Introduction
Rephrasing the question to be more specific, “If you are a monotheist, believing in one God, are there multiple paths that allow us to truly connect with that Supreme Being?”
That is the subject of today’s 10-minute episode.
Continuing
Today’s Key Question: If you are a monotheist, believing in one God, are there multiple paths that allow us to truly connect with that Supreme Being?
Today’s Key Answer: Yes.
I’d like to sit down with you with a piece of paper or a small white board to help explain, but we’ll have a go just as we are. There are several monotheostic religions in the world, the main ones being Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Arguably there are others, but we do not need to either make or refute that case here. The three main monotheistic religions have different views of God, or they would not be separate religions. If they all had the same views and thoughts about the Supreme Being, then we would need only two, or perhaps even one, monotheistic religion. Does that make sense so far?
Okay, then; their different views about God can mean only one of three things:
- Only one of the religions has it right about God, and the others are wrong.
- All of them are right in their unique views of God, meaning that there are really multiple gods–flying in the face of the shared, core belief in one God.
- None of them have it right about God.
But the shared, core belief is that there is one God, a God who is real, whole and universal. I share that belief with a deep conviction. I find it incredulous to believe that God would permit, much less mandate, us to live in a world where by accident or personal choice, the majority of us were condemned to being forever unconnected to Him because we were on the wrong dogmatic path, i.e., we did not select the correct religion, the correct set of specific teachings.
The largest of the world’s religions is Christianity, at about 2.3B, followed by Islam at 1.9B, in a world of almost 8B. I disagree with some of my Christian brethren who are convinced that one can come to God only through a belief in Christ. And they will quote scripture to help make their case. And judging from what I have seen, there are a fair number of Muslims who feel that way about Mohammed and Allah, and also have quotes from the Quran and the Hadith to back them up.
But what about the 13-year-old shepherd boy, let’s call him Batu, in Mongolia who gets killed by a runaway yak? In this hypothetical example, Batu grew up in a tightly knit, loving family, but a family that while spiritual was not religious. Is anyone willing to say that their view of God allows for Batu the shepherd boy to be without God for all eternity because he did not adhere to the correct set of religious doctrines and dogma?
Are you? I’m not.
I believe in one God, and my path to that God is Christ. It is impossible to connect the dots of my life without seeing God’s hand all along the way, and Christ is my path to, and connection with, God. There are other legitimate and effective ways to make that connection, to see and experience the wonder that is God. Christ said that the two main commandments are to love God with all your heart, mind and soul, and to love your neighbor as yourself. Don’t other religions, including Judaism and Islam, vigorously support those principles? And which major religion has an issue with the 10 Commandments.
Q. Okay, Will, why is this a topic on Revolution 2.0™? Have you changed your focus to religion? A. No. One of the themes that is often mentioned here is the need for a moral compass.
Having a moral compass is a recurring theme for those of us at Revolution 2.0™. I refer to its importance frequently in my semi-weekly episodes, so it is entirely appropriate for us to return to the subject from time-to time.
If you don’t have a solid moral compass that you follow, then nothing else matters. Nothing. You will simply be a cork on the oceans of life, following the changing paths of the tides, currents and waves. I know; I have been there. And I still have to fight to stay with and strengthen my adherence to my moral compass.
What are some examples of an effective moral compass? And how do you know? Two things: 1. Your compass, your true north, has to be something born and fueled outside of you–with externally inspired values, goals and checkpoints. The danger is that our own internally generated principles may lull us into a false sense of commitment. There must be an outside entity to learn from, and to act as a touchstone–a place to check in with see how we are handling ourselves. This does not mean that you don’t need to internalize the external teachings and examples; all is certainly lost if you don’t. But it is equally certain that it cannot be just you. 2. That outside entity must be powerful enough to keep you on track even when it is hard. If your north’s power and influence in your life is weak, so will be your adherence to it.
What are some examples where both criteria are met? God comes immediately to mind. Whatever your definition, God meets both criteria–external and powerful. Depending upon your path to God, the external writings, religious leaders, ceremonies, legacies, etc. will be different, but each path has its external–and powerful–teachings, values and inspirations.
Most regions in the world have their favorite source for starches, that complex carbohydrate that supplies nutrition and needed calories. Leading favorites include potatoes, rice and yams; there are many more, but we’ll use these examples. Which starch is the predominant one for most people is pretty much due to geography rather than having been a studied choice.
In a similar way, most regions have predominant religions, each capable of nourishing your soul as the different starches nourish your body. An acquaintance of mine, Mo Siegel, founder of Celestial Seasonings, among other accomplishments, enthralled by what he found on his visit to India decades ago, approached Mother Theresa, asking her if he should move and make his contributions there. She replied, “Grow where you are planted.” Applying her thoughtful response here, grow with the religion you were surrounded by when you were young. Challenge and question as you go along–both challenging and questioning are part of growing. And if you happen to leave that religion, make sure that you are moving to what is a better, more powerful and effective moral compass for you. And not just rebelling. Rebellion by itself is the opposite of growth.
Oh, and mix in some vegetables along with those starches.
