Love Transcends Religion
Love transcends religion.It transcends spirituality, faith, and philosophy. It soars high above doctrine, dogma, and worldly decree. It sees beyond brick and mortar existence, beyond the tallest range of snow-capped mountains that bind and captivate our earthly gaze, to a vista far beyond all mortal horizons and vain imaginings. It sees the purity of its own heart. And from there, into the hearts of everyone, quietly overlooking all but the perfection which therein resides. A perfection which often remains invisible to earthly eyes, but made easily visible in its quiet presence. It is only from the unfathomable depths of spirit, can one fathom the beauty and innocence in all.
Today such a man was laid to rest.
Gordon B. Hinckley, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, like Mother Theresa, and many others, transcended his religion. He touched millions around the world, including me, through his humility, gentleness, compassion and humor. Like his daughter Virginia said at his funeral today, "(He) was adorable." He was adorable because he adored Jesus, and hence everyone in the world, with an unfailing devotion and humble heart. And so he came to know its depths. In his gentle smile, kindly gaze, and light-hearted quips, did he reflect back to us the value and purity of our own.
His favorite line of Mormon scripture came from the Doctrine and Covenants 112:10, "Be thou humble and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers."
His life was a testament to the simple truth of these words, and invites us all - Course students, Christians, and everyone in between - to follow in his footsteps. They lead straight to God.
To Mormons he was a beloved prophet. To me, and others not of the Mormon faith, he transcended his religion.
He was a symbol of love.
posted by acimmonk @ 9:15 PM
7 comments
7 Comments:
I miss your Question and Answer service but I'm glad it's possible to leave comments here. I guess that's what you meant when you said, "See you at the blog." Now I get it. :)
I'm touched by your willingness to see love beyond your own spiritual path. So many people say their's is the only path, the only way, the "one true religion" (almost everyone, it seems, thinks that one). The world needs more people like you!
Love,
Marilyn from your old Q&A list!
Well done, Jamie. What a beautiful way to honor the Course and the children it discusses. You're amazing.
Jamie, you are a great example of what an ACIM student should be. Thank you for being loving to everyone of all beliefs. You are a great example and reminder to me of someone who has a relationship with Jesus. Like Marilyn, I miss your Q&A list as well! I loved getting all your wise and humorous emails. I hope you resurrect it some day again, if the timing is right for you. Much love, Cindy from California
I'd like to add my vote for the return of the Q&A list. Maybe we could start a petition? :) :)
Hey Marilyn, Mark, Cindy and Arien,
Thank you for your kind notes. The Q&A list may be resurrected at some point in some format... who knows? I'm glad you found it helpful.
Take care,
ACIM Monk
So you lay praise upon a man who was president of an organization which teaches gay people that they are sinners, hmmm, interesting considering that you teach from a book that says there is no sin. I really don't see how this man transcended his religion. He basically led a religion which is the opposite of love.
Since A Course in Miracles says there is no sin, and that we're all the same, I find myself prone to laying praise on just about anybody, no matter what they think they think. ;)
Mother Theresa also followed a religion which had a doctrine (form) of separation and a belief in sin, but she transcended the doctrine by coming from a place of love (content) even as she worked within the Christian system of belief.
I don't agree with the doctrine of the Mormon religion, but I do agree with the extension of love, no matter from which system or from whom it comes.
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