LESSON 2 AWAKENING SPIRIT

THE AWAKENING OF ONES KNOWLEDGE OF SPIRITUAL THOUGHTS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON OUR DIRECTION IN LIFE.

  

AS WE SET OUR SPIRITUAL EYES DEEP IN OURSELVES. THERE IS A RIVER OF LIFE ( ENERGY) FLOWING IN THE FORM OF THOUGHTS. THESE UTTERANCES ARE OF THINGS THAT WILL REVEAL DIRECTIONS AND REVELATIONS OF DESIRES AND TIMES OF YESTERDAY ,TODAY AND ALSO THE FUTURE.

AS I  SET WITH MY EYES CLOSED. I LOOK INTO THE LIGHT. THIS LIGHT IS THE SECRET PLACE THAT I HAVE PREPARED . THIS IS THE PLACE, THAT LESSON ONE HAD INSTRUCTED US TO MAKE. I HAVE A BIG SCREEN THAT COMES UP IN FRONT OF MY EYES AND I LOOK FOR THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE SPIRIT, TO BREATHE, WITHIN ME HIS WORDS OF TRUTH .

 SATURDAY I WAS IN A MEETING WITH A SMALL GROUP OF PEOPLE,THEY WERE HUNGRY TO HEAR FROM THE SPIRIT, SO CALLED A LADY OUT AND BEGAN TO TELL HER OF THE LOST AF A LOVE ONE AND A PROBLEM WITH SOME PROPERTY SHE OWNED .

YOU WILL BE ABLE TO WALK IN A SPIRIT STATE OF MIND . I WAS NEEDING A CAR AND WALKING AROUND WALLY WORLD

(WALMART) AND A LADY WALKED BY ME , I FELT IN THE SPIRIT A STRONG PULLING OF ENERGY TO STOP AND TELL HER WHAT I HEARD THE SPIRIT  IMPRESS IN ME . SHE BEGAN TO CRY BE CAUSE SHE WAS LOOKING FOR  THE VERY ANSWER THAT I SPOKE TO HER, AS I WAS PREPARING TO LEAVE I ASKED HER TO PRAY THAT I WOULD GET A CAR.

SHE SAID THAT SHE HAD JUST GOT A NEW CAR , AND SHE HAD HER OLD CAR AT HOME AND TOLD ME TO COME TO HER HOUSE AND SHE BLESSED ME WITH THE CAR. THERE IS A TRUE LEADING OF THE SPIRIT WORLD.  

Re: Lesson 1: Master of Spirituality

Re: Lesson 1: Master of Spirituality

 

As I read Lesson 1, I couldn't help thinking of my two nephews.  John is 47 and considers himself an atheist/humanist.  He, his wife and son do not attend church, although his wife, as far as I can tell does believe in God.  His brother, Robert, (42) is studying to be a pastor.  He, his wife and two sons have been very involved in an evangelical church for several years.  They are on completely opposite ends of the religious/spiritual spectrum. 

 

In my discussions with John, however, it becomes evident that he is truly more agnostic than atheist.   From what he now knows, he sees no evidence of God, and considers those who do, to be foolish at best, ignorant at worst.  Robert believes not only that there is a God, but that unless we are "born again," we will not enter the kingdom of heaven.  He has given up trying to persuade John or me to be "born again" - as we have requested he cease and desist.  Robert, sadly, is a little condescending about it all, and says he will pray for us sinners.

 

I exist somewhere in the middle of them both, for I do not adhere to what is considered the "religious right" way of thinking, which tends to condemn all those, believers or not, who do not believe and behave precisely as they do.  Therefore, according to the gospel of (my) John, I am foolishly clinging to the myth that there is a God.  According to the gospel of Robert, I am doomed to spend eternity in hell.

 

In the ensuing lessons of this course, I expect to learn new ways of thinking about spirituality that will help me in further discussions with my nephews and with others who seek me out for such ministry.

 

Reverend Camille Sanzone

www.forabetterway.net 

Spiritualism - Lessons 12,13,14 and 15

Spiritualism- Lesson 12 Schopenhauer, Lesson 13 Fichte, Lesson 14 Hegel, Lesson 15 Marxism and Communism

Arthur Schopenhauer was a German philosopher who lived from 1788 until 1860.He read a Latin translation of the Upanishads and called the Upanishads "the production of the highest human wisdom". The Upanishads are a collection of philosophical texts which form the theoretical basis of the Hindu religion. Upanishad is derived from the Sanskrit term "Upanisad" which meant"setting to rest ignorance by revealing the knowledge of the Supreme Spirit". The Upanishads are believed to have originated in northern India and originally passed down through the generations by oral tradition. There are more than 200 Upanishads known to exist. Modern day researchers and scholars disagree as to when the Upanishads were first written down in old Sanskrit. Some researchers estimate the first written Upanishads appeared around 1200 BCE or 3200 years ago while other researchers have concluded that the Upanishads were written down as long ago as 6000 BCE or 8000 years ago. Schopenhauer kept a copy of the Upanishads on his table and was quoted to have said"the Upanishads have been the solace of my life and will be the solace of my death. In his writings Schopenhauer also made reference to the four Noble Truths of Buddhism. Arthur Schopenhauer was opposed to slavery and supported the Abolitionists movement in the United States in the mid 19^th century. He sometimes claimed to be a Buddhist and at other times he claimed to be an Atheist. As far as the philosophies of Schopenhauer go I agree with his philosophy that" compassion for animals is intimately associated with goodness of character".

Prior to studying the 13th lesson on Spirituality, I had never heard of a man called Johann Gottlieb Fichte who lived from 1762 until 1814. He is considered one of the founders of the philosophical movement known as German Idealism. He studied at the Jena Theology Seminary from 1780 until 1784 and he became a professor of Philosophy at the University of Jena in 1793.I do not agree with Fichte's Philosophy on Women that" Active citizenship, civic freedom, even property rights should be withheld from women whose calling was to subject themselves utterly to the authority of their fathers and husbands". However I do agree with Fichte's philosophy that "The kind of philosophy one chooses depends on the kind of person one is"

Lesson 14 introduced me to the German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel who lived from 1770 until 1831.He developed the concept that the Mind or Spirit manifested itself in a set of contradictions and oppositions that it ultimately integrated and united without eliminating either pole or reducing one to the other. Hegel believed history was an important part of any philosophical system and Philosophy of any time period can only be truly understood in historical context or Spirit of the Times. During Hegel's lifetime the French Revolution occurred and Napoleon Bonaparte rose to and fell from power.

Lesson 15 reintroduced me to Karl Marx, a German Philosopher who lived from 1818 until 1883.He attended the University of Bonn and the University of Berlin. His doctoral thesis was titled "The difference Between Democritean and Epicurean Philosophy of Nature ". He was awarded a PhD from the University of Jena. He was a journalist for various different radical newspapers. At various times the articles of Karl Marx were banned in Germany, France and Russia. Along with Friedrich Engels, Karl Marx wrote the Communist Manifesto which was commissioned by the Communist League in 1848.The communist league was disbanded in 1852.Most modern forms of Communism are based on the theories of Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels and Vladimir Lenin. The Communist world view promotes Atheism as a fundamental tenet. As I stated in Spiritualism, Lesson 9 "Atheism is simply another perception and perspective of conscious awareness of the universe. Atheism is a belief system.

