The Evolution of God or It Ain’t Your Grandma’s God
“When I was your age, we walked to school seven miles, through the snow, uphill both ways!”
“When I was growing up, we went to church on Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, and to every other event the church had.”
Well, it seems as the world “grows up” into this new and modernized era full of technological marvels and split-second globalized communication, the human being is growing away from the old traditions of religion toward a completely new flavor of spiritual understanding. Of course, the concepts of hybrid religions and decentralized spirituality aren’t new — only new to most people who are just now falling across the concepts as a result of this modern era.
The multi-faith, “Immaculate Inauguration” of our new President, Barack Hussein Obama, was a prominent example of an increasing embrace and acceptance of diversity in many areas, but especially an example of religion as more a hobby or interest as opposed to a dogmatic and fundamental monument. Muslims, Jews, Christians, and atheists were all mentioned and participated in the procedure and process — with essentially no reaction from anyone, except a mere noticing it happened.
One key element in this widely-viewed event was the notable and highly scrutinized message by the “token Evangelical,” Rick Warren. As this increasingly popular Protestant pastor said in his “prayer” (which came off more as a speech than communing with the Creator of the Universe),
Help us, Oh, God, to remember that we are Americans, united not by race, or religion, or blood, but to our commitment to freedom.
Some traditionalists might say this is blatant heresy, to invoke the name of God to assert that religion is a backdrop for a more important union. However, as his popularity makes clear, this is the direction religion is headed in the modern era — a deconstructed ideology, based on core principles of tolerance, humanitarianism, and ultimately love. Traditionalists and extremists in Judeo-Christian and Muslim communities alike are likely to summarily reject this view, while Buddhists might say, “This is what we’ve been saying all along!”
However, this growing culture of religion-less spirituality may simply be the deconstruction of social institutions improperly constructed in the first place. After all, Christ never aimed to build a religion: that was Paul’s idea. Christ gave direction only to preach the “Good News,” to all who would listen — that one, unified, unifying God is within us, and among us, and the kingdom of Heaven where God exists is a place in our hearts and minds where love and common decency prevail over tradition and ritual. So, for Christian leaders to assert these things now, is less of a new idea, but more a return to the original ideology.
Arguably, religious extremists reject such a view, because it destabilizes any central control. It gives people the freedom to think for themselves, and to resist the call to align with any certain structured ideological institution. If the predictions of prophets past and present are any indication, this conflict of interest between structured tradition and common sense will come to a violent head before common sense prevails — indeed, it has in the past, is currently, and likely will continue in the future. Yet, there is hope.
Those same prophets predict, in the end, common decency and love will conquer self-centered devotion — not only on personal levels, but on societal levels. If and when this does occur, would it not be Heaven on Earth to live peacefully and prosperously, united in the concepts of service, sacrifice, and selflessness? The scriptures say, one day every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus hit the nail on the head with his teachings — before a traditionalist and extremist world nailed him to a tree.
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2009/01/25 14:12 -0700Z
Yes, I believe that religion will always change with the times, it has to. I firmly believe that God will never leave us alone. God will always send down a new messenger for us to reveal the truths that we need for each day and age. When one religion becomes corrupt and we forget about God. God will send down another like Buda, Jesus, Muhammad, Moses, and more to remind us why we are here and to give us guidance for every era.
On May 23, 1844, in Shiraz, Persia, a young man known as the Báb announced the imminent appearance of the Messenger of God awaited by all the peoples of the world. The title Báb means “the Gate.” Although Himself the bearer of an independent revelation from God, the Báb declared that His purpose was to prepare mankind for this advent.
The Messenger of God He was talking about was named Bahá’u'lláh “The Glory of God”. Bahá’u'lláh addressed a series of letters to the rulers of His day that are among the most remarkable documents in religious history. They proclaimed the coming unification of humanity and the emergence of a world civilization.
