Lsson 6 ~ Masters of Spiritualism

Lesson 6 ~ Masters of Spiritualism

Socrates et all

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

Socrates was one of the greatest thinkers of his time and since.  However, his ways of thinking ultimately came to his demise.  His thoughts of being part of a whole for his time was apparently overwhelming for some only to my understanding because of their ego's.  The analogies Socrates used encompassing the bee's and worker ants relating to human societies was in my opinion spot on.  The masterful thinking regarding putting aside individualism and transforming it into a whole was not readily accepted by the Athenians of Greece.  Even though they did not believe in the Greek God's they chose not to be as outspoken as Socrates was.  It was interesting that when Socrates was given the chance to speak to the assembly he chose not to plead for his life, but to stand fast to his premise of being part of a greater whole.  Thus enraging the assembly even more.  In my opinion Socrates was a man of principle and that we have to admire him for especially when all around him were mindset in the mob mentality Socrates stuck to his convictions, not many would attain that, hence to keep peace they might resolve to go along with the crowd, at least in the public eye.  Socrates' theory that the meaning of words was not precise must have truly had his learned comrades puzzled.  However, Socrates understood and we should understand the meaning of words is limited to the society or group of people using them and should not be characterized as wrong from one society to another.  I think Socrates was definitely right that Knowledge is Power and the seeking of knowledge only makes one's Power grow.  This lesson was very enlightening and does apply to even our society today.  It is important, I feel, to act and think for the betterment of the whole.

Go In Peace

Lesson 5 ~ Spiritualism ~ Faith and Learning

Defining Spiritualism

Lesson #5 ~ Spiritualism ~ Faith and Learning ~ Essay

By: Rev. Trent Murman

 

Faith and Learning

I feel thought is the ability to reason out a situation and make an informed decision whether you are going to proceed on this particular path or divert to an alternate route.  It is something that is nontangible.  I believe it is mostly like that little voice you hear inside you that speaks to you when are about to do right or wrong and guides us onto the right path because of what we have learned on this journey called life.  

A scientist might define "thought" in a very different way….not being able to see, touch, smell or hear (except for that little voice inside us), I believe they would somehow molecularize it into a stable atom.  After all the thought was formed within the molecular structure of our brain so therefore it must be of a molecular structure.  The ability to have these "thoughts" is what greatly divides us from the most primitive of animals.  Every moment of the day or of your existence is bombarded by the thought process.  Now if the scientists could only make that into a solid or tangible entity they too might believe in thought as existing.

I believe that if one has a premise to have a thought and then refuses to be open minded to any concept opposing his then he has stopped learning.  So, thought and learning do go hand-in-hand.  This is when we need to remember to be good listeners and realize all persons are capable of having their own opinions and humble enough that we might not be always right. Remember that everyone has an opinion and if we are not open to listening to other opinions then learning is thwarted and we ultimately stop learning.

When ministering the greatest aspect is not to necessarily change anothers opinion to your way of thinking, but to give them another avenue or premise to consider.  What they do with this premise should be totally up to them. 

  Why do doctors wear white lab coats?  Why do biologist and other such scientists wear white lab coats while working in their labs?  They could wear anything and still do their jobs but they instead wear the white lab coats, why?  It is true doctors and other lab workers do wear this white lab coat as a status symbol.  It differentiates them between others.  However, let me present to another theory related to this.  In the medical settings there are many microbes and potential infectious organisms,  As the health conscious lab or doctor does his work within the healing process the white lab coats are also worn to thwart any spillage on the workers civilian clothes and this way infectious organisms or germs are not taken out of the lab, hospital or medical office home to their families or anyone else they may come in contact with.  These lab coats are usually laundered by the hospital or institution so they are not taken home and put with the family laundry so contamination is not passed on to the family clothes.

WOW, that was quite an analogy referencing "a trip to the doctors", this is one view I have never considered, but theoretically it was spot on. 

And, yes we as ministers should be "content" in having given the sheep something to think about.  On the flip side of that they also give us many things to think about and ponder.  We should act like investigators when one of our sheep present us with a situation or contemplation we should be able to put the ball back into their court,  not necessarily telling them what they should or how they should think, but giving them the opportunity to evaluate another theory…thus giving them and us the chance to learn. 

Go In Peace

Lesson 4 ~ History of Western Thought ~ Part 3

Master of Spirituality ~ Lesson 4

History of Western Thought Pt 3 ~ Heisenberg

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

 

What would happen in a world without suffering? 

After pondering this for several days, I believe the people of the world would generally be in turmoil and would not have the ability to distinguish happiness from sadness and everyday dwelling would be mundane and possibly without purpose. 

