06-14-2008, 12:00 AM
Hi Bob,
Some really good observations and ideas here Bob.
"...it nearly drove me mad. The reason for this was that , perhaps against the original purpose of Holmes, this group practiced what is known as
'Prosperity Theology' . The idea that one can become aligned with God and receive riches and blessings. This hooked my desires and boosted
self-importance, to the point of total frustration and disappointment. I moved on..."
It seems to have been the way in my experience, also. When someone with some good ideas or some knowledge of Truths comes along people seem to become followers
instead of seeing this person was looking for truth, finding it and sharing how he arrived at it. Then, they should do the same, in my opinion. Instead they
set up rules to live by and ways to speak about what is real. If you follow them you're "In", if not you're "out."
Oh, and by the way they tend to put that person on a pedestal and place him between themselves and the Spirit as a barrier instead of seeing them as a seeker
as they are.
And the "prosperity" thing with churches and organisations is way out of hand, in my opinion.
Why is it when the truth that the world is here for our benefit and that the universe is sentient and helpful do prople's mind's always take that in
the direction of monetary profits?
This despite the warnings of not seeking treasures in earth where rust destroys them, or not storing your treasures in barns for future use, the difficulty of
the rich have to make it into that awareness called the "Kingdom of Heaven",etc.
On the contrary, we are advised to "Consider the ravens who neither sow nor reap yet God provides for them."
This to me is a philosophy is itself and a way to approach our walk through this world.
I liken it to Don Juan's "hunt for power" in his early books. To everyday purposefully go through life always looking for the evidence of Spirit
peeking out and revealing itself to us. This is laying up treasure in Heaven. This has a lasting purpose and makes this otherwise dull existence exciting.
This is to go through this life without worry of where our next meal will come from, but instead going with the flow.
Some really good observations and ideas here Bob.
"...it nearly drove me mad. The reason for this was that , perhaps against the original purpose of Holmes, this group practiced what is known as
'Prosperity Theology' . The idea that one can become aligned with God and receive riches and blessings. This hooked my desires and boosted
self-importance, to the point of total frustration and disappointment. I moved on..."
It seems to have been the way in my experience, also. When someone with some good ideas or some knowledge of Truths comes along people seem to become followers
instead of seeing this person was looking for truth, finding it and sharing how he arrived at it. Then, they should do the same, in my opinion. Instead they
set up rules to live by and ways to speak about what is real. If you follow them you're "In", if not you're "out."
Oh, and by the way they tend to put that person on a pedestal and place him between themselves and the Spirit as a barrier instead of seeing them as a seeker
as they are.
And the "prosperity" thing with churches and organisations is way out of hand, in my opinion.
Why is it when the truth that the world is here for our benefit and that the universe is sentient and helpful do prople's mind's always take that in
the direction of monetary profits?
This despite the warnings of not seeking treasures in earth where rust destroys them, or not storing your treasures in barns for future use, the difficulty of
the rich have to make it into that awareness called the "Kingdom of Heaven",etc.
On the contrary, we are advised to "Consider the ravens who neither sow nor reap yet God provides for them."
This to me is a philosophy is itself and a way to approach our walk through this world.
I liken it to Don Juan's "hunt for power" in his early books. To everyday purposefully go through life always looking for the evidence of Spirit
peeking out and revealing itself to us. This is laying up treasure in Heaven. This has a lasting purpose and makes this otherwise dull existence exciting.
This is to go through this life without worry of where our next meal will come from, but instead going with the flow.