Source: http://info.bahai.org/
These are the things I love about the Bahai Faith. No clergy (you read for yourself), the equality of men and women, all world religions are of one continuing religion, all people are flowers of one garden, there is one God, religion and science must go hand in hand, and there are many others that I love. If you want to find out more go to the above link.
2009/01/25 14:31 -0700Z
@Lindsay: It’s true that a decentralized, “one world” approach to spiritual understanding has been brewing in the background of the “mainstream” for quite some time… arguably, since the dawn of these thought processes in the human being. I do think this is the ultimate destination of a globalized society in terms of spiritual thinking and experience — of course only time will tell. While I believe it to be (almost) inevitable, there are likely to be many more pitfalls and obstacles along that path, before Earthlings are truly unified in this way… and there may always be forces among us working to capitalize and take advantage. Regardless, I think it’s a beautiful dream and one worth pursuing. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts, and the link!
2009/01/25 15:15 -0700Z
In relation to this idea you mention that people’s concept of God evolves through the ages, I wonder what you think about this audio interview with theologian Don Cupitt, who takes a similar view.
I take it from your post and comment that you are happy at the modern developments in religion as described in your piece?
2009/01/25 15:42 -0700Z
Timothy,
I can see why you are doubtful and yes humanity has a long way to go before this beautiful dream comes true. However, I know in my heart that it will come true someday. It will not happen today or tomorrow but someday. We just need to work for it. We can not just sit around and wait for it to happen.
I will leave you with this last quote you may be familiar with.
“thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.”
2009/01/25 16:03 -0700Z
@Vincent: Wow! Thank you for sharing that link. That’s a terriffic discussion about this very concept, and highly appropriate. I like his use of the term “conversation” applied so universally to the human experience through the ages. Cupitt is obviously one who spends a great amount of time giving consideration to these things — especially in his understanding of the Quaker tradition as one of the first to embrace this kind of philosophy, as well as succinctly describing how individuals transpire in their own ideas about a higher power and spirituality as time passes (aka, we get older). I think he takes a quite realistic and rational approach to the subject, though I’m a bit dismayed that he doesn’t sound as though he personally finds any mystery to the whole “God” concept — though he does allude to acknowledging the value in it, including in religious practice. For me, the mystery of it all, and the inherent divine nature of God is not explained away by any rationality I have heard to date. Again, I would point to circumstances like “coincidence” that happens far too frequently to be considered chance — things that are dubbed “divine” by spiritual thinkers, and studied by fields like high science, ergo quantum physics, et al.
I don’t know that I am happy or dissatisfied with how the state of religion and spirituality in the human condition is progressing — though I do see that others have understood things the way I do prior to my own understanding of them, as well as I see that droves of others are starting to see these things in a similar vein. Psychologically, it could be that I am pleased this is occuring as a sort of validation to my own belief — however, I don’t consciously think about it that way. Rather, I believe what I believe based on my own reasoning and understanding. Though, it is nice to know that I’m not alone in my reasoning and understanding.
2009/01/25 16:22 -0700Z
@Lindsay: Thank you for taking the time to repost this from email onto the site!
That’s a fact! If people don’t work for it, it will never come to be. I couldn’t help but stumble over your assessment that I’m doubtful — it got me wondering about the way I approach these subjects, as though laying out my thoughts in an inabsolute manner gives the impression of doubt. The reason I work to express my thoughts without absolutes is that, ultimately, I don’t know — though, I’m glad that you have that kind of faith! Faith is a powerful thing.
That quote is a powerful one, as well. I think the idea Jesus was trying to convey is that we should acknowledge and seek God and the kingdom of Heaven in the here and now, each time we pray. The Christian church uses that prayer for a model, but like Cupitt from Vincent’s link suggests and I noted in the original post, I believe Jesus was more of a realist than traditionalists, extremists, or Hollywood would lead folks to believe.