Throughout time philosophers will continue to examine fundamental issues of humanity such as those connected with reality and existence, values and reason. I do agree with one quote by Karl Marx "The philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways, the point, however, is to change it.

Respectfully submitted by

Rev. Susan K. Bowers

 

thinking with the mind or thinking with the heart

I don’t think that things are black and white, but that people use both modes of thinking.  They may use one more than the other (does that make them a mind thinker?), or there are different situations where we use one way of thinking vs the other.  I don’t see the modes as contradictory, for after all God created the world and left us to discover how his creation works (we call this science).  You can have God without science (faith), but you can’t have science without God.  Like having a carpenter that makes a table, you can have the carpenter without the table, but you can’t have the table without the carpenter!

 

Mark Kolodziej

Spirituality Lesson 10 - Empricism, Lesson 11 - How We Know Things.

Spiritualism -Lesson 10- Empiricism, Lesson 11-How We Know Things Empiricism is defined on page 451 of the American Heritage College dictionary as the view that experience, esp. of the senses is the only source of knowledge. Empirical is defined as (1) relying on or derived from observation or experience, (2) verifiable or provable by means of observation or experiment. Empiric is defined as one who is guided by practical experience rather than precepts or theory. Psyche is defined from two perspectives on page 1104 as (1) the spirit or soul and (2) the mind functioning as the center of thought, emotion and behavior. In the Donning International Encyclopedic Psychic dictionary on page 496 the word psyche is defined from five different perspectives. The definitions of psyche that I found to be most useful were (1) life force, soul, spirit, mind (2) the soul encased in a physical body in its failures and its successes. The word psychic is defined in the Donning dictionary on page 497 from many perspectives. The definition of psychic I found to be most useful was (1) one whose total Mind/Body organization tunes into more subtle vibrational frequencies and who is able to decipher this sensitivity for practical purposes. Empirical Energy is defined on page 204 as psychic skills which occur willed and spontaneously, not determined through scientifically proven facts, but just because practice makes it work; psychic phenomena that defies all laws known to man; (Paraphysical law: If it works for you, it is a law for you). Empirical knowledge (defined on the same page in the Donning dictionary) is defined as psychism experienced and perceived by one's self that becomes knowledge to oneself regardless of science or theory. Humans have created tools throughout time that enable them to detect phenomena with their senses that they could not detect in previous moments in time. Over time humans form opinions from their experiences and collect and record data. The opinions and experiences of the collected data are documented in the form of written words, artwork and at this moment in time video and audio recording. In many scientific communities theories are formed and experiments are created to determine if measurable results and outcomes can be reproduced. Some humans prefer to document the same experience repeatedly by using the same conditions to determine if the measurable outcomes of the experiments or experiences will be the same or different. If the measurable outcomes of the experience or experiment are the same in say 8000 out of 10000 times then one could say that given the same situation, under the same circumstances or conditions there is a reasonable probability that 8 out of 10 times one will achieve certain expected measurable outcomes. Conversely, this also means that given the same situation, under the same circumstances or conditions, there is a reasonable probability that 2 out of 10 times one will not achieve certain expected measurable outcomes. Just because humans have not yet invented or discovered a tool or a machine or a computer program that enhances our ability to perceive certain phenomena does not negate the possibility of the existence of that phenomena. Great strides are being made however to detect and document unique energy fields and energy field disturbances in human beings. Kirlian photography is able to record human energy fields to some degree. Some people have referred to this type of energy field documentation as aura photography. In the healthcare field many Nurses and a few doctors can now receive training and certification in a discipline known as Healing Touch. During the Healing Touch seminars people are taught to assess human energy fields and to use certain techniques to balance the energy field where imbalance exists. I have attended many healing touch seminars and for myself at least it helped me to better understand the healing techniques I learned when I originally attended seminary many years ago .I also studied and became certified in another form of energy field balancing and healing known as Reiki when I attended seminary. Having always had the ability to detect energy fields in humans, animals, crystals, and plants inspired me to seek explanations for the existence and my abilities. That was the reason I chose to study sciences and various religions from a very early age. What we as humans perceive with the "known" senses we store in our minds, our bodies and our energy fields. Other words for energy fields can be used such as Psyche, Spirit or Soul. How, when or why did my Soul or Spirit come into existence I do not know. I only know that from my perspective based on my life experiences I have a Soul or Spirit. I believe humans have Souls, Spirits or energy fields because I choose to believe this is so. I also choose to believe all humans have the free will to choose their belief systems and their spiritual paths. In my life experiences I have known many humans who have chosen paths that were filled with more darkness that light, more disharmony than harmony, and more imbalance than balance. After many years and much meditation I discovered that by choosing to balance the light and darkness within my own soul I could achieve inner harmony and balance. Respectfully submitted by Rev. Susan K. Bowers

Master of Spiritual Leadership ~ Final Essay

Master of Spiritual Leadership ~ Final Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

Spiritual leadership, as well as leadership in general, is often hard to define. We think we know what it is but it's often hard to put into words. I think that sometimes we know more of what it is not than what it is. And yes, sometimes that is half the battle in understanding something, but let's try to understand it completely.  We tend to confuse leadership with management and with style of operation (management methods). Leadership, especially Spiritual leadership, certainly includes management and style of operation but is not totally defined by them. Theorists who have difficulty defining leadership sometimes try to explain it in terms of style or methods, but style and method can only explain what the leader does not who he is. A manager may consistently manage, but that doesn't mean he is a good leader. A person may have a consistent style of operation, but that doesn't mean he or she is a good leader. However, a good leader manages and operates in a style that works. What makes the difference?  Leadership is a developmental process of growing one's skills in leading others with an awareness and knowledge of our own honesty and integrity. Past and current leadership theory includes social responsibility, personal growth, and setting, as well as implementing and reaching personal and organizational goals.  – preachology.com

Rule of Life Ministry ~ I believe Life should be sacred to each individual as I believe God planned it to be that way.  Life should be a joy for whom everyone experiencing it can partake in.  Thoughts and impositions should be not be forced on anyone.  I try to have compassion and understanding for everyone in all walks of Life.  My own thoughts on Life is not to try to convert anyone to my way of thinking or to my way of expressing the connection between myself and the Lord.  I generally practice as an independent chaplain, this way I can have the flexibility to outreach to many in not only my own faith but learn so much more about other faiths and beliefs. 

