Blind Faith vs. The Gift of Faith
Posted on Dec 23rd, 2005
by 
~Matthew
~Matthew
Hi Everyone,
I made the decision to blog here in a slightly different way than how I blog at blogspot. My blogspot column has thus far featured my humorous side. I would like to include that side of myself here, as well, but I'm also going to focus more heavily on some of my personal thoughts about spiritual and other things. I welcome your comments and participation in this conversation.
Today's blog is titled "Blind Faith vs. The Gift of Faith" because I am feeling moved to share my opinion on this subject. My wife works at a Natural Foods Co-op in Pittsburgh, and on Saturday, Dec. 17, her work threw a huge party for all the workers and the community. The food was delicious and all vegetarian and vegan... very fun! Using my judgment, I'd say that about 85% of the people who attended (out of more than 150 total) view the world through post-modern, communitarian, level 6, green eyes (for more on the color codes I am using, please see Ken Wilber's Introduction to Volume 7 of his Collected Works or Don Beck's "What is Spiral Dynamics Integral?") The other 15% would probably be some combination of higher and lower levels (note, I am not saying better or worse). I was sitting at a table that included a civil rights lawyer and an inter-racial couple--a white male and black female (the other inter-racial couple, that is; my wife is Japanese and my ancestors come from Caucasia). So, I was making conversation with these folks and having a rather enjoyable, relaxed time.
Then, at one point, the female from the couple got up to get a drink, and her spouse (the white dude, age: 41) asked my wife and me what religion we belong to and if we've been saved. I said that Ayako and I don't really belong to a specific religion, that we practice Hindu and Buddhist types of meditation on a daily basis, and that we believe there are many paths to the same Source, and that we're not "born-again" Christians, if that is what he was wondering, at least not in the way he would accept. He said, "Oh, but you know there's really only one way to get into heaven..." I interrupted with, "I understand where you're coming from, but I interpret the phrase you're about to throw at me a little differently." He said, "Jesus was very clear about this; there's really only one way to interpret what he said. The literal meaning is what he meant." I replied with, "I respect your belief, but my wife and I don't believe the same way." He responded with, "I'm sorry to hear that. I'll keep you in my prayers."
I was a little taken aback by this conversation. I wasn't expecting to run into a fundamentalist, blue, level 4 B-A Christian at the Co-op party. Luckily, I was also a little drunk and relaxed enough to be very respectful and patient at the same time. I know that this man is trying to save the world, and he's doing his best to be nice. That's fine; I just wasn't expecting him to be at a party that largely featured the worldview of pluralistic relativism. Nor did I expect him to be married to someone of a different ethnicity. So, kudos to this man who challenged my biases and expectations! But why would someone believe that the only way to go to heaven (assuming there is a place called heaven that can be gone to) is by accepting a dogmatic doctrine?
I made the decision to blog here in a slightly different way than how I blog at blogspot. My blogspot column has thus far featured my humorous side. I would like to include that side of myself here, as well, but I'm also going to focus more heavily on some of my personal thoughts about spiritual and other things. I welcome your comments and participation in this conversation.
Today's blog is titled "Blind Faith vs. The Gift of Faith" because I am feeling moved to share my opinion on this subject. My wife works at a Natural Foods Co-op in Pittsburgh, and on Saturday, Dec. 17, her work threw a huge party for all the workers and the community. The food was delicious and all vegetarian and vegan... very fun! Using my judgment, I'd say that about 85% of the people who attended (out of more than 150 total) view the world through post-modern, communitarian, level 6, green eyes (for more on the color codes I am using, please see Ken Wilber's Introduction to Volume 7 of his Collected Works or Don Beck's "What is Spiral Dynamics Integral?") The other 15% would probably be some combination of higher and lower levels (note, I am not saying better or worse). I was sitting at a table that included a civil rights lawyer and an inter-racial couple--a white male and black female (the other inter-racial couple, that is; my wife is Japanese and my ancestors come from Caucasia). So, I was making conversation with these folks and having a rather enjoyable, relaxed time.
