We cannot do what we want.

I was struck by the fact that one Minister would vehemently contradict another in a service. It was only after reflecting on the talk that it became clear to me the vehemence was justified. There is a common misconception that Unitarians can believe whatever they wish and that ‘anything goes’. This is due to the acceptance that Unitarians have that there is Truth and wisdome to be found in all spiritual paths. There is indeed great truths in all the major religions. From all the great religions Unitarians take the wisdom and Truths found in their scripture and their teachings. However the Minister pointed out that unless the teachings and the path taken are in harmony with the Unitarian seven principles then they cannot be followed and are not Unitarian valid so to speak. The principles are:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our
congregations;
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our
congregations and in society at large;
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

The point is that fundamentalists who proport to follow one of the great religions cannot be called Christian or Jew or Muslim or whatever because they violate the tenets of their own faith. Neither can they be considered Unitarian bcause they do not meet any of the priciples Unitarians try to live by. Unitarian cannot “do whatever they want,” but they can follow any path they wish providing they attempt to adhere to the seven principles.

Meditation

During a recient meditation the leader stated that we often have many thoughts few of which are actually deep and that the same is true of emotions. It is not that other’s are smarter or brighter than us because the ability to have real depth of thoughts and feelings is what makes us human. I know what he means sort of. The committee is always rehearsing or rehashing what to do or what has been done. And the full brain supresses the awareness of feelings, which are a body not a head thing. By stilling the mind we can eventually achieve a real deep feeling. Eventually we even get below the feelings to an awareness of life that is impossible to describe but whish is filled with real joy. I have been lucky to have reached that once. It is what keeps me trying to meditate. I would like to know why it is easier to meditate with others than alone however. Maybe one day I will find that out.

New Age

Recently at a spiritual cinema we watched a film from one of the new age gurus. The film was ok and the message was that we do not need the same spiritual directions in later years as we do in our youth. No argument there. One person who I respect as a spiritual leader has problems with the “New Age” books, lectures, films etc. After the after film chat I thought about what he had to say trying to make what was said easier to understand and assimilate it. Essentially the problem with the new age stuff is it simplifies the complex too much. While there is truth at the core of the arguments the main flaw is that it tends to be formulistic. If you do this then you will be happy. While the various things the movement says you should do will make you happier, there is still the chaos that life can give you. One film I found sufficiently annoying to actually comment on much to the dismay of some of the films supporters said, if we eat healthy we will be healthy. Removing the toxins from our food would help us live longer more fulfilled lives. I agree removing toxins from the food we eat is important. I also think eating better reduces illness. Now there are diseases that are inherited, and eating well will not prevent them. Some diseases are more a result of the overall environment than what we eat. Does that mean the ill person did not eat well and should be blamed for the disease they ‘caught’. Some types of flu strike people who are very health conscious and who make a point of living well, eating wholesome foods, and exercise regularly. It is as if this disease targets the very people who are working hard to be healthy. The problem with the generalization of and formalistic approach of the new age is that life is chaotic, and bad stuff happens to good people without them looking for trouble. The formula of just do this and all will be well is nonsensical. The underlying truth in the New Age movement should not be ignored, but then neither should life.