present, it's a matter of awakening to it....and then sometimes it's a matter of accepting it. But asking the question of what the day will hold in terms of growth and awakening is a beautiful way to remain open! The answers are already there- as is the courage to realize them.
ReplyDelete