Unitarian Universalists covenant together to affirm and promote acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth. The application of this principle is based on a vision of abundance not scarcity. It is based on an intention to share not compete for scarce resources including love and support. The primary action that makes this change in attitude possible from the ego to the spirit is forgiveness. We need to forgive ourselves for our selfish actions and intentions and forgive others. We say to ourselves as Jesus did as they were killing Him, Father forgive them for they know not what they do, and they don't. They have been so conditioned by the path of the ego, they don't know that there is a better way. That's where our Unitarian Universalist faith comes in - to describe and support enactment of a better way.
Remember the saying, "One for all, and all for one?" How about the bumper sticker which reads, "We're all in this thing called life together?"
Our egos want us to see ourselves as separate and having different interests from our brothers and sisters. The ego encourages us to see life as a competition for scarce resources and what our brothers and sisters have means there is less for us. We live in a hell of deprivation and fear.
Why not turn the whole game on its head and see our brothers and sisters not as our adversaries but our allies? How about if we decide that there is enough for everyone and helping each other and sharing is the best way to security mitigating our fears? This is heaven on earth when everybody loves everybody all the time.
All we have to do to enjoy the comforts of heaven is to decide our point of view: do we chose competition and deprivation or cooperation and abundance? The choice is simple.
When we revert to our egoistic thinking and behavior of every dog for himself we need to correct our thinking and behavior and forgive ourselves and others and try again. With patience and persistence we can get it right. Don' give up.
Monday, January 8, 2018
Suggested Spiritual practice # 8 - Listen to inspiring music
UUs see Jesus a differently from most Christians. UUs don't see Jesus as any more God than the rest of us. He is an older brother, enlightened, and a great teacher whose memory can help us immensely. His memory of His teachings, values, practices set a great example for the good life. His life was and is a light in the world.
Prophetic voices and events - Steve Almond's "Against football"
Does American football cause brain damage in its players? Yes. Concussions are common. It inflicts what medically is called "chronic traumatic encephalopothy( CTE).
There is big money in it for players and NFL team owners, advertisers, gambling promoters, etc.
Is this a moral activity? Is it the modern form of gladiatorial combat from the Roman days. Is this our modern form of "bread and circuses?"
Steve Almond and others are modern day prophets warning us of the dangers of this sport not only to the players but to the moral sensitivities of the audience who egg the players on and provide the incentives for them to engage in this destructive activity.
Do the benefits of football culture outweigh the costs?
There is big money in it for players and NFL team owners, advertisers, gambling promoters, etc.
Is this a moral activity? Is it the modern form of gladiatorial combat from the Roman days. Is this our modern form of "bread and circuses?"
Steve Almond and others are modern day prophets warning us of the dangers of this sport not only to the players but to the moral sensitivities of the audience who egg the players on and provide the incentives for them to engage in this destructive activity.
Do the benefits of football culture outweigh the costs?
Question of the day
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