Why can it not be both spirituality and physicality? We have been taught that God is a charitable runner, and we are nothing more than receivers and beggars of that charity. We have been fed this misinformation for eons, accepting it unquestioningly, often manipulated politically, particularly when following extreme religious rhetoric or the politics of group belonging.
Let’s start by considering ourselves as physical parts of a complete spiritual picture. As physical beings, we possess significantly more brainpower compared to other creatures of similar size, with the potential for further growth. The question arises: why? Upon closer inspection, several reasons come to mind.
The first reason, not only factual but an undeniable reality, is that we have been, are, and will continue to evolve until we reach our potential. Since we are continually learning new things every day, it is indisputable that, as humans, we are still in the process of evolution. Now, the main question is: evolving to what and to whom? This leads to even more questions. If that is the case, then why and by whom? Why have we been or are still unable to use our full brainpower? If we are constantly learning new things, it’s a clear sign that we are not utilizing the full capacity of our brainpower, so where does our ignorance stem from? Why do we perpetually fight and kill each other over our knowledge? Why do genetically similar individuals create, break, follow, or question all sorts of rules? Why do God and the politics of group belonging affect people differently? Could it be due to undiscovered genetic differences or is it related to acquired education? How far have we come and how much further do we have to go to reach our potential? Would we ever cease fighting or killing each other over our differences even after reaching our potential?
Despite our desires, our inability to know everything can be frustrating, but fortunately, spirituality can simplify things for us as individuals while we are still in the process of evolution. However, unfortunately, we begin to use ego-driven assumptions to fill the gap, which interestingly arise from the politics of group belonging. Therefore, it would be an assumption to say that with evolution, we will become peace-loving people.
Speaking egotistically, passionately, and forcefully about God is not new and, to me, it has not been, is not, and will never be synonymous with spirituality because it is connected to our physical emotions, such as loyalty to our groups. Even if these emotions originate from thoughts, human emotions are uniquely blended and attached to the physical or animalistic side of our bodies. Since the body is emotionally connected to the politics of group belonging, we not only strive to instill our knowledge within our group but also try to spread it to opposing and confronting groups.
Religions and democracies are no exception. We tend to believe that our religious texts and constitutions are unquestionably paramount for human welfare. We have attempted to recruit and sometimes forcibly coerce others to join our groups. Even our religions actively send missionaries to convert others to our belief systems with strings attached. Our religions openly declare that we will be rewarded by God in heaven if we convert others to our faith. Considering that our knowledge has been, is, and will always be evolving, we as individuals and groups should be adaptable to change.
When faced with unresolved knowledge-related issues, we usually resort to relying on thousands-of-years-old religious texts with a wide variety of interpretations. We fight to maintain or alter our centuries-old imperfect constitutions as guidelines, regardless of how modern our problems are. If we cannot find answers, we fabricate them along the way and passionately enforce them.
Logically, if you have computer or internet-related problems, you seek someone knowledgeable about computers. If you end up going to a mullah or priest, they may not have solutions to your problems but they will egotistically claim that it’s not a path of God, thus questionable and incorrect. If you still decide to seek solutions from the past, you may not evolve or keep pace with the demands of the times. It would be akin to riding a horse and buggy in today’s cities. While it may seem charming as a vintage novelty or environmentally friendly, it certainly isn’t faster than a car, making it less competitive or efficient in saving time. In today’s world, there are likely people who would oppose using animals for transportation as well. The point being, we have always had and will continue to have differences of opinion. An old story comes to mind, and since it is old, I cannot tell you who the author is. It goes:
“A man thinks, as he enters the mosque, ‘If I drive a nail into the ground, those who come with their horses can tie them up while they spend time in the mosque without worrying about them.’ So, he drives a sufficiently large nail into the ground. Yet another man sees this and says, ‘What a foolish idea! Someone could trip over it and get hurt.’ So he removes it. Now, the question arises: who is right? Our history is full of such incidents. It’s not about being right or wrong; it’s about their intentions. Therefore, let’s cut each other some slack and learn to discuss the reasoning behind our actions. If we can discuss good intentions, we are less likely to fight over them.