2009/01/25 21:30 -0700Z
Tim,
Kudos my friend on this insightful article. Gasho! (A deep bow in the Taoist tradition.:-) Thanks for offering up a healthy dose of love, acceptance, religious tolerance, and a hospitable invite into broader thinking … We are One.
May I add this to the mix. A lovely quote:
“Paradise starts with the Love we show each other here on earth.”
No doubt about it. It shall be so…
2009/01/25 21:56 -0700Z
@Jan: thank you so much for your comment. *zarei* (kneeling/humble bow in the Judo tradition). I practiced (and symbolically still do) Judo for about 9 years… did you know that the Japanese terms ju and do translate literally to “gentle” and “the way”? Essentially, Judo means, “the way of gentleness,” and has been incorporated as a physical fitness program in Japanese schools, having been derived from “JuJutsu” having meant the “the art of yielding” as in a form of field combat. While physically, these martial arts are similar, Judo refrains from debilitating opponenents in a preference to simply maintaining control — whereas JuJutsu is designed to “defeat” an opponent through a yielding form, then incapacitating. I suppose I shouldn’t denegrate into the intricacies of these two arts, considering the content of the article, but your comment inspired me to think again about the differences and how they are symmetrical to the point here.
You are more than welcome to add yourself to discussions here, and that is a fantastic quote. As Lindsay pointed out, and I agreed, this kind of living is impossible, save for the efforts of people who see the possibilities and act in kind.
Will it be so? I don’t know… but I hope. My faith is not strong, but my hope is immense.
2009/01/26 10:21 -0700Z
Tim,
so very interesting about judo and jujutso. i had no idea. thanks for enlightening me.
as for the other, might I throw my hat into the ring to say that IS THE time for us to wake up and BE the change (as Gandhi said), to BE the peace, to Be the unconditional acceptance and love. there is no other time but now. there is one else to accept and embrace this onerous task but each one of us. “WE ARE THE ONES WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR.”
I can’t emphasize this enough. We are only as hopeful as is our commitment to embody this change ourselves, person by person, heart-to-heart. As my husband would say, we need to “do the work” of self, of Spirit, of dissolving the imaginary separation between us. We are “God in skin” to one another, and the sooner we figure that out, the better off we’ll be. Ok, enough preaching to the choir. Back to work!
Zarei!
blessings too!
j
2009/01/26 19:09 -0700Z
Wonderful message, inspiring comments, all!
Can’t add to the spiritual discussion…but I want to comment:
As my kids studied for many years with a jujutsu master (we even hosted classes in our basement), I feel there is a place for teaching the skills for incapacitation (basically joint locks), so that they are available as last resort for self-defense. My kids were taught these simple techniques, but with great care not to misuse them.
Generally, breaking loose and running away is the goal–whatever works!
2009/01/29 14:36 -0700Z
@jan: That is very true. As in anything, an idea is nothing more than a thought until someone puts it into practice. Interestingly, the ultimate maxim of Judo is “the harmonious development and eventual perfection of human character.”
@firebird: Maybe I’m just parsing words, but by incapacitation, I meant actually harming someone. Joint locks, choke holds, and even pressure points are used in Judo, as well as they are in JuJutsu — the difference being, in Judo they are simply used as a method of controlling an opponent. JuJutsu, in the traditional sense, was employed by the samurai in battle to physically destroy an opponent, rendering him incapable of fighting back, even unto death.
Regardless, I think it’s very likely that the JuJutsu instructor was essentially teaching a form or variation of Judo in the sense of the goals — not like we have very many samurai running around anymore. ;-) You’re absolutely right — the goal is to avoid the conflict by any means necessary, and be prepared to whoop some you-know-what if avoidance is impossible.
2009/02/05 22:49 -0700Z
Something I’ve wondered about that your post puts me in mind of:
While the NT time and again presents Jesus as going against the grain of the religious institutions of his time - for example, working on the Sabbath and repeatedly berating the scribes and Pharisees - he’s also sometimes called “Rabbi.” I suppose the final answer on whether he was a rabbi must be that nobody really knows, like just about all other particulars concerning the historical Jesus.
