Tag: belief

My Church is Better Than Your Church: Let’s Argue and Fight!

As someone who has observed the Christian church from many perspectives, I’ve noticed a troubling division among various factions, reminiscent of a “My church is better than your church” mentality. This defense of differing beliefs often leads to debates, arguments, and even fights among followers of Jesus, each asserting their own correctness. One might expect more harmony among those worshipping the same deity.

Yet, there is significant dissent among believers, with infighting over who holds the “correct” interpretation despite this not being the essence of Jesus’s teachings. He focused on introducing people to God. I’ve witnessed discussions between believers about which church is the best turn sour, causing pain and sometimes even escalating to physical confrontations.

Is this truly what Jesus sacrificed for? So that His followers could argue and fight over minutiae? However, I shouldn’t dismiss these intricate details entirely, as they are often proclaimed to be the line between salvation and damnation. But can one justify sending another believer in Jesus to hell over differing beliefs? It seems absurd and doesn’t look good to non-believers observing such exchanges. Why would anyone want to join such a contentious group?

This reminds me of a church history class I took, which traced the lineage of churches from the Roman Catholic Church. With each new revelation of information, a new faction or church emerged. Throughout the course, it was noted how each church claimed its revelation superseded previous ones, declaring their truth to be the ultimate and asserting, “It is done.” Essentially, they rejected any further revelations. Yet, God continued providing new insights, leading to more churches and movements. This pattern persisted until the end of the course, with another church claiming its truth as the ultimate revelation, declaring, “Now, it is done.” I couldn’t help but react with skepticism, yet I continued my studies and committed to my training as a minister.

Instead of arguing, I propose that we start embracing love. Consider adopting the “Love of Jesus” mindset, which encourages loving our fellow believers wherever they are in their journey and extending that love to non-believers as well. Who do we think we are? If we are believers in Christ saved by grace, then our actions should reflect that.

Here are some churches known for experiencing infighting among each other:

Roman Catholic Church
The Roman Catholic Church, the largest Christian denomination, asserts that it is the one true church founded by Jesus Christ. Catholics believe that salvation is obtained through faith in Jesus Christ, participation in the sacraments, and adherence to the teachings of the Church. Catholics emphasize the necessity of the sacraments, particularly baptism and the Eucharist, for salvation. The Catholic Church teaches that it holds the fullness of truth and grace, and while non-Catholics can achieve salvation, it is ultimately through the Catholic Church.
Eastern Orthodox Church
The Eastern Orthodox Church shares many beliefs with Catholicism but differs in ecclesiology, theology, and liturgical practices. Orthodox Christians emphasize the importance of Holy Tradition alongside the Bible. The Orthodox Church claims to be the one holy, Catholic, and apostolic church, maintaining the true faith and sacraments as handed down from the apostles. It asserts that the fullness of salvation is found within the Orthodox Church through participation in the sacraments and adherence to its teachings.
Lutherans
Lutherans emphasize salvation by grace through faith alone, based on the teachings of Martin Luther. While Lutherans recognize other Christians as part of the universal church, they stress the doctrine of justification by faith as the central tenet of salvation.
Anabaptists (Including Mennonites and Amish)
Anabaptists stress adult baptism, pacifism, and a simple lifestyle. They advocate for a separation of church and state and emphasize community living and discipleship. Anabaptists believe that true faith is evidenced by a life of discipleship and adherence to Jesus’ teachings, particularly regarding peace and communal living.
Anglican Communion
The Anglican Communion is a global network of churches whose roots are in the Church of England. Anglicans adhere to a middle path between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, embracing both scripture and tradition. Anglicans generally believe in salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and the importance of the sacraments. They emphasize using the Book of Common Prayer and often highlight their unique liturgical and historical heritage as essential to their identity.
Calvinism (Reformed Churches)
Calvinists emphasize the sovereignty of God, predestination, and salvation by grace alone through faith. Some Calvinist factions assert that only those predestined by God will receive salvation, emphasizing the doctrine of “limited atonement” as a key belief.
Presbyterian Church (USA) and Other Presbyterian Denominations)
Presbyterianism is rooted in Reformed theology, emphasizing God’s sovereignty, the authority of Scripture, and salvation by grace through faith. While Presbyterians do not claim exclusivity, they emphasize predestination and the covenantal relationship with God as central to salvation. Like the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), different branches often uphold more conservative theological positions.
Baptist Churches
Baptists stress the authority of the Bible, believer’s baptism by immersion, and salvation through faith alone. Many Baptists emphasize the necessity of accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior as the only means to salvation.
Quakers (Religious Society of Friends)
Quakers emphasize inner light, direct experience of God, and the importance of community and peace. Quakers generally do not claim exclusive beliefs about salvation but emphasize living in accordance with Jesus’ teachings, particularly regarding peace, simplicity, and equality.
Eastern Catholic Churches
Eastern Catholic Churches are in communion with the Roman Catholic Church but follow Eastern Christian liturgies and traditions. These churches maintain the belief that they share in the fullness of Catholic faith and sacraments, offering a distinct Eastern expression of Catholicism while upholding the authority of the Pope.
Methodism
Methodists emphasize salvation through faith, the importance of personal holiness, and social justice. Methodists generally believe in the possibility of universal salvation but stress the necessity of a personal relationship with Christ and the pursuit of sanctification.
Episcopal Church
The Episcopal Church is part of the Anglican Communion, known for its balance between Catholic and Protestant traditions. It emphasizes scripture, tradition, and reason as the foundations of faith. The Episcopal Church believes in salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, the sacraments, and a commitment to social justice and inclusivity. While not claiming exclusivity regarding salvation, Episcopalians emphasize a broad and inclusive understanding of the Christian faith.
Swedenborgian Church
The Swedenborgian Church is based on the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, emphasizing a spiritual interpretation of the Bible and the inner meaning of scripture. Swedenborgians believe in the possibility of salvation for all, emphasizing the importance of living a life according to divine truths and the inner transformation of the soul.
Unitarian Universalism
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious movement that values individual search for truth and meaning, drawing from various religious traditions. While not traditionally Christian, Unitarian Universalists emphasize a personal search for truth over dogmatic beliefs, often rejecting the exclusivity of any single path to salvation.
Restoration Movement (Churches of Christ and Christian Churches)
The Restoration Movement seeks to restore the New Testament church’s practices and unity among Christians. They emphasize the Bible as the sole authority for faith and practice. Many within the Churches of Christ believe that adherence to New Testament practices, such as baptism by immersion, is essential for salvation, and they often reject denominational labels.
Seventh-day Baptists
Seventh-day Baptists observe the Sabbath on Saturday and emphasize believer’s baptism and congregational governance. They believe that observing the Sabbath on the seventh day is essential to true Christian practice, alongside a personal commitment to Christ.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)
The Latter-day Saint movement includes various groups, most notably the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), emphasizing modern revelation, additional scriptures, and temple practices. LDS Church members believe in accepting the Book of Mormon and following the teachings of living prophets as essential for exaltation and eternal life in the presence of God.
Advent Christian Church
The Advent Christian Church, a smaller Adventist group, emphasizes the Second Coming of Christ and the authority of the Bible. They believe that salvation is granted through faith in Jesus Christ and that the Second Coming will usher in the resurrection of believers for eternal life.
Seventh-day Adventists
Seventh-day Adventists emphasize the observance of the Sabbath on Saturday and the imminent return of Jesus Christ. They believe true believers will adhere to the Sabbath and other specific teachings, distinguishing themselves as part of the remnant church awaiting Christ’s return.
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses emphasize the use of God’s name, Jehovah, and a literal interpretation of the Bible. They reject the Trinity and emphasize the coming kingdom of God. They believe that only 144,000 faithful believers will reign with Christ in heaven, while others who adhere to their teachings will enjoy eternal life on paradise Earth.
Reformed Episcopal Church
The Reformed Episcopal Church (REC) originated in the 19th century as a response to perceived theological and liturgical liberalism in the Episcopal Church. It emphasizes Reformed theology within an Anglican framework. The REC maintains that salvation is by grace through faith alone, strongly emphasizing scriptural authority. They uphold traditional Anglican liturgy and doctrine, viewing their interpretation as a purer form of Anglicanism.
Christian Science
Christian Science, founded by Mary Baker Eddy, emphasizes healing through prayer and understanding of spiritual reality, as taught in the Bible and Eddy’s writings. Christian Scientists believe that true salvation involves understanding the spiritual nature of reality and practicing healing through prayer, viewing physical reality as an illusion.
Unity Church
Unity is part of the New Thought movement, emphasizing positive thinking, affirmative prayer, and a metaphysical understanding of Christianity. Unity does not claim exclusivity but emphasizes spiritual growth and enlightenment through understanding divine principles, often focusing more on personal transformation than traditional salvation concepts.
Church of the Nazarene
The Church of the Nazarene is a Wesleyan-Holiness denomination emphasizing sanctification and living a holy life through the power of the Holy Spirit. Nazarenes believe that entire sanctification, a second work of grace following conversion, is essential for Christian living and spiritual maturity.
Assemblies of God
The Assemblies of God is a Pentecostal denomination emphasizing baptism in the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues, and active participation in spiritual gifts. While open to the broader Christian community, they emphasize the importance of Spirit baptism and spiritual gifts as integral to a fully realized Christian life.
Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements
Pentecostals and Charismatics emphasize the work of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and a personal relationship with Jesus. Many Pentecostal groups assert that receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues, is a sign of true faith and essential for living a Spirit-filled life.