If we do not evolve with time, we are left behind, quite literally. We cannot aid humanity’s progress, explore space, produce life-saving medicines, donate blood, or terminate an unhealthy fetus that could eventually threaten the mother’s life. From horses to horse-drawn carriages, from cars to planes, and from space stations onward, none of this has occurred due to adhering to our past education. It’s all because of our liberalism, and most of our advances related to evolution have come from those who dared to challenge religious rules.
In the past, we had an average lifespan of thirty-eight years, for heaven’s sake! Consider it with an open mind and recognize the effects of our evolution. To some extent, we all have had and continue to exhibit some barbaric traits, so the job is not yet finished, but things are better than before. Beheading is no longer common, except for a few present-day examples, and humanity, for the most part, has evolved, and progress is being made. We can now grant or receive equal human rights, or at least, they are gaining popularity in all human societies.
Remember, we all have an individual need for spiritual well-being, which is why religions still exist in societies worldwide. Certainly, politics has complicated matters, but religions do speak about spirituality. As individuals, we have a desire to have a sip of spiritual intoxication, or in other words, godly inebriation. Whether the drink is a brand-name or not, it serves the purpose of intoxicating the individual, hence we are drawn to that high, and most often, our politically-laced religious drink is a brand-name.
Our problem lies in our inability to distinguish between a social drink of spirituality and the politically tainted intoxication of religious extremism. In reality, a social drink embodies spiritual fulfillment or intoxication, not the most advertised brand of it. With brand-name, politically-related intoxication, we create double standards for competing groups and become divisive. We become prejudiced and discriminatory towards each other and even towards those within the same religion who do not follow religious rules.
Consider this factual reality: we expect, and indeed have different standards for children and adults in our everyday social interactions, yet intriguingly, we place God and human individuals in the same category. I am all for granting children a reprieve so they are not penalized or treated like adults, but metaphorically equating God and a human individual does not sit well with me. Even I am guilty of this at times, using it to argue that we should take responsibility for our actions and acknowledge our place in the grand scheme of life.
We claim that God punishes and subjects people to a metaphorical living hell during their lifetime if they do not comply with religious rules, and even after death, non-believers or rule-breakers will be punished. If they worship only God, they will be rewarded. This is where I diverge from this philosophy for two reasons. First and foremost, no one can prove this with repeatable factual studies or video evidence. Second, if all of God’s work is already being done by individuals through their actions, why would God punish them? As human beings, we are already doing God’s work, so why would God punish us? To me, it simply does not make sense, other than to instill fear in the hearts of followers. Not only does this make life measurable for individuals, it also tarnishes God’s reputation, in my opinion. When we are weak, we seek strength from God; when we feel insecure, we seek security; and so on. The question is, why does God not show up for everyone? There are many who would testify that God did not show up when needed most. Does this mean I question God’s existence? Not at all. I am attempting to illustrate that God transcends human traits, and attempting to equate God with human characteristics is like trying to revert a fully-grown tree back into the seed from which it grew. While this may produce billions of seeds, it cannot revert to its original seed form.
We are taught that God is both vengeful and forgiving, just as human beings can be. We comprehend human life, but we assume too much about God, as if God were a human being. When it comes to human understanding, we will eventually recognize our place as well. Thus far, an advanced or higher form of life is beyond our comprehension, so we assume shamelessly and egotistically, to the point of becoming angry with one another over disagreements.
Assuming about God is not akin to understanding scientific facts; it’s more of a guess based on assumptions. Therefore, fighting or killing each other over assumptions is unfortunate and absurd. We simply can’t assume God has human traits. To me, seeds do not resemble a tree, just as a human cell does not resemble a human body. This is a scientifically proven fact.
Why do we assume that God is like a human being? Is it possible that humanity as a whole is God, and that humanity is evolving with the help of each individual, while each individual is evolving with humanity simultaneously? If we can move beyond the notion that God is somewhere out there in space, we might learn to value each human individual, seeing God in all of us regardless of our differences.
