I had an "Epiphany" of sorts last night. It came while reading a new book called, "Living A Course in Miracles" by Jon Mundy, PhD. One of the quotes in his book is from lesson 189 in A Course in Miracles:
"Simply do this: Be still, and lay aside all thoughts of what you are and what God is; all concepts you have learned about the world; all images you hold about yourself. Empty your mind of everything it thinks is either true or false, or good or bad, of every thought it judges worthy, and all the ideas of which it is ashamed. Hold on to nothing. Do not bring with you one thought the past has taught, nor one belief you ever learned before from anything. Forget this world, forget this course, and come with wholly empty hands unto your God."
He also goes on to explain simple concepts about the tenets of the Bible that I have had misinterpreted along the way. Beliefs and ideas handed down to me by people lost in fear and ideology. Forcing them upon me like a unwanted guest. It's either this or that. Black and White. Heaven and Hell. My way or the highway mentality.
I love that I no longer believe you.
I love that I can have a Loving relationship with God. Without your interference. Without your anger and wrath. Or you unwanted judgement. Awesome.
I love that you believe what you believe. I love that Jesus died for your sins. I love that you can cry until the end of time for me and the world. I love that only "you" will be in Heaven with him "some day". I love that your "path" is narrow and only your feet are upon it. I love that I can say that to you with no anger or resentment. I love that.
I also love that I can change my perception about what certain words in the Bible mean for me. The word "sin" has been thrown at me since I was a baby. I was raised to believe that "sin" covered me like a wet blanket and nothing I could do or say would change that. This ideology has served the church and the ego for decades and I unknowingly believed it.
My perception changed when I read this last night:
"Sin is the belief in separation or "the idea of evil". It is lack of love. When we read the word sin in the Course, we can use the word separation. When we read separation, we can use the word sin. Sin is the belief that it is possible to do something against God. Traditional Christianity has always been against sin. Sin means taking the ego seriously. Sin is precious to the ego, so much so that the ego seeks out sin to provide testimony to its reality. The word sin (hamartia) as Jesus uses it in the New Testament, means "missing the mark" or "missing the point." Being centered means being focused. Being egocentric, we place our focus on who we think we are rather than who we are in truth."
"Sin is a strictly individual perception, seen in the other yet believed by each to be with himself" T-22 IN 1:4
It simply has never dawned on me that I could be innocent in the eyes of my Loving God. I should have taken clues from the people who have said otherwise. Their words and actions never felt like "love" to me. It seemed angry and vengeful. Like their angry God.
God bless them.
They simply know no better. Or have an experience that would change their perception of the Bible, World and God. I am not saying I am "right". I am simply saying this is true for me. I am not asking you to "believe" me either.
Jesus loves you this I know. For the Bible tells you so.
I believe that as well.
How beautiful Carl. Your own beliefs in your own interpretation. Very inspiring.
Posted by: Leah | February 08, 2012 at 12:52 AM