I apologize in advance, as the preceding list is shared as an example in extreme generality and not intended to provoke fighting.

When Christians encounter differences in beliefs with those from other churches, it is essential to approach these interactions with grace, humility, and a focus on love. Here are some tips to help exercise the “Love of Jesus Mindset” when engaging with other believers who may think differently:

1. Listen Actively

    • Seek to Understand: Take the time to listen to the other person’s perspective truly. Ask open-ended questions and show genuine interest in their beliefs.
    • Avoid Interrupting: Allow others to express their thoughts thoroughly before responding, demonstrating respect and patience.

2. Practice Humility

    • Acknowledge Limitations: Recognize that no single person or church has all the answers. Be open to learning from others and admit when you don’t have all the answers.
    • Be Open-Minded: Be willing to consider new perspectives and understand that differences can enrich your faith journey.

3. Focus on Common Ground

    • Emphasize Shared Beliefs: Highlight the core tenets of Christianity that unite believers, such as faith in Jesus Christ, love, and grace.
    • Build Bridges: Find ways to connect and collaborate on common goals, such as community service or shared worship experiences.

4. Communicate with Kindness

    • Use Gentle Language: Speak with kindness and compassion, even when discussing differences. Avoid harsh or judgmental language.
    • Respect Differences: Respect others’ beliefs, even when disagreeing. Recognize the sincerity of their faith and the value of their perspective.

5. Pray for Unity and Understanding

    • Pray Together: Whenever possible, pray with those from other churches, asking for God’s guidance and unity among believers.
    • Seek God’s Wisdom: Ask God for wisdom and understanding to navigate differences in a way that honors Him.

6. Demonstrate Love in Action

    • Serve Together: Engage in acts of service alongside believers from other churches, focusing on Christ’s love and compassion.
    • Show Generosity: Be generous with your time, resources, and encouragement, reflecting Christ’s love in tangible ways.

7. Reflect on Jesus’ Teachings

    • Follow Christ’s Example: Reflect on how Jesus interacted with those different from Him, showing love, mercy, and acceptance.
    • Prioritize Love Over Doctrine: Remember that the greatest commandment is to love God and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39).

8. Promote Peace and Reconciliation

    • Be a Peacemaker: Strive to create peace and reconciliation in conflicts, embodying the Beatitudes’ call to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9).
    • Forgive Freely: Practice forgiveness and let go of grievances, fostering a spirit of reconciliation and healing.

By focusing on these principles, Christians can engage with others who hold differing beliefs in a manner that reflects the love and grace of Jesus. This mindset not only strengthens personal faith but also contributes to a more united and compassionate Christian community.

It Is Not True Or It Is True

It is like you have these two choices, either it is not true, or it is true. So, which is it? I hear a lot of people arguing about what is not true and what is true. Is truth absolute? We fight for our right to defend it, as it separates us one from the other, and some are even ready and willing to commit murder in the defense of what is true.

But what is truth?

When you believe in something so strongly that it becomes your truth, what exactly are you holding onto? Abraham Hicks once said, “A belief is only a thought you keep thinking.” That quote resonates deeply because, if you think about it, there was likely a time when you held onto a belief so tightly that it felt like the bedrock of your existence.