Through our evolution, we now understand that harsh punishments are barbaric and ineffective in the long run, especially with the increasing popularity of equal human rights today. The death penalty is being debated and has been removed from the justice systems of most civilized societies. Many Muslim societies no longer practice amputation for theft or stoning to death for extramarital sex. Why was it acceptable in the past but not in present times? This is what I call evolution. We do not develop larger heads with horns or grow wings; instead, we expand our knowledge and transform our world both externally and internally.
Now, the question arises: is this evolution a product of our spiritual imagination related to God, or are we physically assisting God’s evolution from an assumed barbaric entity? I firmly believe that both aspects, spiritual and physical, are inseparable. You may draw your own conclusions as an individual.
If you place God on a pedestal and consider yourself insignificant, you are following religious teachings. If you dismiss any entity beyond yourself, you are relying on assumptions that fail to acknowledge the reality that even your next breath is not entirely within your control, revealing an egotistical human behavior.
Today, our misguided perceptions are falling like dominoes. We no longer believe that every thunderclap signifies God’s anger, nor do we attribute natural disasters solely to divine punishment. We no longer believe the Earth is flat. Instead, we are utilizing scientific knowledge to explore space and other planets, and we are actively addressing environmental issues like global warming and ozone depletion. We are connecting the dots, learning about earthquakes, and constructing buildings according to seismic zones. We have, are, and will continue to pave the way for further human evolution in all fields as time progresses.
Regardless of whether people believe in God, somewhat believe, or don’t believe at all, we have the capacity to coexist in civilized societies. Information technology and the internet accelerate the spread of ideas, eventually eradicating prejudices and discrimination in cultures where they still linger. Equal rights are grounded in spiritual principles such as treating others as you wish to be treated or as you love yourself and your family.
I believe in God, not as a distant entity, but because I observe things unfolding and sustaining themselves without constant human intervention, especially when it comes to personal survival. We must approach life with curiosity and respect, not just for ourselves but for all life. To achieve this, we must act responsibly as spiritually evolved individuals, transcending the divisive politics of group identities.
Humanity is not a random occurrence but a complex entity, much like a coral reef where diversity exists within unity. If we fail to recognize ourselves in this context, we risk contributing to our own destruction. Humanity has been on this path for too long; it’s time to evolve to the next level.
Let’s examine life through the lens of mathematical and scientific accuracy and the intricacies of the living world around us. Personally, this points towards the existence of God. While it may not be as proven as scientific facts, we are constantly learning. Our knowledge is continually evolving, and whether through religion or science, wisdom is essential for navigating mortal life and creating balance in every aspect.
In my understanding, life encompasses several facets with a mortal nature, akin to overseeing various departments as a CEO—an individual responsibility.
As CEOs of our lives, we must discern whether a belief system meets our spiritual needs or provides emotional satisfaction. The essence of spirituality lies in nurturing our souls, fostering happiness and contentment, irrespective of our mortality or eventual end. To lead a fulfilled mortal life, we must seek diverse knowledge. While some may find satisfaction solely in scientific facts, it’s their prerogative. Yet, to me, fulfillment spans across multiple domains, enriching the vastness of human existence. Focusing exclusively on one aspect while neglecting others leads to a life akin to a department head rather than that of a CEO—devoid of fulfillment, happiness, or discontent.
Endowed with free will, our differences in choices are rights. Those who seek rights for themselves must, by default, extend the same to others. Regrettably, human societies have yet to universally embrace this principle. Persistent issues like racial, gender, national, religious biases, even in the age of the internet, attest to our struggle against prejudice and discriminatory politics.
Choosing to live a life devoid of satisfaction is a personal choice, a gift we each possess—to live as we see fit. Personally, I prefer to keep an open mind, finding spiritual fulfillment in believing in God while also embracing the paths illuminated by scientific facts, ensuring I lack nothing in any area of my life by choice.