Letter to a community ~ I understand this is a very close knit community, mostly of military families.  We also understand there are many different faiths represented within this military community.  God has brought us together for a collective reason and that is to honor and serve this great country of ours.  There are going to be times when our loved ones are going to be sent away.  It is the duty of the ones remaining here to love and support those loved ones left behind.  I believe God has trusted us to work together.  I believe God does in fact care for all of us and will continue to guide us along the sands of time.  Truly making us aware of all that is good.  Remember, He is always with us and like the poem says – when you saw only one set of footprints….that is when He carried you.  He sees everything and knows all.  We must encourage each other to seek out their Gods, Ali, Buddha or whatever they believe in and find peace within themselves and this community they represent.  May peace and understanding be with all of us forever and ever.  Go In Peace

Spiritulism-Lesson 9 -The Birth of Atheism

Spiritualism – Lesson 9, The Birth of Atheism What are humans consciously aware of? How can humans expand their conscious awareness of the universe? Are all humans capable of expanding their awareness in exactly the same manner? Do all humans perceive the universe with exactly the same perspectives and perceptions? Who was the first human on the planet Earth that decided to choose to expand their conscious awareness of the universe? When did humans decide that all people should or could expand their awareness of the universe? Why do humans seek to expand their conscious awareness? If the universe consists of infinite possibilities in infinite combinations, then it follows that perceptions and perspectives of Gods and Goddesses must also be infinite. Atheism is simply another perception and perspective of conscious awareness of the universe. From my humble perspective, Atheism is a belief system. Since all humans do not perceive Gods, Goddesses or Deities from the same perspective who is to say what is the best, most correct belief system in existence in this moment in time? The word Atheism is derived from the Greek word "atheos" which meant "without gods" in ancient Greece. The word Theism is derived from the Greek word "theos" which meant "gods" in ancient Greece. Deism, Monotheism, Polytheism, Pantheism and Autotheism are just a few words in existence in this moment in time that attempt to classify and define perspectives of Gods, Goddesses or the Infinite Universal Life forces. As long as humans are capable of expanding their conscious awareness of the universe there will also continue to exist attempts to define Theism and Atheism. As a human, I believe what I choose to believe and what my life experiences have taught me to believe. As an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church I support and accept any belief system as long as that belief system supports one Concept: Intentionally inflict no harm or suffering on another being. Respectfully submitted by Rev. Susan K. Bowers

Lesson 19 ~ Spiritual Leadership ~ Unit 5 ~ Closing Time Part 2 ~ Essay

Lesson 19 ~ Spiritual Leadership ~ Unit 5 ~ Closing Time Part 2 ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

Write a reflective paper on Paul, explore who this sainted mass murder truly was, then reflect on what of his teachings that have shaped a faith more than the faiths founder means to you in your journey towards wholeness and leadership.  Was Paul the Apostle a mass murderer?  Some would say –yes, but (Acts 8; 1-5, Acts 9; 1-2, 1 Cor15;910), Paul was similar to an SS Nazi officer who decided who would die in the gas chambers, he didn't actually do the killing, rather approved and consented of murders of the innocent.  No, Paul never actually did the killing himself but approved the executions.  It is said that Paul was on his way to serve these warrants when he met Jesus on the road and discovered he was the true Messiah.  This was not only referred to as Paul's conversion but as his calling.  On the road to Damascus the risen Lord, Jesus appeared to him and called him to be the "apostle to the Gentiles".  Paul's mission was mainly attributed to the Letters of St. Paul  there were six of them, however even today the authorship is somewhat questioned, because some of his communities were said to write letters under his name.  At this time Paul was very persuasive in his ministry, especially to Peter, James, the brother of the Lord, and John (in about 38 A.D.), who were leaders of the new movement of Jesus who eventually became known as Christians.  However, helping people understand the writings and life of Paul is a very tiresome undertaking, I believe we could all do our part in transforming this story of Paul into our everyday life's work.  When we witness something occurring not relevant to the teachings of Christ, I feel it is our duty as ministers to interact and help right this wrong.  This is what is formally known as leadership.  However, a wise man once said….pick your battles carefully.  Go In Peace

Lessons 1,2,3,4 and 5 ~ Spiritual Awareness ~ Collective Essay

Lessons 1,2,3,4 and 5 ~ Spiritual Awareness ~ Collective Essay

 By:  Rev. Trent Murman

I can tell this is going to be another awesome course from the seminary.  It has helped me do more self- exploration and again being aware of everything around and within me.  I believe the gods have once again are guiding us all to our inner beings, helping us to become more in tuned to our pure existence not only on this planet, but with all peoples combined. 

I believe and agree with Spiritual awareness or spiritual awakening is the process by which we begin to explore our own being in order to become whole and reunite our spirits with our physical bodies in a commonality of purpose.--Holistic Healing

I believe within my own private life "things happen for a reason" and if we can somehow learn from these coincidences (?) we can better figure our path or paths during our journey in life.  Finding our inner sacred space is crucial for anyone.  Most people go along with "what will be, will be" and are satisfied to use this as their format for their journey.  This course has opened my eyes and given more to consider about the way I connect with my inner self and human beings I come in contact with repetitively on a daily basis.  There are many things going on in our lives that receive stimuli and make us continuously question what the gods have in store for us, for I firmly believe they have some control in guiding us along our journey. For me, when I need my "sacred space" it usually comes between 2-3 a.m., this is the best time for me to go to my sacred space and connect with my inner self.  Whether you believe in Darwin or not, most people agree that there is some sort of evolution going on around us every day.   Simply put, history itself is a form of evolution, hopefully not allowing us to repeat its malady's too often.  People do evolve and tend to learn from their past journeys.  My special place is in my office, where I meditate daily, hopefully around the same time, it is comfortable, secure and allows me "go to my special place" easily, this is accomplished through meditation and soulice. As stated the first insight captures our attention and fires our imagination.  This makes us begin to collaborate our thoughts with our spiritual being.  Our spiritual awareness started when we first recognized coincidences are in our everyday lives.  The First Insight is a reconsideration of the inherent mystery that surrounds our individual lives on this planet. The Second Insight acknowledges our awareness as something real.  The Third insight informs us that everything in the universe is composed of energy.  This lead to the scientists "mastering their environment" and we are still doing this today.  The thought of us taking control over our environment is crucial to the existence and continuation of our species.  I am sure even the cave men would reminisce over what happened during that day as they sat around the camp fires, probably just being thankful they made it through another day and that their "woman" was still with them.  The Third Insight reveals that all things are literally one and therefore interconnected. Because all energy is interconnected, it is malleable to human consciousness through the action of intention.  Just take the time to observe nature, be in awe at its beauty and magnificence, remembering everything is connected through natures energy.  The Fourth Insight reveals the human tendency to steal energy from other humans by controlling them and taking over their mind -- a crime in which we all engage because we so often feel depleted of energy and cut off. This shortage of energy can be remedied when we connect with the higher Source. Some people feed off others negative energy to make themselves feel or seem to be more powerful than they really are.  Soul searching is very much used in the hunt for "one's self energy".  Control or the need to be in control of something or someone is The Fifth Insight describes a new understanding of what has long been called mystical consciousness and its attainability as demonstrated by a number of esoteric practitioners of many religions and spiritual paths through the centuries. For most, however, this consciousness remains an intellectual concept to be only talked of and debated about but not taken too seriously.  A firm understanding of meditation practice appears to be the common denominator in the hunt for spiritual awareness.  Go In Peace

