I am involved in several social groups for ministers, spiritual seekers, and such. Recently in one such group an interesting paradox occurred. . .
A member in one of the groups stated the perspective, his perspective, that homosexuality is unnatural. Let me backup one bit by saying that Bishop Carlton Pearson posted in this group a statement in relation to his upcoming video log where he would address both celibacy and eventually homosexuality.
His comment was,
“Celibacy is neither natural nor normal! Humans are not wired for it, long term and barely short. To impose it on people who feel called to ministry, straight or gay, is irresponsible, outdated and unnecessary. So far it hasn't worked overall and I don't expect it will or even should. Obviously it has and continues to create huge problems within the Catholic church and has caused painful experiences of abuse for both victims and perpetrators. It seems to me, both insane and obscene, to continue the practice. The present circumstances related to abuse within the priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church, insist it should reconsider its position on celibacy and its effect upon, or aversion to, effective ministry and service to the people and purpose to which it is called. Join me tomorrow night 8:30 - 9:30 CST when I will address sexuality and spirituality in the church. Go to bishoppearson.com for Streaming Consciousness and let's reconsider some things!”
The response to this which I am addressing was, “Celibacy, like homosexuality is neither NORMAL nor NATURAL. The very fact that in gay relationships, one has to be the male and the other feminine. One is the "husband" and the other is the "wife". Am just saying, still love you all, just an observation. Let's talk...”
As other members of this particular group inquired and stated their own positions, this particular Rev. became more resolute and obstinate in his position. His discourse became, what appeared to be deliberately incendiary, when he began referring to the members of the group who disagreed with him as “you people.”
This entire debate reminded me of how Unity initially refused Jonnie Coleman admittance into the ministerial program due to the color of her skin. I found it interesting how the racist attitude of America at the time also affected Unity until such time as they realized it was time to take the more enlightened path. This memory started me thinking, why would such racism or discrimination of anyone exist within a metaphysical organization or individual for that matter? Does it make sense that there are metaphysicians, ministers, practitioners who are holding onto old paradigms of discrimination and prejudices?
Yes, to a certain extent it makes perfect sense. Let me explain. Those of us who study and practice metaphysics are not exempt from the imbedded theology that my friend Rev. Paul Hasselbeck (Dean of Education at Unity Village) is so fond of reminding us about. This imbedded theology will continue to affect the individual until such time as the old paradigms are challenged and changed. Depending on each individual’s personal experiences and where on the path that person is, it is very possible to attend a Unity church or Religious Science Center while at the same time praying to a God “out there.” It is very possible to be a Truth student and live from a place of fear because you grew up believing in a vengeful and angry anthropomorphic God. Much like the medical field, there are doctors who are into treating diseases not people. There are doctors who refuse to even consider the holistic approach to medicine. For them such things as acupuncture, Chi Gong, Reiki, and Aroma Therapy are no different from the medieval practices of bleeding the patient or witchcraft. These doctors are skilled trained professionals who just happen to be less open minded to various holistic approaches than their more enlightened colleagues who see the patient as a whole being not as a name on a chart and a disease.
I think the more important question that this brought up for me was, “Why am I experiencing this?” “What is in this for me to learn about me, so that I can grow and evolve?”
Very often we, metaphysical folks, point out that if you are experiencing something, it is life mirroring back to you something that is going on within you, something that you need to address and or learn. So, I had to do some self-evaluation.
Where am I potentially discriminating, judging, or criticizing another?
Who am I lumping into a group of “you people” as separate or different from myself?
Then it hit me!
After doing an Oracle card and Tarot reading for myself… I lump racists, homophobes, fundamental Christians, Republicans, and other “extremists” into that group of “those people.”
Those people who hate anything unlike them.
Those people who discriminate and through this discrimination cause harm.
Those people who if they had their way would burn books, control women, kill or imprison gay people and people of color, and on and on and on.
That was what I found! I was separating myself from them! I wasn’t seeing them through the eyes of love; there was no compassion for them.
When I realized this, I stopped adding my voice to this particular discussion in the group. I stopped asking this particular reverend questions in the hope of helping him to wake up. That was not my job! My responsibility was simply to bless him for who he is as God in human form, to forgive him for the offensive language I perceived him to be spewing forth, and having forgiven him – let it go!
He is on his journey for his unfoldment, just as I am on mine!
As I shift my consciousness of separation … I see more unity in, around, and through my life.
So the paradox really isn’t a paradox so much as it is common sense. Jesus did after all say you shall be judged as you judge. So it is my challenge to change myself so that I am welcoming and affirming to all of life, just as God is!
Love ya!!
xo
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