You might even have been willing to fight for it, to defend it with all your might. For me, love and belief have always been intertwined. In my younger years, I would have risked everything to defend what I believed was “true love” or “the truth.”

Oh, the self-righteousness of youth.

The Polarization of Truth

Today, the world feels increasingly divided by truth. The mere act of sharing an idea can lead to conflict because everyone clings to their version of what is “right” or “true.”

But what if we’re all right?

Our nation’s founders envisioned a society where freedom of thought, expression, and belief would thrive—a place where people wouldn’t be forced to conform to rigid molds. I imagine what it must have been like to dream of such a world. If I had been there, I would have been ecstatic to join that effort.

Unfortunately, like all attempts to create a utopia, it’s proven difficult to maintain. Still, I’m drawn to the vision of a world where freedom of thought is cherished, and I try to foster that in my own life.

I do my best to honor the thoughts, actions, and beliefs of others—even when they’re vastly different from my own.

The Truth Continuum

Occasionally, I catch myself being assertive about my own beliefs, but when I do, I take a step back and remind myself of a concept that has brought me peace: the truth continuum.

The truth continuum suggests that every thought ever thought, every belief ever believed, exists as truth in some time or place. That means even the ideas I vehemently opposed or once held but no longer believe were truths in their own way.

This perspective helps me release judgment—of myself and others. The things I once believed were true were true for me at the time. They’re still true for someone, somewhere, and I honor that.

So, what’s the big deal?

Just because I’m not aligned with someone else’s truth doesn’t make it untrue.

The Power of Curiosity

When I look back on beliefs I once held tightly, I could feel ashamed or judgmental of my younger self for not knowing better. But the truth continuum offers a freeing perspective: all beliefs have their place in time and space.

Instead of debating over what’s right or wrong, consider approaching disagreements with curiosity. The next time someone presents an idea that clashes with yours, try responding with, “That’s interesting.”

Because it is interesting, isn’t it? The variety of human thought is fascinating.

Toward a More Peaceful World

As we continue to grow and evolve as a society, tolerance without judgment will become more common. The compulsion to control or dominate others with our beliefs will give way to a natural state of peace and harmony.

I’m reminded of a mantra from the sixties and seventies: “Do whatever you want, as long as it doesn’t infringe on the rights of others to do the same.” That idea resonated with me then and still does now.

Imagine a world where we didn’t need laws to micromanage every detail of our lives, but instead allowed each other the freedom to simply be.

A Timeless Reminder

Jesus offered wisdom that beautifully encapsulates this idea when He said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” That simple, profound statement is the key to the evolved world we’re moving toward.

Later in life, I discovered Libertarianism through John Hospers. It was a revelation—an affirmation that others were thinking about freedom and individuality in ways that resonated with me. I’m not here to promote any political ideology, but I remember the comfort I felt knowing there were others who shared my perspective.

As we evolve, politics as we know it will inevitably change. The systems we have today won’t sustain an enlightened world.

Letting Go and Moving Forward

Maybe we can find it within ourselves to release the need to control, judge, or impose our truths on others. Maybe we can allow the evolutionary process to continue, and in doing so, give peace a chance to flourish.

May God bless you in all that you think, do, and believe.

Oh, and by the way—you’re absolutely right.

 

Believing is Seeing

Wayne Dyer said, “You’ll see it when you believe it,” and he couldn’t have been more right. This is a cautionary concept that if you get the grasp of it, can set you free from the chains of belief which bind you.

Exercise caution in your beliefs because what you believe will present itself to you more and more. Your beliefs are unique only to you. Sure, people can try to stuff their beliefs into you, but only you control what you believe to be true.

Your beliefs are the most powerful structure in your life which determines just how happy, healthy, successful, and fulfilled you will be.

So, what do you want?

I’m still surprised when I ask someone what they want, and they just look back with that deer in the headlights stare, like, “What?” It’s as if they’ve never allowed themselves the luxury of even considering what might be their heart’s desire because it’s just too inconceivable that any good could be out there waiting for them.

Don’t let this be you.

Of this you can be sure: You can’t get from where you are to where you want to be if you have no idea where you want to go. Oh, sure, you can run off and end up somewhere, but you might be surprised at how familiar the new location is to your previous location.

