“The destiny of humanity is to bring all our gifts and powers to the service of life, and to create beauty and wonder, and to witness what life creates through us and around us. It starts with healing the damage done in the Age of Separation.”—Charles Eisenstein
As many of you know was severely indoctrinated as a Catholic. I was told exactly what to believe, and, worse, to never question those beliefs. I was told that it was a sin to question the words of priests or the Bible.
The Catholic teachings were not just loving guidelines; they were a complete blueprint and philosophy for my whole life They impacted every single thought I had and every single move I made. But here is the thing: That learning is almost opposite of what I believe today. It is almost inverted from the words of the mystics who have been teaching for centuries.
Although I recognize the value of religious institutions, I have now come to the conclusion that EACH PERSON MUST CHOOSE THEIR OWN “RELIGION.” Because these are the beliefs that drive your entire life.
For example, after realizing that my Catholic beliefs were destructive, I decided to adopt my own “religion” (or set of beliefs). Here is what I came up with:
My old ideas OR My new ideas
1. God is a man in the sky. OR God/Source is inside each of us and everywhere.
2. God judges my thoughts and actions. OR God/Source loves each of us unconditionally.
3. God creates and controls everything. OR We are co-creators with God/Source.
4. Life on Earth is a test to get to Heaven. OR We can create Heaven or Hell on Earth.
5. We are born sinners. OR We are born innocent and always are.
6. The Bible is the only truth. OR The truth of God/Source is within each of us.
7. Things on the Earth are in a hierarchy. OR We are all equal and share in Earth’s abundance.
8. Jesus will save us. OR We can wake up to our own divinity while on Earth.
By comparing these two versions you can see a wide range of ideas—all of which are possible. Indeed, since we may never be able to scientifically prove that any of these ideas are true, we are free to pick and choose which ones work best for each person.
A while back, one of my favourite thinkers, Charles Eisenstein, wrote an article called “What’s the Next Story?” In it he invites us to create a whole “new story” about who we are as humans. It’s actually an urgent call to all humans to reject our current destructive beliefs and programming and adopt a brand-new set of beliefs in order to save this planet.
Here are a few of his suggestions:
Instead of thinking we are separate, let’s believe we are connected.
Instead of thinking that humans are selfish, let’s assume they are ethical and moral.
Instead of thinking man must dominate nature, let’s believe in cooperation.
Instead of thinking happiness comes from consuming stuff, let’s believe it comes from community, intimacy, and sharing.
Instead of thinking we need to use force, let’s believe in morphic resonance.
Instead of thinking that life is random, let’s assume the universe is intelligent.
I invite you all to create our own story (your own religion) and live it out loud. Let it motivate you in ways that will steer you and ultimately benefit everyone on this planet.
If you want to learn more about me or my books please visit my website at www.MaureenFitzgerald.com
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