January 14: Day 14

STEP TWO CONTINUED
 
Come to believe that The Divine has no religion, is greater than religion, and can heal us from our hurts.
 
Instruction: Determine your beliefs.
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We have considered that The Divine has no religion and is greater than religion. What about our beliefs about The Divine? How do we establish which religion has the best set of beliefs? Is there one set that is better than the others, or is there a set of beliefs that seems to incorporate all the others? Is there a way to simplify and unify the beliefs of all, or at least of some, of the religions we are familiar with? Once we decide upon a religious affiliation, are we then locked into the beliefs that they teach and claim to adhere to?

The Dalai Lama has said, “My Religion is simple; My Religion is kindness.”[1] If we were to ask Jesus, Buddha, or Muhammed what their religion was, I imagine they would give us a similar answer. In fact, the Christian Bible states: “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”[2] That seems so simple compared to all the rules and regulations that most religions try to enforce on their followers. Be kind. Take care of the widows and orphans, and, basically, behave yourself.

Each individual has free will choice, and we must decide what is important. Kindness seems to be a wonderful, all-encompassing definition of what religion should be. It includes the ideas of love, tenderness, respect, compassion, and taking care of those in need. Something else that needs to be included is our responsibility to take care of ourselves, too, and knowing when our personal needs come before those who might try to take advantage of our kindness. If we choose to be associated with a religion, determining our beliefs first before deciding upon a religion seems like a reasonable and responsible thing to do.

Today’s Assignment is to consider what your core beliefs are. Do they include kindness, love, generosity, and respect for others and yourself? Is there a group of people that your religion condemns? If so, how does that make you feel? What does your heart say?


[1] Young, Christopher (2012-04-12). Buddha Quotes - 365 Days of Inspirational Quotes and Sayings in Buddhism (Kindle Locations 803-804).  . Kindle Edition.

[2]https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A27&version=NASB