Religion is the outcome of understanding of the Divine, and as such, it is viewed from multiple vantage points related to customs, origin of birth, and circumstance. The Divine Creation is beyond any one viewpoint, for its Nature is unfathomable in total by any mind. However, aspects of Its nature can be expressed by Its creation, and as such, each will find their way according to their understanding and their needs.
Religion is part of a multiplicity of views that seek to define the Divine Creation, and can be likened to a branch on the tree of life. Each branch has a purpose in the expression of the tree, but no one branch is the tree itself. Therefore, when any religion, philosophy, or scientific view claims to have the whole picture, it is self-deceived. No branch holds the whole within itself. It is merely an expression of the whole, and as such, is limited in its capacity and function to express understanding from its vantage point.
When any particularized view claims to be the ONLY correct view, it is based on the small sense of self, isolated from all other aspects of creation that have within themselves a Divine connection to creation that is equal, yet different, to the one claiming to be the only correct view. The narrow definition of Creator is an indication of a narrow understanding of the complexity of the Divine, and in a sense it seeks to usurp the Divine to legitimize its claim to superiority over others that hold differing views.
The impulse of tribal and animal instinct is to create hierarchy, and in the natural world of predators, this makes sense to a point. In order to regulate a system, strength of leadership is necessary to focus the group towards specific goals and objectives. It follows the self-organizing principles that provide stability and position so that the system functions harmoniously rather than in a haphazard fashion. It brings order out of chaos. However, within this hierarchy, each position must have value, and when it becomes lopsided and places the one leading in a position of exaltation, it is out of harmony with the natural order. Yet, we see this happen again and again in societies, as leaders become the “special” ones and the support system becomes the lesser.
This model is based on domination rather than stewardship, and is the cause of wars, discontent, and the breakdown of integrated whole societies. It always pits one group or individual against another, creating a system of winners and losers, or the haves and have-nots. It breeds inequality and discontent, and reflects a level of consciousness that is based on survival of the fittest.
When religions, which have taken on the role of providing the moral compass for society, become entrenched in that mentality, the results are the pitting of one religion against the other for the same implied survival of the fittest and dominance model. It is based on a lower level of consciousness and does not serve to bring about the uplifting and unity of intention that religion needs to play in its assigned role of pointing to the Divine – not usurping it.
Religion is assigned the role of pointing to a higher calling. Its function is to overcome the limitation of small views based on political infighting and intrigue. Yet, being led by humans who are part of the system from which it springs, the hierarchal model is imposed on the Divine and, rather than elevating the human view, seeks to entrap the Divine in the field of limitation.
The Divine has no religion. It is beyond all concepts of human understanding, and as such, must be viewed with awe for the mystery It is. When humans seek to confine the Divine by creating a singular view in their own image, they are defiling the Divine. To claim righteous ownership of the Divine is hubris. No one thing can claim its view of the Divine as whole and complete. By Its very nature, the Divine is Unfathomable and Unknowable in totality.
As we move into an age of expanded consciousness and global integration, we must redefine our imagery of a God that we have created in a small and petty image that justifies wars and unholy alliances as Its mainstay. We have cast the Creator in the image of tribal chieftans who vie among warring factions for supremacy and justification of their claim to power. And what better claim than the ultimate authority of the Divine? Yet, in all of creation, this is impossible. Small mindedness can never enter the Holy of Holies, and humans who extol one view over another as the only legitimate one are practicing heresy whilst they claim just the opposite.
The vast intelligence and magnificence of That Which has created all of life is so far above and beyond our grasp that we need be humbled by Its splendor and grateful for the provision of life it has afforded us. As we come together to share views rather than defile them, we begin to catch a glimpse of the diversity and richness of texture that our Creator has bestowed upon us all. Mineral, plant, animal, human – all part of the royal family that is the handiwork of our Creator. We have been crafted in brilliance, and it is our task to reach up and out to embrace all our companions on this journey regardless of our seeming differences. THAT is the legacy we have received, and once we do so, we will find cures for disease in the natural world, answers to our energy needs through ways and means that do not plunder the oceans or the land. We will come into alliance and complicity with the grand plan of stewardship for our planet and for and with one another. We are indeed to be “our brother and sister’s keeper,” and that projects to all of life.
Creator has no favorites. We are part of the gigantic wheel of life, and as such, we each have a part to play. Some may be more visible, more seemingly exalted, and others are seemingly minimal. But from the least to the greatest, from the mineral to the highest form of life – ALL are precious and necessary, and ALL are the creation of the Divine Intelligence.
When humans awaken to their true calling, humility will replace arrogance, and kindness will replace mean spiritedness. As for those who lead in any field, more is asked of them, for the one who leads is the upholder of the many – not sitting atop a pinnacle upheld by them. The leader is the one who is to empower the whole, not be empowered by it. And leadership involves maturity and wisdom. Leaders from all fields are to come together to share and LEARN from one another. Each has something important and precious to share that expands understanding about the Whole. Polarized views contribute nothing to the growth and development of life. Polarized views are debilitating and constricting. They are based on ignorance and arrogance, and those who practice this form of leadership do their constituents and life in general a grave disservice. They are a cancer to the body of unity, and cause distress and chaos in their wake.
For those who would be led, it is imperative to choose those whose views encompass a grander vision that unifies rather than divides. Look for those who serve without need to be aggrandized. Look for those who do not seek to live above their means or to show others the extent of their power or authority by subjugating anyone else to their will. Look for the peacemakers and those who understand the importance of all within a system bringing their gifts and abilities forward. Look for those who do not claim to have the only truth or way, and who do not need to be “right” at all costs. Look for those who listen and act prudently. Impulsive actions are the sign of immaturity, and in all leadership, it is not physical age that is important, it is emotional maturity.