Does suffering make us stronger?

I believe suffering does make one stronger.  It tends to build character and offers that little voice deep inside us the ability not to ask "why me?" 

Abandoned by God?  Why does He make us suffer? 

I have never felt God has abandoned anyone.  There are times situations you may be in are grossly overwhelming and not understandable, however many ministers feel "He will only give or test you with what He feels you can handle.  Whether it be the loss of a child or loss of a great-grandparent.  If one believes and has given himself to God then with His direction everything will be alright.

Why do bad things happen to good people?

It may seem to the persons that can stand back and look at what has happened that this is true.  However, I believe strongly that a roadmap has been predetermined within our genes at conception or even prior to conception as to our destiny in life.  It may seem as "bad things" are happening to "good" people, but in reality maybe God is once again testing us and/or our family and friends as to their own character or substance.

Is it suffering that drives us to greatness?

Suffering does make you make yourself into a better person.  If in that theory one is forced to evaluate and revaluate his/her own pathway in life this is a good thing.  I believe greatness is not thrust upon us and if it is because of heredity then you need to take that greatness and use it for the good of all persons.  It is what you do in life that makes you appear GREAT to others.  Suffering gives us the will to push ourselves harder and help others to understand the purpose He has for us. 

Go In Peace

Spiritual Awareness

Spiritual Awareness

I really like the definitions for Energy and Power in this text: “Power is energy that is formed by the intentions of the soul. It is Light shaped by the intentions of love and compassion guided by wisdom.” Light is the spirit of God, love and compassion are the nature of God. It then becomes clear that all power originates in God. For me then, the sense of being powerful or powerless always comes back to my awareness and alignment with the Lord.

Fear and pain signify the loss of energy or powerlessness. When there is fear for the loss of the ability to love or be loved an individual may experience physical pain in the region of the heart—heartache. Every distress and dysfunction of the physical body, every disease can be traced back to an overwhelming sense of powerlessness over external circumstances. Each of the chakras, or energy focal points in the body, is designed to release potent energies to bless the individual and beyond, but these points can be disturbed and blocked causing discomfort and disease when not allowed to function by reason of the individual’s actions and attitudes.

In my own experience, I felt the heartache when I had to admit my own dear wife into an Alzheimer’s residential facility. I spent from 9:30 until 2:30 each day with her for almost five months. Every day when it was time for me to leave, she would ask me to take her home with me. Every day I thought that my heart would break; even now as I write these words, the memory is so strong that the feelings are overwhelming. Finally I was able to bring her back home, and I became her home care provider.

Miracles do happen. I now take care of her every day and I thank the power of the Spirit that I express. She is slowly making progress, and I know that she is happy to be at home with me in her familiar surroundings. We just celebrated our 57th wedding anniversary. We are blessed with four children and six grandchildren. I had to surrender to the power of the Almighty in those dark days. I had to maintain a thankful heart as much as possible. Little by little fear and pain gave way to trust that “Thy will, not my will be done.” God’s grace and mercy revealed themselves moment by moment through the many blessings that have come for both of us through this experience.

Rev. James D. Connor

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Defining Spirtuality ~ Lesson 2 & 3 ~ Essay

Defining Spirituality

Lesson 2 & 3~ History of Western Thought ~ Essay

By: Rev. Trent Murman

 

Although in my opinion one of the basis of religion is fear….is it fear of the unknown or fear of the known?  Without this guidance available to us our thoughts would remain primitive and would mainly coincide with the theory of the scientists which says everything has an explaination of its being.  This lesson 2 and 3 can be very confusing.  Although we only touched the surface it does provide two concepts of thought.  Many philosophers and scholars have presented us (the human race) with words and concepts to ponder.  I feel that the scientists and the religions will always be at bay, one thinking they are far more correct than the other.  However there was one statement made by Neitzche . 'Everything' was thought to be a complex machine that began as a collection of matter, which had a beginning, and would one day come to an end'.  This would lead us to believe that in the beginning matter just appeared and started evolving on its own.  Well then how did the matter get there? Something or somebody had to create or put it there even if it was in the depths of space.  However, I do appreciate his reasoning and his ability to conjure up this theory.  There was another statement made by Jesus that said:  faith in anything the size of a mustard seed you can move a mountain.  This I feel simply meant you (the peoples) can do anything you put your mind to.  I certainly have been given quite a lot to ponder over and think about.  Many different theories of evolution and/or conception of the universe and man.  Anxiously awaiting Lesson 4.   Go In Peace