Why? Because your beliefs are still the same, and this will determine your experiences.

Make a list of what you might like to see in your life, in your wildest dreams, and look at it every day.

Add some enthusiasm to support what you want to see in your life. Read books about what you want. Sing songs about your heart’s desires. Conduct Google searches about the life you’d like to live. Take courses and align yourself with others who have similar desires.

The more you can submerge yourself in the vibration of what you want and allow yourself to believe it is yours for the asking (and it is) the closer it comes to you.

When you see people having what it is that you want, reach out to them. Ask them, “How’d you do that?” Let them know that you love the idea that they have it, and you’d like to do it, too. They may just smile and walk away, or they might give you invaluable tips that might help you achieve the same.

You might be surprised at how well this works on social media, like Facebook. No need to be afraid. The worst that could happen is that they ignore your message. The best? If not purely an inspiration, they could become your mentor.

When you learn of ways that others have achieved those things in life which seem to elude you, keep in mind that whatever process worked for someone else may not work for you. While the information is invaluable, keep in mind that your journey to what you want will be unique in many ways, so find ways to reduce the gap between where you are and where you want to be which resonate with you, and you’ll find yourself going farther faster.

Keep focused on your heart’s desire, even if it appears to be so far off that you might think it might never come. Whatever you do, don’t give up on your dream, because if you do, you will definitely see what you believe. Don’t stop believing.

Stay steadfast in maintaining your positive vibration, finding the things in your life which bring you joy, and do more of those things, because the better you feel more often, the gap closes even more.

Believe in you, in what you want, and that you can have it, and it will come to you.

When you find yourself enjoying the anticipation of having whatever it is that you want more than the disappointment of not having it, there you will be in the midst of it all, and even more.

No Such Thing as a Lie

When someone lies to you, if you feel as though someone has hit you in the stomach or stabbed you in the back, you’ve bought into the lie which asserts that there is such a thing as a lie. What if there is no such thing as a lie?

The idea of promoting the idea that there are lies, and that there are fewer crimes more offensive than lying, is the single most effective tool used against us to keep us fully separated from each other.

This obsession over the difference between truth and lies keeps us at war with each other and keeps us constantly on the defensive, ever wondering, “Who will lie to you next?”

This begins and perpetuates the endless cycle of looking for lies, and as you know, you will always find whatever it is you are looking for. If you are looking for lies, you will find them everywhere you look.

What if there was no such thing as a lie?

What if everything anyone says (in spoken word or print) actually is true one hundred percent of the time?

This is the essence of my Truth Continuum which purports that everything is truth. If history teaches us anything it is that everything which has been widely accepted as truth is subject to change and that one person’s truth can vary wildly from that of someone else.

Truth is subjective. And if truth is subject to influence and personal interpretation, then the antithesis, lies, must also be subjective. Which puts these concepts on par with each other, for if someone’s truth is another person’s lie, they are one and the same; all within the Truth Continuum.

As much as you might like to assert your truth is based on facts or sound science, we know that these things are not as black and white as we might like to believe.

Truth more adequately stated might be, “The truth as I see it,” which reasonably must allow for the truth of others as, “The truth as you see it.” Therefore, all truth, past, present, and future (including other dimensions and places in time and space) resides within the truth continuum.

Lies are a little trickier because there are two kinds of lies, the lies which are contradictory to one’s perceived truth (these may reside within the truth continuum), and lies which are purposefully spun in an effort to deceive someone or to avoid some potentially undesirable consequence (excluded from the truth continuum).

To express a lie which is known to the deliverer to not be true in an effort to deceive may be spun in such a way as to be believable or potentially true is a lie which has no truth within it, even though there may be truths hidden within the details of it, to make it appear to credible or truthful.

Lying with intentional deceit is not the same as declaring something that is believed to be true but may not be perceived by others to be true.

The possibility exists that many of the popular beliefs purported by social engineers and leaders of certain factions may have intentionally spun to deceive a particular populace but with the intention to benefit the purveyors of the lie or the greater part of the population.

Those who use lies to control people may have concocted the most masterful lies with no truth present as a method to manipulate peoples, and even so, because these lies have been believed to be truth by someone, these ideas can also be found in the truth continuum.