Consider this: Today, we scientifically understand how plants grow and defend themselves with chemicals against pests—a survival strategy. While scientifically enhancing plant yield through genetic modification may seem economically prudent, its long-term implications warrant scrutiny. This dilemma echoes the proverbial “nail in front of the mosque.”
Similarly, in medicine, practices evolve—mercury, once a prescribed remedy, is now recognized as a lethal poison. Despite advancements, prescription drugs, touted for their scientific rigor, come with significant side effects, contributing to overdose fatalities—a dual-edged sword akin to the mosque’s nail, depending on perspective.
My stance is clear: Whether rooted in science or belief systems, we must assess our practices’ long-term impacts. I hold human knowledge in high regard but challenge the hubris of those claiming omniscience based on assumptions.
Extreme adherence to belief systems historically correlates with unquantifiable casualties—a lesson mirrored in our evolving scientific understanding. Despite meticulous research, the toll of extreme beliefs persists, from war machinery to drug interactions—a soLet’s refrain from delving too deeply into the vast cosmos and instead focus on the intricacies of the human individual’s inner space—a realm housing ten trillion cells and a hundred trillion bacteria, both beneficial and harmful. Do we exert complete control over this microcosm? If so, why do illness and mortality persist? Clearly, we are still in the process of understanding. Should we then presume to possess all-encompassing knowledge to assert control or confirm the existence of God? Do we truly grasp the extent of what there is to know? It appears that both extremes passionately claim omniscience, a debate as old as our awareness itself. Despite our accumulated knowledge, awareness, and progress, we remain unable to fully comprehend ourselves enough to cease the unnecessary violence over our uncertainties.
Taking a critical look at ourselves not only aids in grasping the realities of mortal life but also guides us in exploring the benefits of faith. Embracing spirituality not bound by political agendas opens pathways to appreciating the significance of all facets of life.
Our existence transcends mere adherence to religious doctrines; it necessitates an understanding of their purpose. Living in the present requires us to integrate scientific knowledge responsibly. Beyond false confidence and inflated self-esteem, true understanding demands ego-free functioning. This approach fosters a broader comprehension of humanity beyond religion, nationalism, science, and technology, helping us understand why individuals commit acts of violence that rob others of their loved ones.
Understanding that as humans, we do not function in isolation but rather as a blend of physicality and spirituality is crucial. We are unique entities—neither purely animal nor spirit—imbued with free will, a personal sense of justice, and compassion.
Human life, however, remains shrouded in mysteries; our imagination, integral as oxygen, fuels our evolution. Many of our breakthroughs across various fields stem from imaginative leaps, manifesting in tangible realities through our collective efforts. Yet, the simplicity of this process belies its complexities, potentially exacerbating personal emotional issues. Our thought processes hinge not only on internal and external influences but also on maintaining equilibrium—an aspect beyond our control.
Achieving internal and external harmony is paramount for our survival. The slightest imbalance can compromise our well-being and, at times, our very lives. Given our free will, we often succumb to self-destructive tendencies fueled by our powerful yet presumptuous ignorance.
This ignorance impedes our ability to comprehend all the elements at play, including our own place in the broader scheme of life. Acknowledging our incomplete understanding across all facets of life may pose spiritual challenges, yet accepting our imperfection can alleviate the stress of daily existence.
Logically, a divine hand operating in silence necessitates human intervention. Spiritual elements, including thoughts, remain ineffectual until humans translate them into physical actions—a fact underscored by everyday living, including modern practices.
Consider this analogy: If you engage in charitable endeavors without profit, expanding beyond your personal capacity necessitates enlisting assistance. What role should those you hire play? Clearly, their duty lies in aiding the charitable cause, not merely appeasing you. Similarly, God administers the world like a charity, devoid of profit-seeking motives, instead focusing on answering and fulfilling prayers. However, achieving this requires both physical and spiritual actions, as a purely spiritual entity lacks the ability to perform physical tasks consistently—relying solely on miracles.
