Blog / About / Unity / Soul / Truth / Happiness / GodRebels / Action / Connect /
World Transformation Slideshare / Facebook Page
World Transformation Slideshare / Facebook Page
Rebel's Healing --
Coercion, Shame & Spirit's Invitation
The church-y penchant for telling people what they should or must do is supported by an often overblown idea of sin and shame as used to reinforce coercion. Every book of soul, from the Prophets forward has always said that we are made for happiness and Shame and finger - pointing rob the soul of human dignity. Coercion says we must be forced by ouside forces, that we may live a life of virtue. In the past that may have been a need of life, but today we are wiser and evolved. Newer ways now honor this.
Knowing Who We Are
Our own virtue makes us happy! As much as our animal nature or the "dark side", our virtue is also part of who we are. Acting in virtue helps our self esteem. Making others happy makes us happy. Spirit call us to virtue for our happiness, and call us to happiness too, this is so as told by all the Prophets, although many of the teachings have been misunderstood or twisted.
Coercion, Shame & Spirit's Invitation
The church-y penchant for telling people what they should or must do is supported by an often overblown idea of sin and shame as used to reinforce coercion. Every book of soul, from the Prophets forward has always said that we are made for happiness and Shame and finger - pointing rob the soul of human dignity. Coercion says we must be forced by ouside forces, that we may live a life of virtue. In the past that may have been a need of life, but today we are wiser and evolved. Newer ways now honor this.
Knowing Who We Are
Our own virtue makes us happy! As much as our animal nature or the "dark side", our virtue is also part of who we are. Acting in virtue helps our self esteem. Making others happy makes us happy. Spirit call us to virtue for our happiness, and call us to happiness too, this is so as told by all the Prophets, although many of the teachings have been misunderstood or twisted.
Virtue-- by Invitation, Not Coercion
Spirit calls us to virtue for our own good and because its what we need to make a happy world. And She does it oh so kindly.
Coercion-- is not Spirit's way
"Coercion...is not God's way..." --Baha'i
This sentiment is found expressed in many scriptures and writings of the Prophets. It was different back in Moses' time When the people were more ignorant, backward and undeveloped they often needed a sterner taskmaster. But always it was done with kindly invitation as much as possible. From the time of Christ at least, the teachings grew to be more blatantly of love.
Moses taught: "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth."
Christ's teachings were to "Love thy neighbor as Thyself."
The Great Spirit, wanting for our happiness and the advancement of a healthy, loving world, is always inviting us to join Her in ways of virtue. My experience with this is that God does not force its way with us, but rather honors our free choice. Should we choose the "sinful", selfish way, even if it hurts us, we are free to go there. (As I surely have, enough-- Its human!) Spirit cannot save the one who will not choose the saving. Rather, Spirit gives free will that we may learn it well, and learn to choose the better way.
Hell, Indeed! An inside Job
“…remoteness… is naught but utter nothingness, and the essence of the nethermost fire…” This scripture from Baha'i speaks of a sort of hell on earth as "remoteness" from God, which happens when we choose to veer away from Spirit's path.
“…remoteness… is naught but utter nothingness, and the essence of the nethermost fire…” This scripture from Baha'i speaks of a sort of hell on earth as "remoteness" from God, which happens when we choose to veer away from Spirit's path.
A better world ahead...
can begin within our hearts with seeing who we truly are. Living in the honoring of goodly virtues and the needs of soul brings us peace and helps create a loving world, upraising spirit and its values. Such a world becomes a home of trust and trustworthiness, heavenly and heaven-sent.
A new creation, a new humanity, can begin inside each one of us. All of us can be a part of that creation, the making of this world into a paradise.
A new creation, a new humanity, can begin inside each one of us. All of us can be a part of that creation, the making of this world into a paradise.
Happiness is love, happiness is loving virtue and making others happy!