2009/02/05 23:36 -0700Z
@Paul: That’s an interesting thought, and the “historical Jesus” is definitely shrouded in mystery — as evidenced by the careful choreography of what’s approved and disproved as being included in the “Holy Bible.” However, a quick visit over at Wikipedia suggests the term Rabbi most likely did not carry the same connotations it does today: the term literally meaning “my great one,” or as our culture today is keen to toss around, a “guru.” Whether or not he ascribed to a particular religion, I think it’s safe to assume he was at least familiar enough with the Jewish tradition… hence the extensive knowledge of “the Law” and criticism of said leadership. It could quite possibly be that the “story” of Jesus is a great metaphor — one that is certainly valid in its myriad reflections of the human condition. In that regard, I like Vincent’s recent quote of Douglas Adams:
Thanks for taking the time to post, Paul. I hope you are doing well.
2009/02/06 00:26 -0700Z
I see you’ve read that post Tim. I just wanted to point out that the quotation represents not my views of Jesus, nor possibly even Douglas Adams’, for it occurs in his work of fiction for dramatic effect.
My Scripture teacher at school, whom I recall to be at least as reliable as Wikipedia on matters of exegesis, had the same gloss on Jesus being addressed as Rabbi. On the other hand I recall an NT passage somewhere which describes Jesus as reading a passage from the OT to the congregation; which might imply he was the equivalent of a lay preacher in the Judaic religion.
2009/02/12 17:52 -0700Z
Hello! Thankyou for subscribing to my blog! I was thrilled to see a fellow Christ follower and writer find my work. This article’s subject has crossed my mind quite a few times- how modern day times take religion. The wonderful thing about Christ is the fact that His teachings have remained powerful and true for thousands of years to this point. He finds us in the dark and pulls us out, and the dark could be our society. I think to fall into the modern day “trend” of religion can be beneficial, if only you find yourself in God, rather than yourself in the culture of God…if that makes any sense. However, I do enjoy that since 2001 religion has become more vital in people’s lives. In honesty, for my life Christ came to me through tragic events and downfalls, and I believe it might’ve been the same for the country.
About the inaugeration, the prayer was addressed in a more speech-esque style. But did you notice the passion of some of the audience members? That really would be an awesome time to feel the connection with God, to have lived through the history of violence, where Americans were doing exact opposite of what God would want (killing, harassing). But it is in His mysterious ways that our country has molded into a diverse and more equal country for everyone. Thankyou God! As everyone is aware, there are still discriminations, but maybe this mass population of Christians can do something about it by following God’s law. It’s in His law we wait, his name and renown are the desires of our hearts!
The United States is about 89% Christian, if I’m correct. Is this the result of a cultural trend or spread belief that Christ is our Savior? What I’d be interested to see is if our American Christian community could spread God’s teachings of LOVE to other parts of the world. And then there’s money- sheesh don’t even get me started on how messed up many citizens are in their struggle to balance the importance of money and religion! The times are tough, but we are blessed to live in the U.S. Have people taken the time to research parts of Africa that are literally being attacked my disease, their own government, wildlife, and other various abuses? As Christians we need to praise God by helping others. I’m praying that in my lifetime I will be able to serve God in other countries, even if Christianity “dies out” in America, which I don’t think will happen.
But you, Timothy, are spreading the good word by expressing love for the Holy One!!! Not only by expressing your love, but by providing multiple views on religion itself, so I have a feeling I’d get along with you on a high level discussing God. WHICH IS AMAZING! I hope to continue reading your posts.
2009/02/12 22:46 -0700Z
@Jenn: I’m happy to have found you. You have a deep and focused line of thought about God — a rare treasure in this “fast-food” culture. Christ’s teachings are most certainly a still, small constant throughout the ages, arguably even before he walked the Earth, and it is wise to seek and find the Truth in it.