Contrary to human societal norms where ass-kissing may yield benefits, such tactics hold no sway in the spiritual realm. Our assumptions, particularly regarding God’s thoughts mirroring human behaviors, fall short. Similarly, the assumption that God necessitates flattery is flawed.
Considering that God provides circumstances for life and sustenance, we must question why. This query is directed not at non-believers but at devout adherents who fervently worship yet undervalue action-based spirituality.
Each of us lives due to circumstances beyond personal control, suggesting a purpose. To me, that purpose transcends servility or bribery; it signifies a mutual partnership based on reciprocal action—fundamental to spiritual obligations. The origin, purpose, and role of prayer and worship remain questions worth discussing with religious leaders. Rituals common across organized religions serve to unify like-minded individuals, showcasing group strength and fostering cohesion, sometimes at the expense of individual autonomy.
Being compassionate toward others isn’t confined to religious doctrine; it’s a universal responsibility, regardless of belief.
So, where do concepts like heaven and hell fit in? Do we still view ourselves as trainable creatures akin to pets, necessitating a carrot-and-stick approach? Why haven’t we evolved to self-regulate, embracing spiritual rules like the Golden Rule or empathy instead of imposing our views on others? Are we so indoctrinated that we consider ourselves sinners, warranting heaven’s greed or hell’s fear to maintain order?
Genetic predisposition shapes us, yet education further influences our actions. Individual health, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects, dictates our capabilities and limitations.
Life’s circumstances determine whether we queue at soup kitchens or ascend to CEO positions, shaped by the aforementioned factors. Most of us reside somewhere in the middle, capable of influencing our daily lives. However, belittling oneself by relinquishing personal responsibility makes one susceptible to political manipulation.
If physically capable, one shouldn’t merely seek sustenance or engage in repetitive worship. Reciprocity is every individual’s responsibility. I do not aim to disparage beliefs or undermine human predicaments. Rather, I present a viewpoint shared by many, albeit expressed differently. Patience and understanding are essential as I articulate my perspective.
I advocate for reciprocal responsibility as equal partners with God. Consider this: In a partnership where one partner fails to contribute, would you remain subservient indefinitely? Reflect on this query, examining your beliefs and relationship with God earnestly. If you worship and pray as prescribed, while also reciprocating, it’s your prerogative. However, relying on worship and prayer alone, expecting divine and human intervention, denotes spiritual deficiency. Despite possessing physical abilities, expecting others, including God, to shoulder your burden reflects a misguided strategy ingrained through societal conditioning.
You may seem successful in material pursuits, but spiritual fulfillment transcends tangible gains. Knowing oneself holistically—physically, mentally, and spiritually—enhances overall well-being, essential given our mortal nature. Whether or not you acknowledge a divine presence, understanding your internal essence is paramount. Neglecting this awareness jeopardizes personal satisfaction and contentment, overriding superficial pursuits.
God, like government or the human body’s cells, possesses the power to aid individuals, drawing strength from them as well. Therefore, never underestimate your significance in the grand tapestry of life.bering reminder of our collective fallibility.
Gazing into space, our ability to prevent celestial catastrophes illustrates our limited control. Who sustains Earth as a living planet if not us? Certainly not through our flawed understanding, potentially exacerbating global warming via fossil fuel use. Our living planet isn’t a capricious cosmic trick but a testament to our incomplete knowledge, urging us to evolve.
Should one give a different name to God? Sure, it can be done, but the facts remain the same. Since our actions shape even the character of God for us, we should delve deeper into ourselves to grasp God’s essence. Does this imply that God possesses human traits? This question has persisted, persists, and will endure until we evolve to our fullest potential. For now, we are in a phase of evolution, needing godly attributes to advance as enlightened beings.
Let’s initiate this understanding by acknowledging the politics surrounding our sense of belonging to various groups. Our actions are so influenced that we even use politics to justify our insecurities linked to devilish behaviors. From acceptance to denial and back to acceptance, this cycle has persisted since we became aware that events don’t revolve exclusively around us. This spiritual applause resounds chiefly for individuals, as they grapple with self-awareness within life’s grand scheme.
