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Do We Need Labels As We Search For The Divine?

Do We Need Labels As We Search For The Divine?

Last updated on: February 11, 2015 at 11:31 am by Susan Cottrell

Do We Need Labels As We Search For The Divine? 2015-02-11T11:31:07-05:00 Susan Cottrell

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I believe we all have a desire in our hearts and souls for the divine. For love, acceptance, community.

Jesus showed us all of those things. But the core teachings of much of today’s Christian religion, are incompatible with the life and teachings of Jesus.

What is the answer? I don’t know.

But I do know that scripture tells us that “the enemy comes against the simplicity that is in Jesus.”

So what would it look like to live a simple life, in Jesus?

If the church is going to be fundamental and legalistic about anything, maybe it should be about loving our neighbor.

If religion is going to be known for anyhing, let it be known for the love it conveys. Especially to the most oppressed and marginalized people.

If we are going to err, let us err on the side of love and grace.

Maybe it’s true that all we need is love.

Maybe ‘HUMAN’ is the only label we should ever put on anyone.

What do you think?

This poem from Pam Wynn conveys the pain, the desire, the hope of a soul – for the divine, for love, for peace, for comfort… for home.

– Rob Cottrell

Religion

I grew up in this house. It is heavy and dark. The ground on which it stands is beginning to cave in.

When it rains the foundation leaks. I watch and pray for a rainbow.

Once the walls were familiar, comforting. But now the rooms feel small and cramped, moldy and gray.

It’s been remodeled time and again, but the basic structure remains the same. Old materials, still functional, beautiful… but I want something spacious with warmth and light.

I am drawn to houses in the East.

But I live here, the hallways of its history lined with age old manuscripts full of architectural plans.

I rip them apart page by page, searching for a house without walls.

– Pam Wynn

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