Then, at one point, the female from the couple got up to get a drink, and her spouse (the white dude, age: 41) asked my wife and me what religion we belong to and if we've been saved. I said that Ayako and I don't really belong to a specific religion, that we practice Hindu and Buddhist types of meditation on a daily basis, and that we believe there are many paths to the same Source, and that we're not "born-again" Christians, if that is what he was wondering, at least not in the way he would accept. He said, "Oh, but you know there's really only one way to get into heaven..." I interrupted with, "I understand where you're coming from, but I interpret the phrase you're about to throw at me a little differently." He said, "Jesus was very clear about this; there's really only one way to interpret what he said. The literal meaning is what he meant." I replied with, "I respect your belief, but my wife and I don't believe the same way." He responded with, "I'm sorry to hear that. I'll keep you in my prayers."
I was a little taken aback by this conversation. I wasn't expecting to run into a fundamentalist, blue, level 4 B-A Christian at the Co-op party. Luckily, I was also a little drunk and relaxed enough to be very respectful and patient at the same time. I know that this man is trying to save the world, and he's doing his best to be nice. That's fine; I just wasn't expecting him to be at a party that largely featured the worldview of pluralistic relativism. Nor did I expect him to be married to someone of a different ethnicity. So, kudos to this man who challenged my biases and expectations! But why would someone believe that the only way to go to heaven (assuming there is a place called heaven that can be gone to) is by accepting a dogmatic doctrine?
My answer is in the title of this blog: Blind faith. What is blind faith, and how does it differ from the gift of Faith? I will define blind faith as a fear-based belief and the gift of Faith as a Love-based aspiration.
Blind Faith: Fear is blinding. It stunts growth. I'm told by "leaders" of some Christian denominations that if I don't accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior, then I will go to a place called Hell. Ok, but where is this place, and what does that mean? Well, Hell is in the downward direction, and what happens when you get there is excruciating. You burn. But the worst part about this is that there is no relent. You don't get to end the torture by dying. You're already dead! You will be tormented by fire for NOT an hour or two, but FOREVER!!! Ouch. Then you will wish you would have listened to those "leaders" who warned you about such things, won't you? Of course, by then it will be too late. Sorry, sucker, you had your chance! Of course, if you DO listen and become a B-A Christian, not only will you NOT have to become Satan's roasted marshmallow, but you will be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams for your "faith." Sounds to me like religious behaviorism. And let me add that faith based on avoiding fear or attaining reward is not the same as the gift of Faith, or Faith. If you believe a certain way because you want to avoid pain, then you are afraid. You fear pain. Maybe you can handle a little diarrhea every now and then, but you don't want to burn in hell for infinity years. This type of belief keeps you going to a service you may or may not really enjoy. It keeps you donating to your church, even when you think that money might be of better use in the hands of those who feed the hungry or nurture the ill. It keeps you from truly Loving your children and instead trying to control them, to exhibit the kinds of behavior and believe the kinds of beliefs that are "acceptable." It stops you from exploring the richness of other religions and cultures because the desire to do so is the Devil's temptation. Fear is blinding. Fear stunts growth.
True Faith is an intuition that you were born with. It is the aspiration to recognize the higher Self that you truly are. Jesus said, "The only way to the Father is through me," not because he wanted you to accept him as your Lord and Savior, but because he had attained "Christ consciousness." He was NOT speaking literally but from the point of view where "Me" or "I-amness" is the universal suchness that I truly am. The level of Christ consciousness is the first level (as I understand it) where the ego is truly transcended. And since the ego lives in Samsara (or "Hell"), then attaining the level of Christ consciousness would save you from Hell, wouldn't it? In fact, you would seem to have to navigate through Christ consciousness in order to reach the Father (i.e. Godhead).
And if Jesus was truly enlightened (and I doubt many born-agains would argue against that assumption), then certainly he was NOT speaking literally when referring to "I" or "Me" or what "I am." For, the level of cognition that supports enlightenment comes much higher on the ladder than that of the literal. Indeed, Jesus is famous for speaking in parable. In case you were wondering, "parable" does not mean "literal." Why would he suddenly devolve at just that one point in his life?
