dogma
It’s Always Darkest Before The Dawn
Concepts of the Divine, with an ever-changing definition, have been part of the human experience since the beginning of time. Most of the world’s people throughout history continue to recognize a place for divinity in life.
Our spiritual journey, throughout the ages, has been steeped in mystery and often, superstition and dogma. Organized religions have historically attempted to answer deep questions, and have sometimes provided comfort and solace to people during times of upheaval.
However, the most important questions have been left unanswered. For example, we know precious little about ancient, prehistoric cultures that worshiped the Sacred Feminine. Earliest recorded myths and legends have been lost or destroyed, and most stories that remain portray not only a divine battle of the sexes, but a difficult, contentious relationship between the divine and human beings.
The Greek gods, for example, were capricious and mean-spirited. They plotted all sorts of obstacles that humans either did, or did not overcome in order to survive. Guile and trickery also set the stage for many myths from various indigenous cultures, in early human-god myth making.
With the rise of monotheistic religions, mankind was taught to blindly accept whatever lot the almighty doled out, fairly or unfairly. Emphasis was placed on omnipotent power, absolute authority and greatness, beyond any human capacity to comprehend, much less participate in.
These attitudes toward humans’ relationship with God have been echoed in authoritarian family and community practices, and even the military forces of nations. God became the ‘Almighty Father in the Sky’ issuing strict orders. There was no room for questioning in an authoritarian family or society. “Because I said so,” was reason enough to blindly obey. Punishment for infractions or disobedience was swift and sure.
Can A Christian Be Psychic?
I am often asked if I personally have a problem being a professional psychic, as well as a Christian. Some people seem to feel that working as a psychic is against the teachings of the Bible.
Growing up in a Christian, church-going family I was never taught that being a psychic was something considered as being wrong in the Bible.
Not only were we brought up in the Christian faith, but I also come from a long line of psychics in my family. Being both psychic and Christian is something that was never considered strange in my family; to us it was normal.
The Bible has accounts of many great prophets that did amazing things. Not only did some of them contribute to the actual writing of the Bible, but they were also a part of many miracles and wonders. They made a difference in the outcome of important Biblical events. They were the messengers of God.
The calling of a psychic is very similar to the work of a prophet. I guess it is just on a smaller scale? When a psychic does a reading they see many things from the past, the present and the future, the same way the prophets did in the Bible. The prophets were there to help, guide, advise and warn of coming danger, the same way modern psychics read for their clients.
Being born a psychic or medium is a God-given talent and calling. Did you know that one of the world’s most well-known psychics, Edgar Cayce, was also a devout Christian who read through the whole Bible once every year. Why should a psychic, who received his gifts from God, be persecuted as someone who is doing evil?
The Spiritual Cleansing Of Negative Energies
Negative energies and dark entities are sometimes misunderstood and misused concepts in spirituality. The term ‘negative energy’ is typically thought of as an ‘evil force’ that is intending harm to you, or something sinister that lies hidden in your home. But this is often not the case. I have a somewhat different view of this.
I believe much of the modern day fear and superstition around ‘dark entities’ may be due to the misunderstanding of old texts scribed in a style that may be too cryptic for today’s language and worldview. There are many instances in both Christian and Buddhist religious literature, for example, in which ‘demons’ are mentioned, but in my opinion they are referring to these phenomena in a poetic manner, as a metaphor.
One clear example of this is the so-called ‘Noonday Demon,’ or ‘Midday Devil’ found in Psalm 90:6 of the Hebrew Bible. It is a demonic figure believed to be active around noon every day to make people restless, distracted and excitable, causing its victims to neglect their work or duties. Well, we all know that sluggish feeling we tend to get after a lunch hour. The digestive process takes quite a bit of our energy, and spikes in our insulin levels, as well as neurotransmitters like serotonin and melatonin, doesn´t help to keep our focus on a specific task.
The solution proposed in traditional texts for this ‘demonic activity’ does not, however, involve exorcisms with Holy Water or other radical metaphysical interventions. Instead what is recommend is mere tenacity and patience. It is evidently more of a normal, physical challenge that one has to overcome, instead of it being a ‘psychic attack by the devil.’
How Another Starfish Was Saved
In 2008, I visited my best friend in her hometown. She was working as the general manager at a well-known local hotel. When I arrived she warned me about ‘the question’ I might be asked, which was: “Are you saved?” I looked at her with confusion. Whatever did she mean? “Please just say yes, if you are asked,” she said and left it at that.
I shrugged it off and went on my way to settle in, before I have dinner with her. When I later came down to the lobby and asked for my friend, the hotel receptionist came around the front desk and asked me, “Are you saved?” I could hardly believe it. “I would like to think so,” I said with a bewildered smile. “It is after all only 10 miles to the nearest military base.”
She looked at me with big eyes. The next words that tumbled out of her mouth really took me my surprise. “Have you met your savior, Jesus?”
“Is he here as well?” I asked, not knowing what else to say. But she persisted. “Have you met the Lord Jesus Christ?”
Being on vacation, and visiting friends I have not seen in a long time, God and Jesus was not exactly on my mind at that moment. All I could do was to apologize to her, and explain that I am from Germany and I did not understand at all what she meant.
She came closer and closer, and I soon found myself in a bear hug. She said: “The Lord is speaking through your tongue. You are blessed! You must come to our church service on Sunday.” All I could think of to do is agree. She was very pleased, returning to her desk with a knowing look. My friend then came around the corner and I said, “Guess what, I did not say yes, but I did agree to attend the Sunday service!” Continue reading
The Truth About Being Spiritual
What has drawn you to spirituality? For some people it is just a source of fun, something to do over lunch. The New Age industry also offers so many cool things to buy and wear, and great retreats and seminars to attend. These are certainly much better recreational pursuits than drinking in a bar, and not everyone finds enjoyment in sports.
For others it has become a substitute church or religious community for those dissatisfied with dogmatic Christianity and other organized religions. It satisfies their longing for social interaction and having some contact with like-minded folks.
Others pursue what they consider a ‘spiritual path’ because they think it will make them a ‘better person,’ or offer them a cool new career, or because they dislike themselves and think (or hope) that by acting like a ‘good person’ they will somehow be rewarded and accepted. Due to low self-esteem they hope they might win the attention, good graces, or ‘love’ of some spiritual guru or deity, which will hopefully make them feel better about themselves.
If you resonate with any of the above motivations for your spiritual pursuits, then this article is not for you.
First off, everyone is spiritual. Why, because they are alive, living a life as a human. All souls designed their lives in the state of their higher self, working with their spiritual guides before they incarnated. However, not every soul incarnates to become awakened. Each life teaches us, and is part of our soul evolution journey.