So, what if someone lies to you intentionally to deceive you?

Ask yourself, “Does it matter?”

If you can wrap your mind around the idea that people just are, and you honor their ability to be who they are, to say what they say, without judgment, maybe what they say to you, even if intended to defraud you in some way, doesn’t really matter.

This is your life, and you can manage it any way you see fit.

Think about being an unconditional lover who believes in the idea that everyone has the same rights as you to be right or believed, no matter what.

Consider having the courage to believe there is no such thing as a lie, and to say, “I love you no matter what you say, no matter what you do.”

If there were no such thing as a lie, you could easily stay in the frequency of love’s vibration and your countenance would be unshakeable.

What is Delusional?

You’ve probably been in a social setting and heard people in relatively normal conversation use the word delusional and wondered, “What does it mean to be delusional?” Just so you know, this word is often mis-and-over-used by people in a disrespectful manner, especially by predators and bullies, but also as a general characterization of a set of personality traits in therapy. So, what is delusional?

To understand what it means to be delusional you must comprehend that society and/or people have a certain set of normal (or widely held) beliefs to which they attach their sense of security. That is to say the masses, or general population, would agree on a particular precepts or ideals and affirm by congruent feelings that they are held to be “true.”

What is Delusional?

A person who highly regards any idea which is contrary to what is either a popularly held ideal, or appears to other people to not be supported by factual data, might be considered to be delusional, especially if the idea is extreme in comparison to popular belief or generally accessible and available data.

Everyone, at some point in time, might consider an idea which is not widely agreed to be factual or prudent, but these generally are dispelled relatively quickly, by gaining additional information which causes the idea to break down, or friends, peers, or counselors can help to assist the person who dares to believe such a thing that their perception is incorrect, convincing the person that the idea is unsound and cannot stand on its own.

If the subject continues to align his or her thoughts with this contrary thought pattern or philosophy, he or she might be considered as suffering from Delusional Disorder and referred to professionals for treatment. In a sense, to reel him or her back into a better sense of “reality” to which the masses agree is a more normal perspective.

There are many different types of delusions, such as a paranoid belief that one is under surveillance or secretly persecuted by some government or other unknown sources (may include spirits, demons, or aliens), which is the most common type of delusion.

Then there is the medical dysfunction type of delusion where the subject claims to suffer from a type (or many types) of physiological conditions, believing they have unsubstantiated diseases, bugs, implants (or extractions) where there is no physical evidence to support such claims.

The love delusion refers to a condition of a person who believes he or she has a romantic relationship with someone (usually someone in a higher position/stage of life, such as a celebrity) which is intense in nature, but not substantiated in any way, except in his or her own mind.

The delusion of superiority is indicated by the person who sees himself or herself as better than anyone else due to their own definition (which is not generally agreed to) of being smarter, wiser, imbued with special (magical) abilities, access to unsubstantiated “secret” information, or special relationship with a higher intelligence (or God).

Of course, there are many types of delusions which could be categorized but in most cases, these ideas are often considered as “bizarre” at first blush.

In clinical circles delusional disorders are considered psychiatric conditions and people who suffer from them can be treated by pharmaceuticals which alter brain chemistry, causing patients to think “normally,” and treatment may include cognitive therapies in an attempt to re-establish a normal paradigm of thought.

There is a great deal of concern among the psychiatric and therapeutic communities focussing on the normalization of all peoples, which could support the idea of there being those whosuffer from Individuality Psychosis.

You might see how many major breakthroughs in science and emerging technologies may not have been possible if their inventors or out-of-the-box thinkers had been diagnosed and treated for their delusional disorders.

It makes you wonder…

What Do You Believe?

What do you believe? Whatever it is, you’re probably pretty well attached to the idea, so much so, that you’re willing to defend what you believe, even risking life and limb in defense of your most highly held beliefs. So, what do you believe?

Due to the proliferous American culture, there’s a good chance when you were young, you believed in Santa Claus and/or the Easter Bunny. Then, one magic day, your belief bubble was burst, and you became aware what you previously held to be true, was not. This, or some other youthful belief awakenings, signaled the introduction to your continuum of beliefs.

As you move through life, your beliefs are in a constant state of flux, morphing and changing as you are exposed to new information and emerging thought which causes you to revisit and reevaluate previously held beliefs. It’s all a part of the process of growth and expansion.