Spirituality Lesson 8 - Different Spiritual Philosophies

Spirituality - Lesson 8 – Different Spiritual Philosophies There are in existence at this moment in time, in the year 2013, numerous paths of wisdom and enlightenment available for humans to study. The various spiritual philosophies have names such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Paganism just to name a few. Humans can manifest different perceptions of various philosophies due to cultural diversity. People are raised under unique social conditions with laws and belief systems than can vary widely. Perceptions and perspectives of truth, justice and morality can change over time. Pyrrho of Elis was a philosopher who lived from 360 to 275 BCE and is credited with being the first Skeptical philosopher. His doctrines were recorded by his pupil, Timon of Philus who wrote "No assertion can be known to be better than another .Pyrrho traveled with Alexander the Great whose influence initiated several centuries of cultural exchange between Greece and Central Asia as well as Eastern Asia. Another person named Sextus Empiricus who lived from 160 to 210 AD was also a skeptical philosopher. His philosophical work is the most complete surviving account of ancient Greek and Roman skepticism. Sextus advises that humans should suspend judgment about virtually all beliefs, in other words, humans should neither affirm any belief as true nor deny any belief as false. Sextus Empiricus goes on to say that we can affirm claims about our own experiences, feelings and sensations. The philosophy of skepticism has influenced many belief systems in existence today. Cynicism is also a philosophy that has influenced many systems of belief. A man named Antisthenes who had been a pupil of Socrates is regarded as the founder of Cynic philosophy. He lived in Greece from 445 to 365 BCE and he advocated living a very simple ascetic life in accordance with moral excellence. It is believed that Antisthenes greatly influenced another man named Diogenes of Sinope who lived in Greece from 412 to 323 BCE. Diogenes is also considered to be a founder of Cynic philosophy and a very colorful character. According to some historical accounts he lived in the marketplace and his dwelling place was a large ceramic jar. It was recorded that he often scorned the philosophies of Plato. He criticized and challenged the established customs and values that people in his time held dear .He was reported to have written several books but none of his writings have ever been recovered. A pupil of Diogenes was named Crates of Thebes who is also regarded as a Cynic philosopher. Crates lived from 365 to 285 BCE. Crates cynic philosophy was to live in agreement with nature and unshackle one's self from any needs which are the results of conventions of society. He believed that false judgments of value can cause negative emotions and result in a person being vicious in character. Crates was a teacher of Zeno of Citium who was the founder of the Stoic school of philosophy. Stoicism advocates using reason as a means of overcoming negative destructive emotions and achieving self control and fortitude during periods of conflict in one's life.  Zeno's philosophy of stoicism taught that virtue or positive character traits exist with reason.  Conversely, vice or negative character traits can only exist with the rejection of reason. Another person named Marcus Aurelius wrote his perspectives of stoic philosophy in a series of personal notes known as Meditations. Marcus Aurelius lived from 121 AD to 180 Ad and was known as the last of the Five Good Emperors of Rome. He described how he found harmony in the midst of conflict by following Nature as a source of guidance and inspiration. He wrote that rationality and clear mindedness allow one to live with harmony and tranquility in the soul. My favorite quotation from Meditations is….. If you are pained by any external thing, it is not this that disturbs you but your own judgment about it. And it is within your power to wipe out this judgment now. The last philosophy that I believe has influenced humans for many centuries is Epicureanism. Epicurus was a Greek philosopher who lived from 341 to 270 BCE. Epicurus believed that avoidance of pain can bring happiness. He taught that pleasure can be obtained by living modestly and by gaining knowledge of the workings of the world and the limits of one's desires. He placed emphasis on the pleasures of the mind rather than on physical pleasures. He advised seeking knowledge to rid one's self of religious fears and superstitions. Epicurus affirmed the idea that all humans have free will. At the time Epicurus lived, many Gods and Goddesses were believed to exist and were worshiped and feared by many people. Epicurus did not deny the existence of any God or Goddess. He simply broke from god fearing and god worshiping philosophies and traditions that were common in Greece during that time period. He did affirm that religious activities and rituals can be a useful way to contemplate the positive qualities or attributes humans living in that time period believed Gods and Goddesses possessed. Epicurus affirmed that laws that do not contribute to human happiness are not just. According to the philosophy of Epicurus the basic ingredients in the recipe for happiness are the absence of pain, freedom from fear and tranquility in the mind. The spiritual philosophies of Skepticism, Cynicism, Stoicism and Epicureanism continue to influence human perceptions of truth, justice, morality and happiness. The philosophies I mentioned here are but a small fraction of the spiritual philosophies that have influenced and will continue to influence humans throughout time. As a Universal minister I feel it is my role to act as a guide for others so that they can become aware that unique spiritual philosophies exist and all of these philosophies have value. Respectfully submitted by Rev. Susan K. Bowers

Spirituality - Lesson 7, Plato and Aristotle

Spirituality – Lesson 7, Plato and Aristotle Plato was a Greek philosopher and a student of Socrates .Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and a student of Plato. Aristotle taught humanity the art of logical deduction or deductive reasoning. Aristotle believed humans possess the ability to arrive at logical conclusions if they followed certain rules of deductive logical reasoning. He believed that unless One could actually see, taste, hear, smell or touch an object, person, or place, One could not truly have knowledge of it. Aristotle believed the only reality we as humans can perceive is what we can experience through our five senses. He acknowledged the existence of a fifth element (besides Earth, Water, Air & Fire) and he called it Aether. Aristotle described Aether as a divine substance that makes up the heavens and the stars. Perhaps, in a way, Aristotle was trying to describe what type of substances or matter or components make up the human Spirit or Soul. Aristotle felt that Aether was something that was beyond the realm of his understanding or any human's understanding at that moment in time. Was Aristotle trying to acknowledge what his teacher Plato had spoken of? Was he trying to acknowledge at least the existence of a Vital Life Force that one cannot see, taste, hear, smell or touch with the hand? Plato believed that what humans perceive with the five senses are but shadows of the perfect forms or ideas that exist somewhere else in the Great Beyond. Plato believed humans have access to this Great Beyond through our thoughts both conscious and unconscious. Plato and his student, Aristotle shared the belief that humans have the ability to think and reason. After studying the various works of Plato and Aristotle I have arrived at the conclusion that humans have the ability to think, reason and modify their thoughts and beliefs. Humans can alter their thoughts and transform the vibrational frequency of their thoughts through the use of various spiritual processes such as meditation or prayer. By utilizing the Spiritual processes of meditation and prayer humans can free their r minds from negative thoughts, perceptions and ideas. Negative thoughts are as chains that can bind one to unpleasant sensations or suffering. These chains of negative thought exist as desires or unrealistic expectations of the self and/or others .Humans have the ability to break the negative chains of desire that bind us to a person, object or situation. Plato believed humans have the ability and potential to leave their dark caves of ignorance that exist in their minds and enter into a place of enlightenment, harmony and joy. Respectfully Submitted by Rev. Susan K. Bowers

