My Faith; My religion; My race; My, my, my ....

by Mujyo Williams

How to start discussion. Contructive critism? When in spiritual matters do we consider critism constructive. A poison out there in many traditions (new and old) that I see is the idea of 'MINE', i.e my Faith, my religion, my race, my... and deeply concerning to me is the confusion of race and religion in the backdrop of identity - National and personal. As an example of this many people identify my temple as Japanese and Asian just because they assume so, and Asians are often dismissive of the 'White' temple when they find out that there are non-Asians in the temple and the head monk is so too. How do we tackle the temples, churches, etc. which promote this? It seems all too ignored for me, wishing to play happy families while division festers.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ginny Findlow on May 29, 2012 at 4:05am

Yes, we all have a conscience.  Even criminals have a conscience [unless they are sociopaths or psychopaths] But you and i & all the folk who 'walk in love' and 'live by grace' [was that your phrase?] well - those people have a greatly 'enhanced' sense of god within.  That's what we call the Spirit [or holy spirit]

When people 'grow' its the good spirit that grows in them - educates them spiritually.

If you look at the start of that chapter [Eph.4]  verses 2-6 it talks about the spirit that is "In all" - its a good description of an interfaith church : one god, One spirit in everybody [which is what makes Unity].   Like you say - if everyone comes with his BYO God inside him, then there has got to be unity/peace.

Everywhere it says 'spirit' that is what you mean by 'the god within,'  i think [?]

 

look - I need to have my tea. Can we have a pause for a day or two?.  We could go on for ever!

Peace be with you!

G

Permalink Reply by Peter Brabyn on May 29, 2012 at 5:05am

Thanks for that Robyn, it makes the Holy Spirit so much more understandable for me.

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