It was good to see the media portraying the “faithful” in a light other than derogatory, for sure. Even with a biased media, we truly are fortunate to have the freedoms we have and rightly should give thanks.
I’m not sure about the stats relating to “Christians,” but I think I saw somewhere fairly recently that a similar number “believe in God,” which could be interpreted many ways that isn’t necessarily “Christian.” Regardless, you nailed it: Love. God IS love, and what Christ taught us was to express love unfailingly in every circumstance — a tough task, but a noble goal!
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts! I hope you continue reading, and I hope to continue reading your blog as well!
When I read your comment, I got a flashback from my own highschool days and the music I used to listen to… I’m an old codger now, 30 married with a beautiful daughter, but for some reason I thought of this particular quote and thought it worth sharing with you. :)
2009/02/14 14:14 -0700Z
Tim! Thankyou for sharing that quote with me. The “I’m still thirsty” part is perfect, because as Christians we are always thirsting for some more Jesus love! haha
2009/02/14 22:37 -0700Z
That’s a great way to phrase it. The way I see things, the ultimate perfection in studying, following, and learning the Christian path is in finding that desire to love like Christ loved — without walls, without conditions, and with a sincere desire to improve (”Jesus love”). When we stop having that desire, it means we are distracted with the “thoughts of man,” to mean we have lost the focus and revert to seeing the world from our own preconditions — Jesus taught us to seek God, learn God, and live God… and “God is love.” :)
2009/02/15 00:32 -0700Z
Amen brother!!
I have no shame in sharing this with you, but for a few months I was addicted to drugs. There was an instance when I was almost arrested for possession of marijuana. And in that moment when I saw the cop come up to the car, I remember praying in my head for the first time in years, “Lord, save me.” And so that cop walked away, and I was called by the name of Jesus to get my butt up and go to church with my friend who had just undergone cancer!! You see, I was never really a Christian until September. Gosh, how He has completely changed me! I’ve always, however, had knoweledge of God’s existence, it was just never shown in my eyes because I chose to close them. I didn’t want to give up anything for anyone, especially God, who I thought at the time took away more than gave. How wrong I was! The greatest gift God’s given me since then is the drive to “seek God, learn God, and live God..”! For years I rejected the ideal that God is love. Infact, I had never heard of that phrase in my life or understood how it could be so. Then I learned that Jesus, He focused on the poor more than the rich, He focused on the suffering rather than the prospering. And also I adore how Jesus also treated women. Totally different topic for later, maybe I’ll write a post about it!! Anyhow, I thought I’d just share part of my life story and how God came to me in my life crystal clear! The perfection IS the desire!!!
2009/02/15 01:04 -0700Z
There is no shame in being human, Jenn. Unless, of course, you are an alien only pretending to be human! *nervous glance* :)
We all have vices, struggles, and addictions whether they be physical, mental, emotional, or any combination of the aforementioned. As long as the goal is to recognize our transgressions, acknowledge we need forgiveness for them, and forgive ourselves as we forgive others and, at the same time, hope for the same in others — I think that’s the “salvific” property of believing in Christ and striving to emulate the way he taught.
Being that you have just recently started seeking faith as a result of crisis, let me plead with you…
Please, Please, PLEASE!!! Understand that what you’re experiencing is real. I say this because the most faithful are often the most questioning, and it can often seem that our faith is completely unfounded and “stupid.” So long as we remember that the ultimate answer we can have in the face of God is, “I don’t know,” then we can remain solidly faithful and questioning at the same time.
As Jesus said himself, “Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be open to you.” I take this lesson to mean that questioning is a natural part of TRULY “SEEKING” God, and being willing to question in order to validate our belief.
When Jesus talked about the “narrow path,” I honestly believe this is what he was talking about — the fact that a materialistic world will make overt efforts to dissuade our faith, marginalize our belief, and criticize our “Jesus love.” That’s because a world that has “Jesus love” has no need for materialism. See?