The politics of belonging has governed us individually, profoundly impacting our actions. Regardless of our personal political beliefs, we must recognize that collectively, we serve as both a living tool for God and the Devil. Therefore, scrutinizing our group politics before acting becomes imperative for personal comfort.
As mentioned earlier, our sense of belonging’s political dimension is potent enough to sway individuals into sacrificing comfort or even life knowingly. To me, it all ties back to the strength or weakness of an individual’s personal belief system. True belief in God enables one to perceive their own worth. Recognizing this worth allows us to ascend the metaphorical ladder, forging not merely a communal but a personal connection with God.
By connecting these dots, one discovers that God relies directly on individuals to carry out His spiritual work. Realizing this should bolster self-respect, fostering comfort in one’s own skin.
Governments and religions, as ruling bodies, cannot allow this realization to take root. If individuals feel weak or vulnerable, they seek solace in community, fostering unwavering loyalty to nation and religion. This interdependency hinges on pure political power, safeguarding the group. This spiritual injustice often goes unexamined, assuming that individual empowerment threatens group stability, prompting sacrifices of individual rights.
Politically sound yet spiritually unjust, injustice persists whether between groups or between individuals and groups. Politics pertain to the animal side of human nature, connecting insecurities with group strength, while our spiritual side establishes direct, individual links with God. It’s not just about love or obedience to God; it’s about fairness to both God and oneself. Utilizing all our faculties entails recognizing our essence as humans. Understanding our humanity is an individual task, though group politics often dictate conformity and control.
Our groups are inherently political; whether nationalist or religious, they harbor covert political agendas. Hence, in traditional religions, direct access to God eludes the individual. Purity is demanded even before prayer, as if humanity were unworthy of God’s attention. To me, if God cannot aid His people without human intermediaries, then equal respect for individuals is warranted. Why must organized religions rely on intermediaries? This setup resembles a kingdom where the commoners cannot approach the king directly.
Group politics taint spirituality, preventing religions from attaining purity. Consequently, they fail to eradicate prejudice and discrimination, despite professing to lead to God. Such biases not only pit groups against each other but also breed internal discord. History abounds with religious conflicts; within Christianity and Islam, sects have waged wars spanning centuries. Ironically, adherents of the same faith often display greater fervor against each other than against outsiders.
If one is told that God favors some over others—bluntly or otherwise—it implies exclusion. According to exclusive religions, God ceases to be a spiritual entity, becoming a political figure. When individuals acquire the knowledge to distinguish between politics and spirituality, they enter a rational, yet authentic, spiritual paradigm, exposing the political biases plaguing religions. Only then can religions shed prejudice and discrimination.
Individual frailty and communal strength interplay, perpetuating bias and discrimination. Humanity remains divided by race, gender, religion, and nationality, all driven by security politics. Is this pursuit cloaked in the guise of peace? Each of us must reflect before seeking God’s path, for blending political differences with God disrupts tranquility. Humanity has not achieved unity in two millennia, and current global affairs suggest another two millennia may pass before true harmony is achieved.
Politics are essential for communities, but our true path lies in evolution beyond community-mindedness. This transformation begins by embracing a spiritual journey over a political one, arming ourselves with hope and optimism. Such spiritual fortitude enables us to navigate life’s challenges without succumbing. A weak individual seeks security within nations and religions, hindering global unity; mortals find no security save through spiritual strength.
Educational foundations of political religions evolve into teachings of arrogance, ignorance, prejudice, and discrimination. They preach God’s omnipotence while branding human individuals as inherently sinful or insignificant. They proclaim humanity’s need for God, yet overlook that God needs humanity as much as our bodies need cells to function and thrive. Though individuals may seem insignificant, our bodies, born of cells, cease without replication.
Spirituality cannot resonate without merging with physicality; the bond between God and human transcends all man-made political systems. This spiritual resonance lacks meaning without human embodiment—the conduit for this bond. Disregard this, and the entire belief system collapses. Religious beliefs, perched precariously, are prodded by human insecurities and control desires, undermining logic.