Americans believe a great many things, here are some examples, which depending on where you are in your belief continuum, you may, or may not, believe:

Global warming is a serious problem
Angels are real
You have had a paranormal experience
Believe Ouija boards are dangerous
Believe in ghosts (spirits of the dead)
Psychic or spiritual healing of the body
Ancient advanced civilizations, such as Atlantis, existed
The Earth revolves around the sun
Places can be haunted by spirits
People can be possessed by Satan, demons, or other entities
Believe in ESP (Extra Sensory Perception)
Aliens have visited Earth in our ancient past

When you enthusiastically align yourself with a particular belief, it is filed away in your collection of known facts or truths in the brain, and the ego will exert toxic amounts of energy to protect these ideals, as they give us a high-level sense of safety and security as we navigate the world around us.

We tend to compare, measure, and judge life and others around us, constantly comparing it to what we know to be “true,” even if there is no real constant in the belief continuum. From the perspective of the continuum of beliefs, it is difficult to perceive beyond our own fear and expectations, because we are trapped within the belief spectrum which causes us to project and predict outcomes based on that which we believe to be true.

When a highly held belief is challenged, your brain releases dopamine as a method to emotionally charge or invigorate your defense of your belief, so you go about your fighting for your right to believe, without the benefit of having the logical part of your brain fully functional.

This is the same system which is triggered when you are threatened by the potential of being eaten by a ferocious tiger, lion, or bear (oh, my), which we refer to as the fight-or-flight response. It’s what motivates our heroes, such as military, police officials, fire fighters, and others in protective services to risk their lives to save others.

Only after we have recovered from the initial shock of being chemically dosed and influence, and our brain chemistry begins to return to normal, can we begin to sift through and newly exposed data to evaluate a new rational conclusion.

Knowing this can be a huge advantage to those who are actively engaged in being exposed to new ideas and emerging thought patterns.

You can learn how to control the beast within, and many have, but the pendulum can swing so far in the opposite direction that you might find it easier to deny it, or turn off the system altogether, deciding to believe in nothing.

Although, to think that it is possible to believe in nothing is, well, impossible. But you can decide not to believe in what everyone else believes.

Even 20% of atheists consider themselves, “spiritual but not religious.”

Everyone believes in something, and you are emotionally charged about it, whatever it is, whether it is the brand of car you drive, clothes you wear, or bag you carry. Anything from your favorite artists, your mentor(s), electronic devices, or favorite video games are all connected to this belief continuum.

We all have a strong inclination to admire and worship something; if it is not a higher energy, we replace the need to focus our admiration on other ideals, people, other forms of life, or material things that give us a reason to feel like we have something outside of ourselves to value or regard endearingly.

What do you believe?

There Is Hope

Regardless of what challenges appearing before you, the demons you may be facing, or when you feel you just can’t go on because you’ve reached the end of your rope, there is hope.

When you realize for every negative there is a positive, like the idea of Chinese philosophy’s yin and yang combined with the Newtonian third law, which states For every action there is an equal and opposite re-action, it all leads you to the conclusion that all things are in always in a state of perfect balance.

Even so, you may find yourself in a particular state of imbalance. No matter how desperate things may seem, in the same time and space where you are feeling so out of sorts, or even desperate, exists everything you need to access to experience the polar opposite emotional state.

Though it is common to be unable to see the forest for the trees. You find yourself so embroiled in a certain experience that the landscape and alternate methods of escape or salvation cannot be seen or even imagined due to the overwhelming state of affairs.

In these times it is imperative that you persevere and have hope. This hope will keep you looking outside yourself or aware that options abound, if only you could access it. This is why we are drawn to the stories of others who have faced seemingly insurmountable odds and survived, even thrived following an inexplicable or impossible life event.

This gives us hope. The common thread among those who have survived was the hope or belief that there must be a way… a way to mitigate the damages, a way to find a sense of peace, a way to survive, or a way to escape… This alerts the central nervous system to find connections to energy sources otherwise unavailable to the conscious mind to entertain the idea that other options are all around, if only they could be accessed.

