Potholes

 While exploring other religions there is a possibility of hitting a pothole. You may realize your own religion is bringing you into a stale personal relationship with your inner being. This is not good, Luke 17:22 Jesus said' the kingdom of God is within you'.  This almost sounds like something the buddha would say , in fact many of the sayings of Jesus are found in other religions. Wisdom of the ages can be found in all religions , including christianity.

Consider the universal principal of the Golden Rule;
Buddha: Consider others as yourself
Jesus: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  Love thy neighbor as thyself.
Mohammed:  Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you.  That which you want for yourself, seek for mankind.
The Talmud:  What is hurtful to yourself do not to your fellow man.  That is the whole of the Torah and the remainder is but commentary.
Egyptian Late Period Papyrus:  That which you hate to be done to you, do not do to another.
Epicurus: Neither harm nor be harmed.
Confucius: Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself.

And what about Love your enemy it also appears in every religion as a universal principle.

We find there are many of these universal truths that are at the top of everyones list.

So why are people changing churches and some even switching religions?

Because  they can.... Freedom of religion allows us to be whoever we want in this country, we are not forced into a state religion. To me this is a good thing , it keeps everyone on their toes. You cannot get away with indifference or prejudice as in the past. People are realizing there are other choices and becoming braver to make that change.

Honestly I feel at home in a catholic church or a lutheran church. In a baptist or a methodist church or independent church. Do not involve myself in the dogma and reach out spiritually. It to me is a matter of choice but you should not ever act indifferent toward another christian. It seems this spirit of indifference is driving some to other religions, a pothole. 

In spirituality we search for wisdom. to me that is God's will - to obtain wisdom. There are many that leave other religions because of the same reason- indifference. Indifference is to me like a pothole , it means you do not love your neighbor , or your enemy and rather show them indifference. You may not even love the members of another church with the same lettering. I have seen this a lot. 

We need to hold onto all universal truths first , and then settle your dogma or minor disputes outside. It is important that we realize that we are all created in the image of the divine regardless of beliefs. We are all different in faith and character but of the same creator. If you do not believe in a creator , we are of the same fabric. 

To some science and philosophy is enough , some like to have both science and spirituality. I personally am this way. My mind and I get along very well. The most important thing is to be content with your own mind before you can help others. Getting along in this life is important, avoid potholes , if you are content in your beliefs , build upon them. I built this house with Jesus as the cornerstone, and somewhere in that foundation is my own mind. We find it is very much like building a house.

Peace.

Earl.