I had a dream last night in which all humans accepted all other humans, all nationalities, all ethnicities, all religions, all skin colors, all genders, all “races,” all political philosophies as equal to themselves and their own. I had a dream that we all finally recognized each other as sisters and brothers.
Someone asked me today if I am a "visionary" -- if I am willing to"fight evil". I replied: "I suppose I am a visionary. And, yes, evil must be opposed. If one doesn't oppose it, then one becomes part of it."
I believe that there is a problem in identifying "evil." That's the lesson I learn from the Genesis story of the apple and the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil. When we believe we know the difference be tween what's good and what's bad, we begin to play god.
- If we judge that Christianity is good and that Islam is bad, then we play at being god, but God said that all creation is good.
- If we judge that capitalism is good and that socialism is bad, then we play at being god, but God said that all creation is good.
- If we judge that male is superior and that fen\male is inferior, then we play at being god, but God said that all creation is good.
Jesus said:
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ~ Matthew 7
The path to Enlightenment is fraught with difficulty and dilemma, quandary and dead ends. Always remember:
Not creating delusions is enlightenment.~ Bodhidharma
Is that a snippet from one of your old sermons, Nick? It is a beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteThis concept seems so very simple to me. I just don't understand the reluctance of many to accept, understand it. Read, People, read!! Don't just accept what is dispersed from one pulpit, one church, one denomination. Do your own research. Yes, it might become even more confusing, but don't allow yourselves to become blindly led like lemmings. Cause yourselves think, don't be afraid to question, and most of all, reach out of your comfort zone and learn. It's the only way to find peace.
I have tears. I'm so sad that our world is in such conflict. Thank you, Nick, for a great post.
Nick,A great posting,Thank you for sharing it. Oh by the way I got an award on Golch Central that belongs to you.
ReplyDeleteLyn: Thank you. No, it’s an old idea in my mind but all new words. Come to think of it, I wish I had used these words at a small church I pastured for 12 years in southern Indiana. Those folks, as a congregation, were on the verge of corporate enlightenment when I left them to return to Louisville to be with my now ex-wife.
ReplyDeleteI agree 100% with your words. One would think that with the easy access to billions of books, the various forms of mass communication, etc. people would be less provincial and ethnocentric than they are.
Mike: Thank you, my6 friend. I’ll click on over to your blog right now.
ReplyDeleteHi Nick, lovely and true words, to be plastered around the internet. Hugz Elka
ReplyDeleteA lovely post, Nick. I always try not to judge, but in some cases I think it is human nature to have that opinion to which we thought we were entitled to have. Since Amy however, I have been faced with many judges who think it is their right to look at my baby in a way in which she does not deserve to be seen. We are all equal. We are all individual. And we are all capable of peace. If only the world would adapt a better attitude.
ReplyDeleteCJ xx
Elka: Good morning, my friend! Thank you. Yes, sometimes my dreams are worth being plastered about the Internet. Other times, such as the one that awakened me this morning, they are best kept to myself.
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ReplyDeleteCrystal Jigsaw: Good morning, C.J.! Thank you. I agree with you about judging. Sometimes – often – I do not judge as Judge Learned Hand wrote: after “having walked a mile in the other’s moccasins.” I do try to judge the act and not the person but at times I find that impossible, such as the gang killing of the five people, including a toddler, in Boston yesterday.
ReplyDeleteAs for people judging dear Amy, anyone who does not recognize the beautiful person that she is must be either blind or have a very cold heart. My love and blessings to both of you.
David : Welcome to Nick's Bytes! I’ve had a look at your blog and will certainly add it to list of good blogs.
ReplyDeleteNice post Nick.
ReplyDeleteAkelamalu: Thank you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteI really like this post, SSN. And, the Dylan song that I had not heard before. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteA lovely post, nick. Very wise.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your visitor numbers and postings!
This is a lovely post. Thank you, Reverend Nick
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