Spirituality Lesson 6 - Socretes et al

Spirituality – Lesson 6, Socrates et al Socrates was a Greek philosopher who initiated a question and answer method of teaching as a means of achieving self knowledge. He was incarnate on this plane of existence from approximately 470BCE to 399 BCE. At the time Socrates lived, there was much political and social turmoil in Athens, Greece. Socrates was accused of corrupting the young minds of Athens with his philosophies and brought to trial. He chose to defend his actions and philosophies himself rather than have another person speak for him. In essence he told the Assembly gathered to judge him, that they should question their own belief structures. He informed the Assembly that their morals and system of justice was corrupt from his perspective. He told them the Truth from his perspective of Reality. It was a Truth they did not wish to hear. According to Plato, who wrote of Socrates beliefs, Socrates believed that if a human truly understood the implications and ramifications of wrong actions they would either cease the actions or never commit the actions in the first place. Socrates believed that there exists in each human, an Essence, a Spirit, a Soul…. That continues to exist long after the death of the body has occurred. He believed if a human performs a wrong action and knows the action to be wrong then the Spirit or Soul can become injured or corrupted. Once the Spirit or Soul has been injured then the Spirit or soul can experience unpleasant sensations or suffering. The Assembly gathered to hear and judge Socrates did not appreciate or agree with his perception of their morality, justice or Truth. The Assembly felt that the codes of conduct put forward by their society at that moment in time was acceptable and just. Initially the Assembly offered Socrates he option to leave Athens and continue living. He was also given the option to drink Hemlock and die. His death by poison could have been avoided if he deserted his philosophies. Socrates could have escaped from Athens but by choosing not to escape he chose to defend his philosophy of Truth and Justice. He chose to drink poison and die rather than recant or refute his philosophies regarding virtue, self development, justice, morality, ignorance and wisdom.  His death and the way he chose to die gave meaning and purpose to his life. If Socrates has chose to recant his philosophies on life, perhaps the world would never have known the wisdom and teachings of Plato or Plato's student, Aristotle. If Aristotle had not been a student of Plato, who then would have tutored Alexander the Great? Perhaps the Libraries of Alexandria would never have been built. Perhaps there would currently exist very few institutions dedicated to Justice and Equality for all persons. Socrates taught the human race to question the principles of moral equity and virtue and to evaluate the codes of conduct put forward by any society. Justice can have many different meanings; the definition depends on One's perception and interpretation of Truth and Reality. Respectfully submitted by Rev. Susan K. Bowers

Lesson 16 ~ Spiritual Leadership ~ Unit 4 ~ Dancing the Circle Part 1&2 ~ Essay

Lesson 16 ~ Spiritual Leadership ~ Unit 4 ~ Dancing the Circle Part 2 ~ Essay

By: Rev. Trent Murman

My opinion only:  In most hierarchy situations the "hierarchy" tends to suck (pardon my French).  I think boldly most of them have lost contact with the "common man".  The common man is a very important cog in the wheel of this hierarchy.  I worked with a huge corporation for about ten (10) years. I started from the ground level and clawed my way up the "ladder" to a corporate position of what they called "authority".  It was difficult moving up the ladder, at times you leave very good and personal friends behind.  But, remembering we cannot all be chiefs, society needs those people that want to be or cannot advance because of conditions beyond their control, we need the Indians, but we cannot forget how important these Indians are.  Many times they are the backbone of the corporation's hierarchy system.  I tried never to forget where I started with this corporation and I made it a point to always say hello to everyone I passed in the hallway, parking lot or during everyday functions.  I tried to be very sincere when I asked "how are you doing", not just the words and keep walking, but actually waiting for an answer, showing genuine concern and if they appeared like they wanted to talk or express more than just a hello back, I took the time to chat with them, show genuine interest and get to know them by their name, just not another "employee".  Many of my piers would often comment as to why I was still associating with these employees and I would simply say to them:  if it weren't for these faithful employees we wouldn't be here in this position at this corporation and they need to know that the "open door policy" is just not a catch phrase, but does have true meaning.  You'd be surprised how many employees "indians" would eventually sport a smile on their faces every time they saw me in the future.  Yes it is a good feeling to touch someone in this way.  I feel these ladders of fire need to be broken down.  The hierarchy can still have their system or chain of command, but the base employees need to know they can be approached and they do have great meaning within the corporate structure.  I have very strong feelings for both the opposite and same sex viewing.  To me there is nothing like the soft fragile touch of a woman's hand, caress or friendship.  It can be very simplistic yet at the same time very complicated, many would say complicated is a good thing, but then again that's another story altogether.  Likewise, even the most powerful females can be most nurturing.  I used to be very cautious of other men who would attempt to become friends, always thinking what was their agenda or what did they want from me?  I believe even men can have their "soft" side.  I don't' use the word "feminine" side, because society had labeled that a very condescending characteristic.  Yes, even those macho guys out there do have their "soft side", especially within they intimacy act, but forbid they show this in public or in their circle of friends, that would be a social faux pas.  At this stage in my life I have come to acceptance of all peoples, for we are all children of the Holy Father.  I have a special place in my heart for those struggling with transgender feelings.  This can be very rough especially for pre-adolescent and teens who harbor these feelings.  They need to know there are family members they can seek out to confide in.  I believe, this is not a "curse" or "go to hell" situation, they cannot help or have the conviction to deal with this, being still in the formative years they need to have a listening ear and many times that's where we come into play.  Remember, one of the first things we are taught in our ministry's is to LISTEN, DON'T JUDGE and give support.   I am not exactly sure what it feels like to be transgender, not having that personal situation, but it is necessary for us to help and/or guide where ever we can. 

In the situation of portraying Jesus:  I feel in this situation I would have been a bit taken back by the ruckus from the crowd when these four men pushed through them heading towards the roof.  However, I would have been quite relieved to know the compassion these four men felt for the cripple sitting in his own feces, feeling they must have had to put their own desires aside and help this man become healed.  That must have been an awesome feeling Jesus had. 

In the situation of being the paralyzed man:  Remembering how many people simply walked on by me every day, some snickering because of my situation, some making rude comments and some of the children even throwing things at me thinking it was amusing to them and their piers.  And then these four men, unknown to me, took their time to help me see the Lord and receive his healing mystic.

In the situation of witnessing the event:  I think I would have been in awe, first not quite understanding what the intentions of these four were, were they playing a bad trick on the crippled man, were they actually trying to get Jesus' attention or were they testing Jesus' power to heal? 

In the situation of being in the group that lowered the man through the roof:  I think I would be concerned with the safety of the man being lowered.  Then I would be full of admiration for these men, to put their own agenda's aside for coming to see Jesus and help this crippled man to make sure he got to experience the Holy works of Jesus.  Then on the lighter side was this man's feces and urine going to spill from the carpet down onto us in the crowd? 