Prayer, fasting, and charitable acts offer spiritual solace, but their true value lies in their impact on others. Are these actions genuine or driven by the desire to fit in or garner admiration? If so, it presumes to deceive God, yet self-examination reveals God dwells within, inseparable.
Your actions and sacrifices, swayed by the politics of belonging, may portray God as an external entity. Yet, ask how God knows your deepest secrets? The answer lies within; God resides within each individual, else guilt would not afflict us. As you peer through godly eyes, avoid inner turmoil; regulate your life without need for carrot-and-stick philosophy. For those who reach this juncture, heaven’s allure or hell’s fear holds no sway.
Our religions have endeavored to guide human beings purely as spiritual entities, attempting in vain to suppress our animalistic side. As an individual, you are inherently human, so living authentically means embracing rather than suppressing your animal nature, fostering inner harmony. Being torn apart internally is a place no one should reside. It’s a battle you cannot win; for millions of years, despite strict rules and religious doctrines of reward and punishment, this inner conflict persists. Our animal side holds considerable power due to its inherent legitimacy. If not approached with respect, personal suffering invariably follows.
This interplay of spirituality and physicality underscores the quest for inner peace. To achieve this, one must understand their animal side beyond religious teachings. Your peaceful existence matters more than your preacher might realize.
As mentioned, your animal side holds critical cards, but it cannot thrive without the spiritual side. Spirituality, in turn, needs a physical vessel—the domain of the animal side. For human beings, it’s not a choice between one or the other but finding a balance between both. This equilibrium defines our relationship with ourselves, with God, and how we navigate the world until our last days. What happens after death remains uncertain, making it imperative to grasp your nature and take responsibility as a human being—not merely as a spirit or an animal.
One certainty is that to manifest spiritual ideals, one must be alive and physically active. Speculating about heaven or hell is futile; arguing, fighting, or killing over it is plainly misguided.
Achieving this personal understanding and recognizing your inherent value are essential. Once you comprehend deeply that you are a part of the Almighty, spiritual strength can balance every aspect of your life. Rather than hiding behind divine or devilish attributions for personal failings, you’ll confront the politics of group identity with free will and personal justice, finding comfort in your mortal existence.
Failing to transcend the politics of belonging stems from underdeveloped personal identity. Embrace your independent nature endowed with God-given free will, not merely shaped by external influences. Dig deep within to discover the human CEO whose umbilical cord was severed at birth—a symbol of our innate freedom and independence. To be a self-sufficient entity with free will, personal justice, and compassion is the gift we bring from birth.
Utilize these gifts during your mortal years; understanding reciprocal duty ensures you can’t falter. Heaven and hell are paradigms of reward and punishment; whether religious or not, your ability to self-regulate makes you accountable to God, people, and yourself.
(Read Love Triangle) Long ago, I wrote about the core of this love triangle—the animal and spiritual sides. Divided into three corners—passionate love, instinctive love, and universal love—it forms a triangle, each part creating the noise of the clap. The core represents animal and spirit. Birthed of love and encased in the love of our people, we each arrive in life. Today, we focus on this central triangle, where spirit and animal coexist in every human life. Both are sacred, together forming the spiritual and physical clap.
We’ve erred by condemning, controlling, and attempting to extinguish our animal side without acknowledging its importance. Silence without it renders us impotent and lifeless; a living, breathing human requires a physical body.
God, spirituality, and humanity require physical form to hold meaning. Without human action, both God’s work and human endeavors cease. Picture an aging body, where cells deteriorate faster than they renew—what future awaits? It’s inevitable; we grasp our mortality. Our towns lie deserted without people; value diminishes, akin to our body without new cells. Respect must permeate to the cellular level.
Physicality is as crucial as spirituality; debates or doctrines about life after death are inherently political. Religion or science, the living years of each individual matter most, for both personal and universal reasons.