Here’s something you may not know about me yet… I don’t necessarily call myself a “Christian,” but I do at the same time. By that, I mean that I don’t ascribe to a certain “track” or “ideology” in my religious belief — however, I believe wholeheartedly in the ideals presented in what’s attributed as the teachings of Christ. In the light that I desire to understand and live his philosophies, I am a Christian… I am a “follower” of Christ. I do however have a sort of disdain and contempt for the church, mostly due to the hypocrisy inherent in religious zealotry — remember my previous comment about being distracted by the “thoughts of man” (maybe better described as “human thought”).
So… as my dad told me many years ago when I had my own battles with the endorphine rush that pot provides… All it will do will make you “stupid.” And that’s the point, isn’t it? To dull the angst and anxiety of living in a world that seems counterintuitive to living as Jesus taught — living love?
Jesus certainly rocked the boat in his day with his treatment of women… probably another notch on the world’s reasons he should be killed, no? Yes, probably best left to another discussion.
You’re a bright chick. I will say it again… keep seeking what you’re seeking. I believe you’re on the right path.
As for what I’ve seen so far with your problems with anxiety, I would suggest this knowledge:
I think another great way to say this comes from the Buddhist tradition: “Be here now.”
:)
2009/02/16 18:56 -0700Z
Matthew 6:25 is one of my favorite verses ever!! A Christian role model in my life introduced me to it, and it’s certainly calmed me down about what is to happen, and the things occuring in my life. Thankyou for sharing that! Along with the other verse, which sticks in my mind as I open up more to Him.
About you being a “Christ follower” but not necessarily into the whole church thing, I was like that for years. I believe you can follow Christ without attending church, but some people want that spoon-fed ideaology. To really become commited is when you practice religion on your own time and terms. Church inspired that move for me, so I’m thankful for PCC (Powhatan Community Church), which is nondenominational and extremely accepting compared to pretty much all the other churches in my area! In addition to that, I don’t really feel connection with traditional acts. Such as reading the same prayers out loud, using hymn books (although some are great), etc. This spring I’m going to be baptized!! It will be an awesome moment in my spiritual life for sure. But as you said, when we stray off of Jesus’ path, it’s so easy to go anywhere and spread out into troubling times. And then again, Jesus’ path brings about struggle as well, but He doesn’t face us with any challenge we can’t handle. The bigger the problem I’m faced with, the more honor I feel. Maybe I’m not PROUD of the honor, but I recognize it’s a gift.
I love what you said about Jesus’ teachings on the “narrow path”. Well since it’s narrow and very defined, it’s also hard to stay determined to follow. But Psalm 51:10-12 says, “Create me in pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” When in doubt or confusion, I use this as a prayer. Thankyou for encouraging me to have faith in what I believe to be my faith. To keep believing that what I’m feeling is real. Because, you’re right, the more in depth you look into the soul of Christianity, the more questions are created! But as you said, when we stray off of Jesus’ path, it’s so easy to go anywhere and spread out into troubling times. And then again, Jesus’ path brings about struggle as well, but He doesn’t face us with any challenge we can’t handle. The bigger the problem I’m faced with, the more honor I feel. Maybe I’m not PROUD of the honor, but I recognize it’s a gift.
I must say, the privelege of question is more powerful than the absence of wonder.
Tim, I am praying that you recieve the answers to your questions. Genesis 32:22-32 really hit me hard this weekend. The lesson that as we fight, it pleases God we are battling with our fustration toward His “lack of answer”, and He will bless us in return. I thought this was such a cool story, but also a complicated one. Not the most heart warming piece of scripture, but important. We can’t ignore our anger or confusion with God, but we should face it and just shout “God, here I am, waiting, for Your guidance.”
Excuse me if this sounds dumb, but as my panic attacks have increased intensity, I will often pray on my knees and feel as if He’s holding me up and putting the air in my lungs. And in reality, He is. For that I feel blessed. Very blessed indeed.