GOD THE WORD

Some readers may wonder why I talk about spiritual matters, but rarely, use the word god or God. The explanation is simple. I have no idea what the reader sees when he/she reads the word God.

The institution of religion has spoiled the word for many people. They were confronted with a god of tyranny, a god of judgement, a god of revenge, a fickle god who could not be trusted. I know somewhere in the institution there are many who believe in a god of love, but it is hardly reflected by the institution.

I grew up in a Catholic family. They were liberal in their thinking and, for the most part, they did not reflect these negative aspects of the belief in god. I know that some members of my family were able to embrace a God of Love and overlook the craziness of the institution. I wasn't.

It was without any regret that I through off religion, like a bad dream, when I was about fourteen. It was a great relief. As a young intellectual, I found plenty of folks who shared my agnostic views. It seemed like most of us growing up in the fifties and early sixties rejected the idea of organized religion and doubted the existence of a god. It seemed to be a natural function of growing. Some of the people I knew, returned to their religion, perhaps out of a need to be part of the herd; but some, I am sure, found a renewed faith.

I was always a searcher. I explored the philosophies and religions of the world, looking for what ringed of truth. They always reminded me to look inside. I didn't know what that meant then and I am still learning now.

When I was about forty, I intensified my search for the meaning of life. It was an uneven search, but most of the time my attention was focused on the subject. I was deeply into Eastern philosophies and went around endlessly repeating mantras to myself. I tried everything. Gradually, but with some sudden insights, I came to believe that the only solution to all problems was Love.

I, also, read a great deal and was able to reach a place where things made sense to me. I now define God as the energy of the universe, Unconditional Love. God is 'The All'. Singularly and together we are God. God is the life in all of creation. As part of the creation, we are creators and have free will to create with Love or in separation. Creating in separation forms the illusion. A world where love struggles to be.

Unconditional love doesn't care what you believe. All are one, regardless of what you think. What is 'is', despite what we may believe. What 'is' is probably much more grand than we can imagine and, it would behoove us, not to hang too strongly on to what may be our petty beliefs.

Love and Peace,  Gregg