Anyway, just some random thoughts. Had to get that off my chest. Talk to ya'll later!
Love,
~Matthew
Blind Faith: Fear is blinding. It stunts growth. I'm told by "leaders" of some Christian denominations that if I don't accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior, then I will go to a place called Hell. Ok, but where is this place, and what does that mean? Well, Hell is in the downward direction, and what happens when you get there is excruciating. You burn. But the worst part about this is that there is no relent. You don't get to end the torture by dying. You're already dead! You will be tormented by fire for NOT an hour or two, but FOREVER!!! Ouch. Then you will wish you would have listened to those "leaders" who warned you about such things, won't you? Of course, by then it will be too late. Sorry, sucker, you had your chance! Of course, if you DO listen and become a B-A Christian, not only will you NOT have to become Satan's roasted marshmallow, but you will be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams for your "faith." Sounds to me like religious behaviorism. And let me add that faith based on avoiding fear or attaining reward is not the same as the gift of Faith, or Faith. If you believe a certain way because you want to avoid pain, then you are afraid. You fear pain. Maybe you can handle a little diarrhea every now and then, but you don't want to burn in hell for infinity years. This type of belief keeps you going to a service you may or may not really enjoy. It keeps you donating to your church, even when you think that money might be of better use in the hands of those who feed the hungry or nurture the ill. It keeps you from truly Loving your children and instead trying to control them, to exhibit the kinds of behavior and believe the kinds of beliefs that are "acceptable." It stops you from exploring the richness of other religions and cultures because the desire to do so is the Devil's temptation. Fear is blinding. Fear stunts growth.
True Faith is an intuition that you were born with. It is the aspiration to recognize the higher Self that you truly are. Jesus said, "The only way to the Father is through me," not because he wanted you to accept him as your Lord and Savior, but because he had attained "Christ consciousness." He was NOT speaking literally but from the point of view where "Me" or "I-amness" is the universal suchness that I truly am. The level of Christ consciousness is the first level (as I understand it) where the ego is truly transcended. And since the ego lives in Samsara (or "Hell"), then attaining the level of Christ consciousness would save you from Hell, wouldn't it? In fact, you would seem to have to navigate through Christ consciousness in order to reach the Father (i.e. Godhead).
And if Jesus was truly enlightened (and I doubt many born-agains would argue against that assumption), then certainly he was NOT speaking literally when referring to "I" or "Me" or what "I am." For, the level of cognition that supports enlightenment comes much higher on the ladder than that of the literal. Indeed, Jesus is famous for speaking in parable. In case you were wondering, "parable" does not mean "literal." Why would he suddenly devolve at just that one point in his life?
Anyway, just some random thoughts. Had to get that off my chest. Talk to ya'll later!
Love,
~Matthew
Access: PublicTagged with: christianity, faith, god, humor, ken wilber, integral, Co-op, Alan Watts, fundamentalism, Sven, Oly
alan watts
July 2008
Briliant, Matthew. Well said!
-Satan’s roasted marshmallow
Thanks Brian. Now for a little spooky synchronicity. I sat down to read Myth and Religion by Alan Watts not two hours after I posted this blog, and he seems to take my position, albeit with a little more eloquence. But I’ll let him speak for himself below:
“The apostles did not quite get the point. They were awed by the miracles of Jesus, and they worshiped him as people worship gurus, and you know to what lengths that can go. So the Christians said, ‘Okay, okay, Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God. But let it stop right there! Nobody else!’…
“There is also a much more subtle Christianity of the theologians, the mystics, and the philosophers. It is not what gets preached from the pulpit, I grant you, by Billy Graham, and what I will call fundamentalist Catholics and Protestants. What would the real gospel be? The real good news is not simply that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God, but that he was a powerful Son of God who came to open everybody’s eyes to the fact that you too are a powerful son or daughter of God. This is perfectly plain if you go to the tenth chapter of John, verse thirty where Jesus says, ‘I and the Father are One.’ When he says that, there are some people around who are not intimate disciples, and they are horrified. They immediately pick up stones to stone him, and he says, ‘Many good works I have shown you from the Father, and for which of these do you stone me?’ And they say, ‘For a good work we stone you not, but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.’ And he replied, quoting the eighty-second Psalm, ‘Is it not written in your law, “I have said you are Gods?’ If God called those to whom He gave his word Gods–and you cannot deny the scriptures–how can you say I blaspheme because I say I am a son of God?’