Contact
As we get ready to wrap up, please do respond in the episodes with comments or questions about this episode or anything that comes to mind, or connect with me on Twitter, @willluden, Facebook, facebook.com/will.luden, and LinkedIn, www.linkedin.com/in/willluden/. And you can subscribe on your favorite device through Apple, Google, or Stitcher.
If you liked today’s podcast, other podcasts or the revolution2-0.org site itself, comment, subscribe, and encourage others to subscribe with you. Each One Reach One will help spread the word about Revolution 2.0™.
Will Luden, coming to you from 7,200’ in Colorado Springs.
The core, driving principles at Revolution 2.0, are:
1. Personal Responsibility. Take it, teach it.
2. Be Your Brother’s Keeper. Taking care of our brothers and sisters.
If we apply those two core principles simultaneously, we will inevitably be on the right path.
- Ending Gun Violence: Punish The Criminals (EP. 405) - July 15, 2022
- How To Get Good Government: The Formula (EP. 404) - July 1, 2022
- The Candy Bomber Lives: Is It You? (EP. 403) - June 24, 2022
41 Responses
The God of Christianity and the God of Islam are not the same, Will. Christians believe the Bible where it states that God is one and exists in three persons, God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. Islam does not recognize Jesus as God.
Also, Christians believe the verse that says “God is Love.” In Christianity God is, before anything else, the Father. His love transcends His justice. In the Koran, Fear of God becomes the essential motive principle for virtuous conduct. The Koran’s God is, before anything else, a strict judge. He will forgive none but those who believe in Him and obey his commandments. Thus the God of Islam loves only the strictly pious.
I rarely disagree with you on anything, Will, but couldn’t let this pass.
Jim, your thoughts are always well written and always welcome. Remember, if two people agree on everything, perhaps one of them is unnecessary…:) ). Cheeers, Will
Will – I have to respectfully disagree with you; in order to take your position you have to not accept the errancy of the bible – Jesus was clear when he said in John 14:6, ” I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. Jesus died for everyone Jews and Gentiles ( us ). I participate in an organization “MentorUp” we spend time with boys without fathers – at least before this COVID -19 – once a week fed them dinner – engage in sports and then provide a 1/2 hour bible study – – I will email a copy of a study I presented to the boys when one asked the question is Jesus the only way to heaven. Take Care – by the way I finally retired at the young age of 78. Tom
Tom, I understand the theology, and appreciate that you and so many believe in it deeply and with great conviction. I just don’t know what to do with the majority of people on this earth, today, yesterday and in the future, who either by choice or accident do not share having Jesus as their Savior as you and I do. Cheers, Will P. S. Congratulations! whl
Enjoyed every bit of your post.Thanks Again. Much obliged.
It’s genuinely very difficult in this busy life to listen newson Television, thus I just use internet for that purpose,and obtain the most up-to-date information.
I appreciate the manner you have concluded this article …
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate yourefforts and I am waiiting for your furthedr write ups thnank you onceagain.
I cannot thank you enough for the article.Really thank you! Will read on…
Social network traffic Facebook likes Twitter Followers Instagram Followers and much more
Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact usedto be a enjoyment account it. Glance advanced to more delivered agreeable from you!However, how can we be in contact?
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate your efforts and I amwaiting for your further post thank you once again.
Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better!Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate!He always kept chatting about this. I will forward thispost to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
Heya i’m for the primary time here. I found this board and I to find It truly helpful & it helped me out much. I hope to provide one thing back and aid others like you aided me.
is bactrim a strong antibiotic Trimethoprim side effects
Display screen sharing with more excellent: this isamongDiscord Free Accounts 2021 Discord Account And Passwordfree discord accounts
benefits of fosamaxfosamax dental side effects
I cannot thank you enough for the post.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on…
I am not sure where you’re getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for great information I was looking for this information for my mission.
Do you have any video of that? I’d love to find out someadditional information.
A motivating discussion is definitely worth comment. I do believe that you ought to write more about this topic, it might not be a taboo matter but typically folks don’t discuss these subjects. To the next! Cheers!
Muchos Gracias for your article.Much thanks again. Really Cool.
I am so grateful for your article post.Much thanks again.
A big thank you for your article post.Thanks Again. Awesome.
Really informative post.Thanks Again. Much obliged.
Hey, thanks for the article.Really thank you! Much obliged.
Thanks a lot for the article post.Really thank you! Will read on…
Really enjoyed this post.Thanks Again. Really Cool.
I really like and appreciate your article post.Thanks Again. Really Cool.
Thanks again for the article post.Really thank you! Really Great.
Hi there, I enjoy reading through your article post.I like to write a little comment to EngageX Male Enhancement Support you.
Thanks so much for the article post.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
Im grateful for the article.Really thank you! Cool.
An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I believe that you ought to write more about this topic, it may not be a taboo matter but usually people don’t speak about such issues. To the next! Kind regards!!
I appreciate you sharing this article post. Awesome.
Hey, thanks for the post.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
I think this is a real great post. Really Great.
You mentioned this terrifically. canada pharmacies/account
sage pointe apartments eastview apartments apartments in saginaw tx
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching formake money
I am so grateful for your article post. Awesome.