 

GO IN PEACE

Spiritualism Lesson 5 - Faith & Learning

Spiritualism- Lesson 5, Faith & Learning What is Faith and how can One learn Faith? What is Truth and how can One learn Truth? What is Knowledge and how can One obtain Knowledge? What do I know and what do I want to know? After studying this week's lesson on Spirituality these were the questions in my mind. So I set off on the path of discovery to see what I could learn about Faith, Truth and Knowledge. I remember when I was in college I often challenged my professors if I missed a question on an exam. One of my very amazing professors advised me early on to show her why I had chosen a certain answer that she had marked as incorrect. She challenged me to prove why the answer I had chosen was, from my perspective, the correct answer. She would say to me "Susan, give me the page number and the line number in the textbook on which you based your answer. This response from my professor inspired me to read the college textbook again and discover why I chose the answer I did. Once I had studied the textbook and obtained the answer, I presented my findings to my professor and we discussed the question and the answer. I remember how her blue eyes twinkled the first time I presented her with the page number and line number in the textbook on which I had based my answer. She smiled and agreed with me that the answer she marked as incorrect could also be perceived as correct. As a result I was given additional points on my test .My professor even took a few further steps. She informed all my classmates that they too would get points added to their test scores if they had chosen the same answer as I had for that that particular question and it was marked as incorrect. She advised all my classmates that going forward they had the option to challenge any question that had been marked incorrect on an exam. In order to challenge an answer however they had to prove why they had chose the answer they did using the same process I had been advised to use. They had to provide the page number and line number in the textbook on which they had based their answer. The only other condition to challenge an answer was that at least 3 other people had to have chosen the same answer and have had it marked incorrect on the exam. Her actions actually taught me how to learn new information more effectively and inspired me to want to learn new things. The greatest lesson I learned from her was that learning is a lifelong process. So with this week's lesson on Spirituality in mind I looked up the words Faith, Truth and Knowledge in 2 completely different dictionaries. One dictionary I used is the one I acquired years ago when I originally attended seminary. The dictionary is called the Donning International Encyclopedic Psychic Dictionary. It was written by June G.Bletzer and the copyright is 1986. I enjoy using this dictionary because it defines words and concepts from a spiritual perspective. The other dictionary I used is the American Heritage College Dictionary, third edition, copyright 2000, 1997, 1993. I like using this dictionary because it defines words and concepts from secular or worldly perspectives rather than spiritual perspectives. I looked up the words faith, truth and knowledge in both dictionaries. The definition of Faith in the American Heritage dictionary resonated within me as an excellent definition of faith found on page 491. Faith- the confident belief in the truth value or trustworthiness of a person, an idea or a thing, belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence,. Faith was also defined as a set of principles or beliefs. I looked up the words True and Truth in the American Heritage dictionary as well. The word True was defined from 14 different perspectives. The word truth was defined from 5 different perspectives The fifth definition of Truth was the one that I liked the best. Truth was simply defined as reality or actuality. However the secular definition of truth did not satisfy my need to discover an acceptable definition of truth. So I looked up the word Truth in the Psychic dictionary. On page 649 of the Psychic dictionary the word Truth is defined as an individual Reality (not universal) ; all individuals have their own truth within themselves. Truth must be found within one's self, no one can teach another a truth; that which is the fundamental and ultimate reality of any one thing. Finally, I looked up the word Knowledge in both dictionaries. In the American Heritage dictionary Knowledge is defined as familiarity, awareness or understanding gained through experience or study. The Psychic dictionary defines knowledge as a scope of Awareness of varying degrees of information which one feels good about and then learns accordingly from memory. So I concluded that all beings are capable of learning Faith or a system of beliefs. Learning Faith or a system of beliefs requires exploration and study to become aware or knowledgeable of others perceptions of Reality or Truth. In exploring various belief systems One can discover Truths and Spiritual paths One was unaware existed. If the newly discovered Spiritual concepts resonate as Truth within One's soul, One can incorporate the newly discovered concepts into their being and alter their current thoughts or belief structures. Each individual whether they are mind centered or heart centered is on a journey of Spiritual discovery in this existence we call Life. As ministers we can share with others the Truths we have discovered along our own spiritual paths. In sharing our own personal Truths with others, we as ministers are simply guides. Along the spiritual path each person travels they will obtain knowledge and discover concepts, beliefs or principles that resonate as Truth within their souls. Truth can be perceived from many different perspectives and Faith is an individual choice. Respectfully submitted by Rev .Susan K. Bowers

Lesson 15 ~ Comparative Religion ~ Sacred Literature ~ Essay

Lesson 15 ~ Comparative Religion ~ Sacred Literature ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

 The sacred literature that most "moves" me, I would have to say is "The Lord Is My Shephard"….it is so profound and deep in its meaning.  If one actually studies the words of this prayer you cannot help but being moved bot spiritually and educationally.  I think I learn something different every time I read it or in meditation just simply close my eyes and recite it silently to myself.  It is part of my religion's sacred text which is, in my case the Holy Bible.  Psalm: 23 in the Old Testament.

I think my favorite oral traditional story would be that of David and Goliath.  It wasn't that David slain this massive warrior and how he did it, but the message that David sent to all those watching was certainly memorable.  My interpretation of the message was that in life no matter what the odds are there is always a means to overcome them and maybe with your unwavering faith and a simple nudge from your God all can be accomplished.  GO IN PEACE

Spiritualism Lesson 4 - History of Western Thought, Part 3

Subject- Spiritualism Lesson 4, History of Western Thought, Part 3 This week's lesson dealt with the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and the concept of Suffering. Heisenberg was a scientist who discovered that humans cannot predict the form matter will take when it comes into existence and inherent uncertainty exists in all things. Humans cannot predict the outcomes of events or the actions of other humans with 100% accuracy. However, humans can determine probability to a certain degree- that is they can predict numerous likely outcomes of events or numerous actions a person may take in a given situation .Suffering can occur when One has chosen a Path or action that results in One experiencing unpleasant sensations. This week's lesson invited us to embrace our own suffering and pain so that we could better understand suffering and pain in others. This past week in the hospital where I practice I was presented with a unique opportunity to observe pain and suffering. I was offered the opportunity to share and experience the pain and suffering my colleagues had experienced. Evidently, earlier in the week, a player participating in a college basketball playoff game was severely injured during the game. The occurrence of the injury was videotaped and was of course almost instantly available on the net. One of my colleagues offered to show everyone the video from her Smartphone. I observed several of my colleagues viewing the video. They stared at the video of the player being injured then gasped and turned their heads away. I observed my colleagues experiencing pain and suffering. Experiencing unpleasant sensations is the definition of suffering according to the American Heritage College Dictionary. I was invited to view the video many times and I chose to decline the invitations. I had no desire to experience the unpleasant sensations of pain and horror my colleagues had experienced. One of my colleagues remarked after she had viewed the video"It hurts me just to watch such a thing happen". After my shift at the hospital ended and I went home I pondered and meditated on the concepts of Suffering and Uncertainty. I meditated on what my role as a minister is when I am confronted with Pain and suffering in myself as well as others. As a Buddhist I know the Four Noble Truths and I know the best way for me to end suffering is by daily practice of Zen Meditation. During my mediations on the concept of suffering I became enlightened and aware of some Guidelines regarding Suffering: 1.     Acknowledge the Concept that pain and suffering  can exist in your individual Soul 2.     Accept the Concept that One can obtain the Wisdom to neutralize, alleviate and eliminate pain and suffering that exists in One's soul 3.     Acknowledge the Concept that pain and suffering can exist in the Souls of other beings 4.     Accept the Concept that One can provide guidelines for another Being to neutralize, alleviate and eliminate the pain and suffering that exists in their own Souls 5.      Acknowledge the concept that as an individual, One can choose to neutralize, alleviate and eliminate pain and suffering that exists in One's Soul 6.     Accept the concept that One can choose Not to neutralize , alleviate or eliminate the pain and suffering that exists in One's Soul 7.     Acknowledge the concept that One can perceive pain and suffering in another Soul 8.     Accept the Concept that choosing or not choosing to experience suffering and pain is a personal choice that is determined by the individual   Experiencing unpleasant sensations i.e. Suffering is the condition by which experiencing pleasant sensations is made possible. If One has not experienced Fear how can One know the feeling of Courage. If One has not experienced Sorrow how can One know the feeling of Joy. If one has not experienced Tribulation how can One know the feeling of Triumph. If one has not experienced being unloved and unvalued how can One know the feelings of being Loved and Cherished. J   Respectfully submitted by Rev. Susan K. Bowers