We hear stories of fire-walking, telekinesis, spontaneous remission of advanced cancer, 110 pound mothers with the ability to lift a 3,000 pound car off their child, out-of-body experiences, contact with alternative realities, and an endless supply of stories and experiences of others who have encountered unbelievable circumstances and emerged to share their stories with us.

Whether the stories are true or not is irrelevant, because we know that truth changes over time, resulting from new information. In any case, the stories do give us hope. Hope that could be enough to enable you to access resources otherwise unavailable to you.

The existence of unlimited resources and alternatives is ever present, only the limitation of our mind through constant programming by societal constraints makes impossibility a reality, though nothing is impossible. Nothing.

We know that to be true, because in the last 100 years, we have seen the impossible become possible before our very eyes. So if nothing is impossible, the antithesis is also true, everything is possible.

Everything Is Possible

This is the hope, that we embrace. Unlimited resources, unlimited possibilities, if only we can find a way to allow our minds to be free enough from the limitations imposed on our ideals and beliefs to allow them to appear before us.

In your time of need, everything you could possibly need to counter any obstacle or injustice is there, if only you could let go of your self-imposed limitations, knowing anything is possible… Everything is.

Don’t Stop Believing

Remember, back when you were in school and your classmates and others would ask, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” If you were an ambitious dreamer, like me, you would spin tales of unlived possibilities in an unknown future that lies just around the bend beyond the familiar terrain of the present.

You were young. You had dreams. As a young adult you were just starting your life’s journey and may have been willing to take the midnight train going anywhere, just to get a chance to experience something new and exciting. You were bold, adventurous, and though you may have been afraid, you were willing to roll the dice just one more time just to see what fate might tempt you with.

You were alive. The whole world was yours for the asking. You had a belief that you could do anything – and you could – all you had to do was to take the step and doors would open. You believed a vast world of possibilities held treasures in store for you, and if someone dared ask you about it, you could tell stories of a future yet to be realized, like a movie that never ends, and go on and on…

Then something happened

The rude awakening – life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – you want the reasonable basics of life. And you start pondering more base questions about life, like “Where will I live?” Where will my next meal come from? How can I support myself? What do I have to offer a potential mate?

While you still believe and are willing to continue to dream, life grabs you by the wrist and hurls you into a sense of duty and responsibility as you reason, “I need to get a job.” Or some other sobering thought, as you hear the door to the cage close, realizing you’ve just been caught in the trap of life.

Life in prison

Day by day, your enthusiasm wanes as your dreams fade and you stop believing in a fabulous future. You resign yourself to the mundane day to day lifestyle of a reality where dreams no longer exist and become accustom to the engine’s drone as you taxi into your life of mediocrity.

The little, rare fanfares interrupt your otherwise “normal” life, where every day is just the same as the day before. The alarm goes off, the scurry to do what needs to be done. The hustle and bustle of your daily routine, which could probably be conducted while blindfolded, all to find yourself safely at home. Relax for a few minutes, until “lights out.” And it starts all over again.

And you go about making the best of your life in prison, without a thought of what’s going on outside, because to allow yourself to think of it would just be too tragic. That is, until you meet that young person, of whom you ask the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

In that moment you remember a time when you believed in all the possibilities, and you hope maybe to get a glimpse in the life of this young person of the flame that once burned in you so brightly. You think, even though you wasted your chance, maybe you could recapture the feeling by living vicariously through the life of this youth. Then, invariably, the young person with a dream of a brighter future begins to ask, “Where will I live?” and you know what comes next, as you shrug your shoulders and resign yourself to believe that belief is folly.

Don’t Stop Believing!

And that’s just how society has trained you to think and react. When you stop believing, the machine wins as you become nothing more than a functioning part of it, without hopes, dreams and unmotivated to disrupt the status quo.

It’s never too late to start believing and resuming your life’s journey again. All you have to do is to start where you left off. Have the courage to ask yourself, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Don’t think of yourself as someone whose future has already been spent. You can ever continue to grow and change, embracing a brighter future and daring to do something to make the world a better place, no matter what station in life you may be in or what your age might be.

Dare to dream about the bright future that lies ahead, waiting for you in the next season of your life.

As you step back into the driver’s seat, ready to embark on your renewed life’s journey, you can continue to grow, evolve, write and rewrite your life’s script, like the movie that never ends, it goes on and on, and on, and on…

Don’t Stop Believing