Theological Snapshot: Statement of Current Basic Beliefs
by: Ber Stackhouse, MBA
September 25, 2012 with minor revision October 1, 2012
PHILOSOPHY/SCIENCE
My basic beliefs regarding theology are centered in New Thought Christianity. Such spirituality is composed of discovering Good, discovering God, here on earth in part through thinking and affirmative prayer. There is personal responsibility with the ability to acknowledge the assistance of others in prayer, encouragement, and consciousness. Further, I realize the power in faith without ever having to deny science. A great aspect of my basic beliefs is the understanding of Personal Purpose and its connection of spiritual ideas, a faith community, and the concept one has of God. I live Christianity, or the Way, through prayer, meditation, and the overall examples Jesus Christ, my Way-Shower, set forth. My belief about personal conduct is that one must assess and determine what is beneficial and enjoyable for you as well as anything that limits you.
HISTORICAL CONSCIOUSNESS/VISION
One purpose of being a part of a Faith Community is to receive the benefits of collective consciousness. Positive intention can impact people nearby and at a distance, for those open to such assistance. Sacraments, rituals, influential religious stimuli, and actions can have an impact on the subconscious of the congregant. Overall, if one is aware of such impact, the use or non-use of various objects or rituals is beneficial because you come from a place of power and understanding. Basic order in spiritual practice is needed while areas such gender, sexual orientation, and race are other divine aspects to be accepted and not used as a wedge or a means of preclusion. While there are aspects from historical consciousness appearing in the theology of today, we can create a new vision of affirmation, peace, and healing for existing congregants and the congregants of tomorrow.
CONDITIONS OF HUMAN LIVING/TIME CONCEPT
Several areas of human living and time concepts are impacted by theology. Prosperity and abundance with gratitude is the right relation of money and objects. We can love and appreciate our bodies knowing that is how we express during our lives. While some negative train of human thought of dis-ease may try to assert itself, we can faithfully nourish and cleanse our bodies. Human Sexuality, whether homosexual or heterosexual, is another great aspect of living. This ability to connect on a deeper level with self or others provides benefits and dimensions in understanding society has yet to fully grasp.
I believe that community, awareness of one’s church, and social justice naturally extend from participation in spiritual community. Even if people disagree with some aspect of your life, to experience the AT-ONE-MENT of Jesus the Christ, living from your true and highest Self, and utilizing your creative faculty adds purpose and meaning to life. Examples of such living include creating publications, offering an open lecture, or showing the practicality of your spiritual practice within the community and not just in some church building. Such expression provides an authentic consciousness of peace that still raises overall collective consciousness.
The heart-mind is an aspect of spirituality to be explored further. Studies of heart-centered living and praying are exciting aspects that show results for not only the recipient of prayer, but the one praying as well. There are many elements of human living that are framed by theology and our sense of time. Awareness in these areas leads to greater peace within and a greater knowing of Life in the varied aspects of spirituality and the human condition.
Ber Stackhouse, MBA is a Master of Divinity student at Unity Institute & Seminary, Unity Village, MO. The theolgoical snapshot was created as part of a Metaphysical Theology class at Unity Institute & Seminary, yet the content is the student's and does not necessarily reflect views of the school, any instructor, or other students
Aloha Ber,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on getting this posted - it is done!
Thank you for sharing this statement so whole-heartedly. It is as though I can hear you stating this with your own voice. I appreciate the FAITH aspect of community you mentioned, in addition to the individual expression of God that is manifest through us all. It is through the collective that we can raise our level of consciousness and how we begin to catalyze change.
I always remember the motto of "our team is only as strong as its weakest player." In that regard, the awakening to consciousness is important for the "last man standing"... and of course, change begins with each and everyone of us individually.
I look forward to your insights and our ministerial journey together. Blessings, Ev
There is such a depth within you that comes across both from the intellect and heart that blends so well. This shows great balance in my opinion of the two. This form of writing expression covers your views, you intentions and your belief system while being thoughtful and considerate to your audience. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteBer,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that you said one of the benefits of being in a faith community is collective consciousness. That is depending on what the collective consciousness is.
I also would question your statement:
My belief about personal conduct is that one must assess and determine what is beneficial and enjoyable for you as well as anything that limits you.
I don't know what you are saying. Do you mean whatever is enjoyable is beneficial to you and others? And, anything that limits you is "bad"? I would like more info on this.
Thank you for sharing.
Melody
Melody,
ReplyDeleteThanks for you comments. Rather than some sweeping claim or bias to rule people, I understand that through inner knowing, one may know herself or himself more than some outside individual.
I do not think that whatever is enjoyable is beneficial to you and others. Yet, I think many people have within the subconscious that anything enjoyable or fun must inherently have some negative connection. Rather than a broad pronouncement on some area, if what you desire is not purposefully harming another or causing severe harm to yourself - then you may know what is best for you in that situation by looking inward. I think life is a process of growth with potential to develop, learn, and express the abilities one has. Things that limit you are not necessarily "bad." Yet when you look at experience after experience, many times the difficulty or hardship is not just some item or attitude, rather its relation to you.
Certain behaviors or items are a great part of life when you do not allow them to control you - for then you are not expressing from the Christ within, your "hope of glory." Placing things in right relation means you retain power. Even understanding the influence of something retains some power in that you are aware. I believe this is the inward love of self that can then express as love towards others. You love yourself so much that you want to express and not limit yourself in so many areas. You then allow for infinite potenial for others and increased consciousness in the world.
With peace.