Lesson 14 ~ Spiritual Leadership ~ Unit Three ~ Job, Career and Calling Part 2 ~ Essay

Lesson 14 ~ Spiritual Leadership ~ Unit Three ~ Job, Career and Calling Part 2 ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

 

I believe everyone's journey is comprised of many stories which I refer to as tributaries, as associated with a river system.  Some of these tributaries follow a smooth pathway and produce a balance of good and bad karma.  After evaluating your journey to your sacred space or place you tend to acknowledge these tributaries.  The one's with dangerous rapids or currents most people tend to stay away from only to attempt to make their journey more smooth.  I also believe you need to have a few rough spots along the journey towards your sacred place in your career to keep you grounded allowing you to reassure yourself you are capable of handling His "tests".  Once your sacred space has been obtained, I believe you will find yourself in a more accepting place, your journey will be more at ease and you will be better able to help/guide other along their pathways. 

 

In the grand scheme of things one tries to accomplish everything he has personally set forth in his/her personal practice.  However, there are times when this is just not possible.  In my own life when this happens I get that unwanted feeling of personal defeat.  On the other hand, when a personal creative date is achieved, there is a feeling of pride and definite accomplishment.  I believe my ministry is and will always be a calling.  I have never looked at it as a "job".  To me the term "job" denotes something mundane or repetitive.  Working with people, in my opinion, has never been mundane.  There are some careers that are just that way, every day brings something new and challenging.  I believe I have already shifted my way into the "calling" mode.  In this mode you tend to go where you are needed and simplify yourself worth focusing directly on the message of the Lord.  However, remembering, as ministers our greatest asset is that of listening to our clients and being sure we totally understand what it is that may have them bewildered.  Through doing this, then we can truly help them move on with their intended life's journey.  GO IN PEACE

Lesson 12 ~ Christian Ethics ~ Duties to Self and Society Part 2 ~ Essay

Lesson 12 ~ Christian Ethics ~ Duties to Self and Society Part 2 ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

LESSONS XI and XII Test 6

Please briefly translate caritas and cupitas. caritas (man's love of God) from cupiditas (the love of the world)

Please briefly describe Knudson's view on the disjunction of agape and eros in general as a false abstraction.  Albert C. Knudson, on the other hand, not only defends the position of Augustine as to man's duty to seek after God, but views the disjunction of agape and eros in general as a false abstraction.  To reject the eros idea, to exclude self-love and duties to self as non-Christian, and to limit Christian love to an "unmotivated" love to others is to create an abstract Christian ethic and to fall into a sentimental immoralism. . .The Christian ideal is self-realization through self-sacrifice.  Where in the New Testament can we find the following verse?: "…to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."  Ephesians 4:15

To the Christian, who is the ultimate source of strength? God is the ultimate source of strength, as his will is the final standard of what is good.

Within the immediacy of interpersonal relations lies man's greatest capacity for self-giving love and his worst temptations to self-love. (T/F?)  True

Where in the New Testament can we find the following verse?: "Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall."  1 Corinthians 10:12

Please state four (4) things that moral dullness may be the result of.  The unconscious hurts one gives one's wife or husband or child or the large-scale complacency before the evils of the world that makes an "immoral society" out of "moral men." It is willingness to enjoy advantages in one's own situation with indifference to "my neighbor" in the broader context that both necessitates and imposes barriers to Christian social action. This moral dullness, insofar as it is preventable, is sin.

Where can we find the following New Testament verse?: "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."  Romans 12:2

Please state three (3) types of Christian actions open to us in challenging and changing the gigantic structure of social evil and social sin that infests our world. The first of these is generally termed social service. It consists of such matters as the relief of hunger and want, and the support of hospitals, homes, settlement houses, recreation centers, medical research foundations, and many other forms of "social welfare" and "charitable institutions".  A second type of duty to society is social education. It was noted above that in most evil situations, there is a mixture of willful sin with ignorance, provincialism, and narrowness of outlook, the blindness induced by the pull of the past through entrenched emotional attitudes, and in general a very complex set of social forces that thwart change under cover of identifying the will of God with things as they are.  The third form of social action is political and economic. It is here that the knottiest problems lie, for such action requires not only the peaceful casting of a vote on election day or the decision to buy or sell certain goods, but the exercise by our representatives if not by ourselves of coercive force

Please fill in the blank: Love  is relevant to every human situation;…

Go In Peace

 

 

Lesson 12 ~ Comparative Religion ~ Religious Ceremony, Sacraments, Liturgy and Rituals ~ Essay

Lesson 12 ~ Comparative Religion ~ Religious Ceremony, Sacraments, Liturgy and Rituals ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

 

Much of religion is based on ritual and symbol. What are some of your religion's most important rituals?  Baptism and Communion

Do they use liturgy? There is a common misconception that there are "liturgical" and "non-liturgical" churches. All churches, however, are "liturgical." The distinction actually exists in the manner of how that liturgy is expressed. Liturgy comes from the greek term leitourgia means the "work of the people." Or in an ecclesial sense, it means the "public worship" of God. The work of the people is the particular structure the assembled people of God use to worship Him. When we think about liturgy, we are addressing the principles by which we order our worship.

A primary consideration for the worship of God is that worship is participatory. We can easily fall into the mindset of an entertainment culture. We show up at an auditorium shaped room and so conclude that we are here to passively receive entertainment. This is wrong. Worship is a re-enactment of the story of Scripture and we are the actors, all of us. The audience is composed of one person, God. The whole community participates in worship. Every element of the worship service is corporate in nature. Even the reading of Scripture and the Sermon involve the people in actively hearing the Word and responding to it. Liturgy means we offer our worship together and everyone is involved. Passivity in worship leads to dead ritual, regardless of the form.

