Lesson 11 ~ Defining Spirituality ~ How We Know Things

Defining Spirituality

Lesson 11 ~ How We Know Things ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman, OSM, OSF

 

Perhaps we are at the same time more than we give ourselves credit for, and less. Why do we choose such an empty worldview? I am not actually sure why one would choose such an empty world.  I has been proven in many ways we humans have the need for human touch and interaction.  Every one of us is most important not only to our immediate family structure, but to the Lord as we are all part of "the big picture"  on one is insignificant or worthless by any means.   Even if you may feel this is impossible at one point during  your journey, it will be most evident at another point, bringing your full understanding of why not to choose an empty world.  

Why do we believe that we are nothing and there is no meaning to life? This philosophical question is definitely a puzzler to me.  Some would believe we are nothing because we came from nothing and thus there is no meaning to life.  However, if one believes in worth and how certain parts of existence plays out in the long run, then they cannot believe that life has no meaning.  Maybe there is something to the old saying "you are a product of your environment".  If you are constantly reminded during your life cycle that you are worthless then you will begin to accept this as the norm.  I believe in God's eyes life that he created here and every place else, universe by universe, yes even the parallel universes out there does have a definitive meaning.  I ask you, should we question His motives.  Be careful what you undertake.

Why do we then make ourselves responsible for everything in life? I agree hole heartedly with the author of this lesson…."I choose to think of life as meaningful. And at the same time I make myself responsible only for my reactions to life. I have free will. I choose not to kill you and I choose not to do so because it is morally wrong. I choose, and that has made all the difference.".  I am not sure anyone could have said it better and with more conviction.

Go In Peace

Lesson 9 ~ Helping someone in need

Lesson 9 ~ Defining Spiritualism ~ Helping someong in need ~ Essay

By: Rev.  Trent Murman

 

Be good to someone in need.

For the past few months I had noticed a scraggly gentleman either walking along the road, but this time I took the time to stop and spark up a conversation with this man.  I found out he was a Viet Nam veteran who had somehow gotten lost in the system.  He was now homeless, unkempt and carried a hand written sign that said "need help ~ government did me wrong".  I took him in my car to the nearest fast food restrurant and I bought him a meal.  We went outside while he was eating and just sat and talked.  I will only refer to this man by James to keep everything strictly confidential.  James told me he really and truly does want to work or do something with his days.  He conveyed that he dislikes sitting around the shelters and soup kitchens.  He would rather be out earning an honest living.  This man was awarded the Purple Heart and many other distinguished ribbons and medals during his tour in the Armed Forces.  He was discharged from the service with a slight mental condition and therefore was "labeled" and could not get gainful employment in the private sector.  As he ate I noticed he would have his arms in a circle around his food, like someone was going to take it away from him.  I tried to help him relax and reassured him no one would bother him or his food.  James was very appreciative of the time we spent together.  We sat and talked about things that happened during his service time.  I could well relate to them myself being a Viet Nam veteran also.  There were times when I saw tears welling up in his eyes when he spoke of friends he had lost over there.  He would stop choke back the sentiment and go on with his thoughts.  James was never married.  James had no family to speak of.  James reminded me of a lost wondering sole.  We sat for nearly three hours, him talking and me listening.  James told me he had one experience some time ago when he went into a local church for Sunday service and was asked by one of the members of the congregation to please leave and come back after he got cleaned up and more presentable.  James said he got up without saying a word and walked out of the church, as he was walking out he started to cry and thought to himself…does God really care how I am dressed or what I look like…..James told me he never returned to that place of worship again.  As I was about to leave, James asked me if I would say a prayer with him.  I said absolutely, he then asked me if I knew the Hail Mary Prayer, I said I did and we spoke it together.  James told me he repeats that prayer over and over throughout the day because it comforts him.  James is a good man.  Mislabeled by our government and said he was very grateful for the time we spent together.  I did not push religion on him, but when he brought it up we spoke of in endearingly.  He asked nothing more of me than just to say hello when I saw him and knowing there was someone out there that cared made him and me feel very good.  I was so honored to have met him and have him spend some time out of his day.    

Go In Peace

Lesson 8 ~ Defining Spiritualism

Defining Spiritualism

Lesson 8 ~ Spiritualism Philosophies Essay

By:  Rev. Trent

 

The paths we decide to take in life are those of our own choosing.  We are grateful that we have the ability to choose those paths.  No one should tell us and we should not tell others which is the right and must path to take.  We have seen and studied many different philosophies pertaining to the leadership of Christ, each valid in its own perspective.  People have the right to make decisions on their own beliefs, right or wrong.  We as ministers should not interfere or persuade them to our personal way of thinking.  We  can be here to guide them with understanding and help them make the decisions on their own as to the paths of their righteous beliefs.  It is always very interesting to counsel an individual in religious matters and have them on their own make those final decisions which will most affect them.  Once again the greatest gift we can give another person is just to listen and not "preach" to them or make judgments. 

Go In Peace

Defining Spiritualism

Lesson 7 ~ Meditation.

By:  Rev. Trent

 

In this lesson there was some discussion regarding the art of meditation.  Meditation has been used in many ways for several reasons.  Some of them being medical, psychological and holistic.  However I did learn from the plethora of information presented a more in depth use of meditation.  It  has been learned that many prisoners have survived captivity for many years  with the use of meditation.  There was one "real or fake" story where a man was imprisoned and to keep his sanity everyday he meditated and during his meditation he would play a round of golf at his favorite golf course prior to his incarceration.  Well, upon his release he went golfing with his buddies and actually had knocked off 20 strokes from his previous score.  Now, remember during his incarceration he never picked up a golf club and apparently never had the opportunity to go golfing.  True or Fake?  This happens to be a true story.  So, meditation however not being an exact science, but non-the-less it is a very effective tool.

Go In Peace