Happy Easter to everyone.
Last week [Msg-2-Mar-2016] I
opened the message with: “Over the years
of writing these messages, I have received many comments, criticisms and
questions about Jesus, the Bible and the role of Christian dogma as the root of
a good spiritual path. What does A Course in Miracles (ACIM), old-timers in
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), as well as my own resurrection from the death of
alcoholism have to say about the formal Christian story? As we approach Palm
Sunday, followed by Good Friday/Easter, I think it is time to share some of my
thoughts on these topics – based on my experiential faith / knowledge.”
This week’s message continues that discussion.
Easter, to Christians, is the
celebration of the resurrection of Jesus following his crucifixion several days
earlier. I want to discuss with you some of ACIM’s understandings of the
Resurrection, Jesus, the Christ, and Atonement. Much of the source material for
the following is from the “Glossary of Terms from A Course In Miracles,” Robert
Perry, Circle Publishing, 2005.
Resurrection: As
opposed to the biblical interpretation that the resurrection was the raising of
Jesus body, proving that he was divine, ACIM states that it was not proof of
Jesus’ divine status but rather a demonstration of a general truth: that life
cannot be destroyed and indeed is the only reality. [T-3,I.7:6-7]. Over and
over again the Course mentions there is no death. Consequently, the
resurrection of Jesus referred to the reawakening of his own mind to the
reality of Love and the vision of the Holy Spirit rather than the revivification
of his physical body. The resurrection also refers to “…the rising of the mind and of the entire Sonship (all of
humanity) from the ego’s dream of death
to the awareness of eternal life, from insanity to perfectly healed perception.”
Jesus: All
of humanity, including Jesus of Nazareth, is, collectively, the Son of God.
However, according to ACIM, Jesus was the first to perfectly complete his part
in the plan for salvation, and so become the leader in that plan and the
manifestation of the Holy Spirit. As part of this function, he authored A
Course In Miracles [M-23.7:1] Since we
believe we are still real people in
this material, real world, “…he is
now the living presence in all minds and works to bring us to the realization
of the homecoming that has already occurred.”
Christ: Christian
dogma teaches us that Christ is the risen Jesus, the Son of God. ACIM states,
however, that all of created humankind is His One Son – Our true identity and
the single Self that is shared by all. Jesus was the first to see with the
vision of the Holy Spirit and to remember the truth about our shared identity
in Christ. I, as well as many spiritual traditions, have stated: “I am not a
body with an eternal soul. I am an already-loved eternal spirit currently
having a human experience. I just need to awaken to that reality.”
Atonement: Biblical
texts refer to Atonement as the wiping away of sins by payment for them.
Specifically, Jesus paid for all the sins of humanity on the cross. The Course
announces that sins are wiped away by the realization that they were not real in the first place, and the rift
with God never happened. As a result, ACIM tells us that Atonement is said to undo errors (rather than sins), correct perception (rather than the corruption of one’s soul), and cancel out past errors (rather than pay
for them.)… Put simply, “Atonement…enables you to realize that your errors
never really occurred.” [T-2.I.4:4] It wipes away what stands between us and
God with knowledge that nothing
stands between us and God.
Bottomline: The Christ – that is within us all, that unifies
us all, that operates only in the reality of Love is the
Christ that has made Himself very real to me In AA, and I was resurrected and transformed.
That same Christ made Himself real to Jesus’ early followers and they, too,
were transformed. Beyond that experiential Truth, all the remaining biblical
and theological discourses pale in comparison. I know He is a living presence
in my life.
There are questions about whose
Gospel version is closer to the truth. There are questions about whether the
Gospel accounts are truly historical accounts. Did He really conquer death? Did
Thomas really touch Him? All these kinds of questions really don’t matter
unless you have not had a life-changing encounter with Him. What He has taught
me is that there is no death – except the death of that perceived illusionary
world I think is real: the world of duality, lack, gain/loss, win/lose,
right/wrong. Those perceptions in me must die but Felix (my ego) will fight to
keep those perceptions alive – he will not go quietly into the night.
As I stated last week: The
Christ of Faith and the Holy Spirit (called The Voice For God in ACIM) are
still alive and well and will transform your life as soon as you willingly ask.
This, however, is not a once-and-done
kind of thing. It’s a daily process of choosing to see events, people and
situations differently and asking the Holy Spirit to make it so. It is just
like my recovery from alcoholism. It is a “one-day-at-a-time” kind of process.
To crucify Jesus all over again
I only need to cloud the face of Christ in someone I meet by not recognizing
that the person in front of me is simply a mirror of my perception. The Hindus
convey the same idea with their “NAMASTE” greeting (The God in me recognizes the God in you), as does the ancient Mayan
greeting “IN LAKECH” (You are but another
me). When I cannot envision the face of Christ in someone, it is always
because my faulty perception has interfered and blurred the image. However, I
cannot will myself to be Christ-centered. I can only be open and willing to see
with the vision of the Holy Spirit rather than with my eyes of sight. The Voice
for God will provide me with that vision – that new perception.
As stated in ACIM in Chapter 26,
Section IX: “Is it too much to ask a
little trust for [that someone in front of you] who carries Christ to you, that you may be forgiven all your sins,
and left without a single one you cherish still? Forget not that a shadow held
between your brother and yourself obscures the face of Christ and memory of God.”
[T: 26, IX, 2:1-2]]
Although these messages are mostly for me,
thanks for listening. As always – feel free to forward this message to your
friends, family, and those accompanying you on your spiritual journey.
Don
#3 Mar 2016
Copyright 2016
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