What are some of your religion's most important symbols? The basic symbols in the seal are the cross, Scripture, the dove, and flames. The dominant structural and theological element in the design is the cross -- the universal and most ecumenical symbol of the Christian church. The cross represents the incarnate love of God in Jesus Christ, and his passion and resurrection. Because of its association with Presbyterian history, the Celtic cross was chosen as a model for this contemporary rendering of the ancient symbol. 

Are some of these symbols ritual objects? The two most important rites in Reformed churches are the two sacraments: baptism and the Lord's Supper. The most contentious theological issues in Protestantism have centered on these sacraments, which have divided not only Protestants from Catholics, but Lutherans from Reformed.  A sacrament is an action in which God's grace is especially present. 

What does your religion consecrate?  Consecration is the solemn dedication to a special purpose or service, usually religious. The word " consecration" literally means "to associate with the sacred ".  The Presbyterian church consecrates the Eucharist, bread and wine served as Holy Communion. 

What does it consider a sacrament? The bread and wine literally are Jesus. This is the doctrine of "real presence." This is considered the Presbyterian sacrament either in the church setting or visitation at home or hospital.   Go In Peace

 

 

Spiritualism Lesson #2 and Lesson # 3

Subject – History of Western Thought, Part 1, Lesson 2, Part 2 , Lesson 3 I considered the discoveries in science that were presented and how they relate to my own religious beliefs I believe that life has the potential to be filled with suffering. From my religious perspective, suffering is caused by clinging to things material, spiritual or sensual.  Suffering can be caused by having unrealistic expectations of the self or others. One can transcend suffering and achieve harmony within the soul if one is willing to let go of thoughts, actions and material objects that do not bring joy and balance to the Spirit. One can make the choice to see things as they really are and utilize various spiritual efforts and actions such as meditation, prayer, singing and writing to obtain right understanding, right thought, right mindfulness and right livelihood. One can, with the daily right concentration, right mindfulness and right effort continue this journey called life. One can continue to enlighten and find their right livelihood and bliss Wise men and Wise women throughout history have pursued explanations of phenomena with methodological study and conscientious devotion. Marie Curie was one such wise woman. She won two Nobel Prizes in the early 20th century, one in Physics and one in Chemistry. She was truly an amazing scientist. On page 1221 of the American Heritage College Dictionary "science" is defined as a methodological activity, discipline or study. On page 1153 of the American Heritage College Dictionary "religion" is defined as a cause or principle or an activity pursued with zeal and conscientious devotion. Science can be viewed as a religion because it is an activity that is pursued with zeal and conscientious devotion. Science searches for measurable knowledge that can be determined through taste, touch, smell, hearing or seeing. However, so far in human history science has not been able to measure that fundamental life force known as Spirit. I spent the afternoon pondering the meaning of various words such as emotion, energy, consciousness, soul and spirit. I finally concluded that it is up to each individual to determine the Paths they wish to travel. Science can be perceived as a religion and Religion can be perceived as a science. Both require observation and experimental investigation. Respectfully submitted by Rev. Susan K. Bowers

Lesson 12 ~ Spiritual Leadership ~ Unit 2 All You Need Is Love Part 4 ~ Essay

Lesson 12 ~ Spiritual Leadership ~ Unit 2 All You Need Is Love Part 4 ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

 

How do I get hope?

I believe when a person resorts to asking this question of himself or actually looking for/or crying out for help from another, the person has concluded that this form of living is not what God has had planned for him.  God has given each and every one of us our own unique life's plan and this road you are following is not it.  How does one get hope?  I believe he has to reach out to someone he trusts and will listen to.  Then his God will guide him and give him the strength to get himself out of the downward spiral.  I do not believe God will give him the hope, but he will certainly guide him and the true effort has to be on the person seeking "hope".   I feel "hope" comes in all forms, some readily visible and some has to be hunted or dug for in life.  Remembering, not to get false hope mixed up with looking for guidance and true hope form Him.  Children and adults may say "God just do this one thing for me and I'll never ask for anything else", well you and I both know this selfish request probably will never come true, He doesn't work like that.  –or- I "hope" I can get this car, God please let this happen, most likely it won't.  I believe He gives us the tools to work with which may include the second chakra which is located about two fingers below your bellybutton and the third chakra which is the energy center of your body.  Listen to these inner voices, they can be very helpful and a blessing in all aspects of life.  GO IN PEACE

Lesson 11 ~ Comparative Religion ~ Suffering and Death ~ Essay

Lesson 11 ~ Comparative Religion ~ Suffering and Death ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

 

What are your beliefs about "sin"? How do your beliefs connect to or differ from those of your religious background?  I suppose most of us believe what was taught to us during our formative years about "sin".  I believe "sin" did start with the original sinning by Adam and Eve when Adam was tempted by Eve to eat the forbidden fruit.  From this sin I believe was born the penance of suffering in order to atone for the sin/any sin.  Which sin can, in my opinion, be one on one or a mass punishment such as the Bible depicts in many instances where individuals or the multitudes.  When I evaluate my personal beliefs regarding "sin" vs. what the church teaches, they are consistently parallel to each other.  However, I do not discount others view regarding this topic nor do I attempt to pursued them to my view.   

What do you believe happens when a person dies? Why? Again, this is a very personal matter to most people.  My personal beliefs are that when we die many things happen, once the physical vessel ceases to function I believe it is necessary for the soul to be allowed to leave the body as soon as possible.  It is then necessary to open a door to the room or open a window to allow a smooth transition from this place world to the heavens.  There are some that believe once the physical vessel ceases to function that is it, there is no further activity for the soul to perform.  Which brings up the topic of "Life after Death".  This is not to say there is no "life after death" or there is. Again this is a personal thing between the person and his/her belief system, which has a great impact on the way they were brought up.
Do you feel any of the belief systems discussed satisfactorily answer the basic questions of:

"Why do bad things happen?  
What can I do to mitigate circumstances so that I don't suffer?
What happens after death?"

I personally do not feel they satisfactorily answer these few but very important questions.  Because, they appear to me to be very personal to each individual and not necessarily the masses.  I feel "bad" things may happen to remind us there is a higher power and we need to continue to put our trust in that higher power.  I feel the "suffering" comes when we fail to "keep our faith" in check.  I feel we need to continue to believe in our higher powers, whatever they may be and this may diminish the feeling of suffering.  However, we must remember suffering can be penance for "sins" and we must/should atone for them prior to our deaths by absolution and/or confession.  As for the original question:  There appear to be, in my opinion, parts that cover different aspects of "why do bad things happen" in each of the belief systems, however not entirely.  I believe death is rather simple in terms of what happens: when the physical vessel terminates to function the soul or conscious being departs and goes into limbo, then when it is acceptable to the higher powers of the person the soul proceeds to the heavens or where ever the soul is said to rest permanently according to their teachings.  In the case of a violent death the soul remains in limbo until the higher power accepts it and can "rest in peace".  There are some in my own family that believe there is nothing after death, when the body ceases to function that is it.  I guess we all have our own perception of sin, atonement and death.  GO IN PEACE