I’ve written several times about my spiritual journey. I’ve unlocked my belief in God and in doing so felt his love. I’ve done this through a Christian fellowship and studying the Bible, which is a work in progress. Through the pastor’s teachings, our fellowship discussions, and reading the text, I’m learning a lot. I’m also experiencing a deeper sense of peace then I’ve ever felt before.
This past week, when I was traveling in Korea, I experienced strong temptations. Business travel has always been a time when I am my worst self. Away from those that I love, I allow myself to succumb to false needs and feed my addictions. Due to CoVID, I travelled less. I began to take care of myself in new ways, including this spiritual journey. A journey that has brought more love into my life than I ever believed possible. This trip to Korea turned out to be a test of my progress. Not a test from God, I’ve learned he doesn’t work that way, but a test from myself (I’ve yet to fully embrace the concept of a Devil and feel more comfortable to take personal ownership for my willful sins).
Knowing my history. Knowing my addictions. I knew that I would face at least some temptation. I knew that I was entering a risky situation. With me I brought my Bible (or more accurately I brought my phone on which to read my Bible – not a bad deal as its always on hand). I’d recently finished reading Luke and during the flight I continued on to Acts. It was a relatively easy, straightforward read. I can’t say that I had any big revelations per se, but I did feel positive about continuing with my spiritual learning journey.
Acts outlines the beginnings of the Christian church. How the faith was disseminated. How it was opposed. The opposition made sense to me. People are afraid of change. Fear is the enemy of curiosity. This is as true today as it was back then. It takes courage to be a seeker. I started to wonder about the different religions and how they can be made sense of in respect to each other. I’m not anywhere near qualified enough to understand let alone speak to this topic, but I felt a sudden spark to explore this question. After all, there are people in my life that are deeply faithful in belief systems other then Christianity. Mrs. Monty is Buddhist. Am I to believe that I know better than her and that her belief is “wrong”? Some argue this. Some do so from a kind and generous heart and wanting to spread the faith they feel deeply for. Others seem to do it out of self-interest – seeking power and operating from a heart hardened by fear.
One thing I know is that I don’t know. I’m inclined to believe in a God that presents himself to different people in different ways in an effort to reach us and show us a path toward him. To help us find our way away from suffering and toward enlightenment; toward peace and love. I do think there are religions that are probably outright wrong and creations by humans for self-interested reasons. There are certainty also interpretations of religions that are warped by our human fallibilities. We see this in Christianity as much as any other religion. There are distortions in how the Bible is translated. There are those that selectively choose passages that support their worldview and ignore all those that don’t. Being a flawed human myself, it’s easy for me to recognize this.
So what’s true? Is there even ‘one absolute truth’. Can different religions co-exist? How about science vs. religion. Are they irrevocably in conflict or is there a fundamental truth that, if we fully understood, would resolve the apparent contradictions?
I tend to believe there is a single truth, but there is no single understanding of that truth. In fact, there are as many understanding as there are creatures contemplating the truth.
For me the truth is a direction to move toward, not a destination. By staying curious, open-minded, seeking; I do not undermine my faith but rather strengthen it. I know this from experience. The more I seek, the closer to God I feel. With this in mind, I’m now reading an introductory text to Buddhism. Not to test my faith in Jesus, but to deepen my understanding of faith (and Mrs. Monty too!). So far I’m finding the Buddhist principles quite comparable with Jesus’ teachings. The details may be a bit different, but the messages are quite similar. I’ll hold my thoughts on this till when I’ve read and understood more, but I’m quite happy with my decision to take up this study. As in doing so I’m walking toward the truth and into God’s arms.
Be well,
Monty
Monty’s Blahg 
“I tend to believe there is a single truth, but there is no single understanding of that truth. In fact, there are as many understanding as there are creatures contemplating the truth.” You are spot on here Monty!
I’m Roman Catholic and I openly admit my church is the worst religion for believing our way is the only way. I don’t embrace that belief at all. Fundamentally, all religions share the same basic beliefs. Why can’t we focus on our similarities instead of our differences? I suppose if we could all let go of our need to be right, the world would be a better place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My mom is also Roman Catholic and shares your same view so there is hope! Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts back!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Monty, I converted to Roman Catholic when I married Sparky… I was brought up Protestant and my view of Christianity is very similar to yours – We are many parts of one body. The similarities outweigh the differences and though there are lots of religions, there is one Love. I think your approach is a good one and learning about other faiths can only strengthen relationships and solidify the connections between faiths and people!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I believe so too and I’m enjoying the seeking process!
LikeLike
I enjoyed your reflection, Monty. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much 😊
LikeLike