...is that the Gospel Message ("Love One Another"
is also reflected in the core beliefs of
any number of other religions. From Confucius' Golden Rule (which sounds an awful lot like
the "Do on to Others" message in Christian teaching) to the respect for Others and the Earth
taught by 'primitive'/indigenous people, it would appear that there's at least a little bit of
consensus on the meaning of spiritual values, no matter where or from what religious tradition
different people are from.
But what also seems to show up, in looking at Christianity and other belief systems as well,
is that the basic message is often received differently, in sharply contrasting ways. Some
people are able to accept that "it's not all about you," that the real meaning or purpose of
life is bigger than the recipient. Other folks are more afraid, more angry or full of themselves
or whatever, so they tend to confuse their own personal outcomes with the fundamental
meaning.
For whatever it's worth, that contrasting world view also seems to be echoed in political
life. Hard line Republicans (I'm talking about today's Republicans, not the leaders who once
helped define that party, like Eisenhower or Dirksen or Percy) now emphasize "You're on
your Own" when it comes to critical decision-making, and Democrats prefer to consider
"we're all in this together" when the answer to the question is really important.
As a professing Christian, myself (I'm Eastern Orthodox, and have to admit that I honestly
value weekly get-together's with some of my most valued personal friends, on a regular
basis) it bothers me that that's the way things go, established-religion-wise.
But what are you going to do?
Decide if fear, isolation and anxiety are going to rule your life, or maybe there's more to
it than that.
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