“There is the whole thing in a nutshell. If you read the King James Bible–the version that descended with the angel–you will see that the words ‘Son of God,’ ‘the Son of God,’ ‘I am the Son of God,’ are in italics. Most people think the italics are for emphasis, but they are not. The italics indicate words interpolated by the translators, and you will not find that in the Greek. It says, ‘a son of God.’ So here it seems to me perfectly plain that Jesus has it in the back of his mind that this is not something peculiar to himself when he says, ‘I am the way. No man comes to the Father but by me.’ This ‘I am,’ this ‘me,’ is the divine in us, which in Hebrew would be called the Lord, Adonai.” pp. 48-51
Wow! I’m starting to like Alan Watts. I think I’ll read more.
~Matthew
WOW! That is genius, dood. Too cool.
As a guy who was raised Catholic and who is a student of early Christian history, it’s amazing to me how few people see the beauty of Jesus’ message of Oneness with God…
And, OMG. Tag that post, will ya! Add words like “christianity, God, fundamentalism,” etc. This is EXACLTY why I’m getting so giddy imagining all of us sharing all of our wisdom and then having this insanely cool collective pool o’ love to swim in.
Pardon my mini-rant, but Christiana and I were having dinner the other night and she was reading me something from a Green Remodeling book about the affects our decisions have on the environment…stuff that I should know but don’t…and, frankly, wouldn’t know if she didn’t tell me…Then I saw how cool it’s gonna be when she blogs that, tags it with “environment, remodeling, ecology,” etc. and makes that avaialable to me and everyone else…
Yes, I’m a complete dork, but I can barely imagine how cool it’s gonna be when we’re all doing that…
We think we should call it ”Boddhisatvic Blogging” (at least for the fluffy ones here :)
Namaste,
-bri
Ha ha! I like it! Or we could shorten it to Boddhi-bloggin’…
“Hey Sven, did ‘ya read dat dere Boddhi-blog I wrote?”
“Ah geez, no Oly. I didn’t have time, dontchyaknow. I been meditatin’ on ‘dis here log for da past two weeks.”
“Oh really? What’s dat word ‘meditatin’ mean?”
“It means you clear your head of toughts, Oly.”
“What if ya can’t find no toughts to clear, Sven?”
-a little Minnesotan humor
I look forward to reading more of your “boddhi-blogs.” I’m also enjoying listening to your Pythagorean pod-casts.
Yours,
~Matthew
hilrious.
ah geez. I love the idear of a “boddhi-blog” shortenin’.
:)
You guys just about summed up my comments on this “boddhi-blog”.
As I was reading, I was thinking of my reply, only to find exactly that in the paragraph re.
christ consciousness. I have thought that for a while now. I grew up catholic and always had a lot of trouble with the wording used in the bible. I do agree though. I think that there are many paths.
Some just seem more obscured to me.
Peace,
David
Ok, I confess. I was raised Catholic too. That makes it so for all three of us. Interesting how we all sort of have the same feeling.
Peace back at ya, Brother,
~Matthew
That’s my boy!!!!!! ; -)
We’ll probably be needing to visit our motherland someday soon too. Dad and your brothers and sister would probably love to come along to Caucasia, don’t you think?
P.S. You were raised “sort of ” Catholic —- a kind of “integral” Catholic which I always hoped didn’t feel too psychotic—I loved you all too much to let anyone disfigure your Original Face.
~Mama~
And a great job you did with it too, Ma!