Religious teachings preach submission, attributing actions to God or the Devil. However, as humans, our physical bodies empower us to carry out these actions. Without our input, both lose potency; physicality drives their impact. Human bodies execute the reality of good and evil, endowed with free will and the responsibility it brings. Choosing action means personal accountability—claiming God or the Devil made us act negates our free will, a notion dismissed in today’s legal system.
True, we possess physical bodies with needs; thus, spirituality alone cannot suffice. Survival necessitates eating, sometimes killing other animals. While some may view this as primitive or animalistic behavior to overcome, the reality remains. Our spiritual actions derive from a nourished body. Extremes—total spirituality or complete animalistic abandonment—are unsuitable for human beings.
Religious leaders set examples we aspire to emulate. Yet, advocating for the eradication of our animal selves in favor of evolution—through meditation or isolation—is daunting for ordinary individuals. Pursuing absolute silence may benefit individuals but remains inadequate for society. Life offers a symphony score; each note and silence demands a response. Silence at your turn leaves your sheet blank, a void. As humans, we cannot abide; our physical voice gives meaning to the soul’s music. Silence isn’t for you; it isn’t your divine purpose. Speak when notes play; be silent when they rest.
Your voice shapes the spiritual clap, sustaining the world. Reciprocate through practical actions—work, reproduction—ensuring God’s body thrives. Does this contradict prophets? Not at all; they facilitated our transition from savage to social beings. Their task complete, our responsibility now is to advance further, not regress. Our era demands we uphold equal rights, combat climate change, embrace technology, and foster emotional well-being.
Today, we must transcend the politics of identity, overcoming prejudice and discrimination to embrace humanity as a whole. Finding balance between our spiritual and animal sides is a personal journey, requiring wisdom. Remaining silent allows others to control us politically, not spiritually.
Humanity’s struggle lies in extremes; if leaders empathized with ordinary individuals instead of expecting conformity, fewer would feel torn and driven to extremes.
Consider scandals involving pedophilia and priests—attributed to religious extremism—committed by ordinary, conflicted individuals. Blaming external forces masks personal failings and shirks individual responsibility.
Regardless of religious affiliation, we must discern right from wrong. Remarkably, societal norms evolve, turning past wrongs into rights and vice versa. Examples abound—from LGBTQ+ rights to medical advancements like blood transfusions and stem cell research.
Are you committed to universal human rights? If not, clinging to outdated solutions for current issues leads to stagnation. Dwelling in the past risks encountering unpleasant truths. Prejudice and discrimination are ingrained in our history, even within religions despite their spiritual teachings. If you question but still adhere to exclusive religious practices, believing superiority through affiliation, there’s room to evolve. Embrace spiritual basics: treat others as you wish to be treated; empathize rather than prescribe.
If your religious leader insists you can’t reach God without their intercession—be it mullah, priest, or rabbi—they perpetuate prejudice and discrimination, dividing believers and nonbelievers alike. Nationalism and religion founded on prejudice undermine equal human rights.
Any ideology—ism, democracy, or religious doctrine—that treats people unequally is inherently political. In politics, this may be accepted or preached; spiritually, it’s a crime to feel or assert superiority.
We all enter life similarly—birthed without choice into any group, living, eating, falling ill, and dying alike. If your group asserts divine endorsement for their beliefs and actions, yet our human experiences—apart from beliefs—remain universal, question why.
From physicality and spirituality to genetic makeup and inherent identity, all human beings are fundamentally the same. While our attributes—names, genders, colors, places of birth, communities, nations, religions, and education—are emphasized, our shared humanity should prevail.
Birth and death mark our identities; life is the journey in between. Despite education fostering prejudice and discrimination, evolving and questioning remain personal duties.
Your prejudice or discrimination isn’t solely due to politics of belonging; it reflects your choices, shaped by free will and personal justice. Children are excused; adults who yield free will to group politics bear responsibility for their actions and beliefs.
Irrespective of politics or religion, living as a human being is an individual responsibility. Neither purely animal nor purely spiritual, but as a human—evolving, compassionate, forgiving, and inclusive.
Challenge mass influence; balance actions with the two spiritual rules mentioned earlier to manifest true harmony.