The 'Light' Seems to be Getting Dim

In 1882, Nietzsche wrote that God died due to our replacing routines, rituals, institutions, doctrines, etc. for the life force or God. God did not really die, as a person dies, but the means of reminding us of God’s life-force energy had lost their energy. James Hollis, A Jungian analyst, writes it is the energy behind the light bulb that makes the bulb give off light. (James Hollis, A Life of Meaning, pg.100). When we become so focused on the bulb, the shade or light fixture, we lose sight that it is the energy that makes the light. Our “religion” can be so focused on institutions, doctrines, rituals, etc. that we lose sight of the energy or God who is the energizing life/light force. This is not to say that light bulbs, shades, light fixtures, etc. are unimportant; rather it is saying that by themselves they will not give off light. Light bulbs burn out, switches and wires short out and can no longer carry the energy that creates the light. The light fixture may still be beautiful, but it no longer gives light. Light is about the energy that flows into and through the light bulbs in the fixture. It is crucial to know the difference between the energy that gives life, i.e., God, and our “fixtures,” such as institutions, doctrines, rituals, etc. I do not believe that God is dead. I do believe many of our religious institutions, routines, rituals, doctrines are growing very dim or flickering if not already dark.

Separation of Church and State

I am fearful of the idea that American is to become a Christian Nation. There are other nations whose leadership is affiliated with the predominant religion, such as Turkey, Israel, Saudia Arabia, etc. These nations have religious dictatorships, and any opposition is seen as betrayal. When I listen to the language and anger-energy of some of our so-called leaders who espouse these ideas, I become fearful. I fear the end of democracy and the rise of religious intolerance. I am praying for our nation that we may be delivered from those who see a divine destiny to alter our democratic type of government. Democracy is neither easy, quick nor clear. Democracy requires integrity and willingness to learn from those with whom we disagree. I believe in the separation of Church and State.

Daylight Savings and Feelings

Daylight savings time has ended this Sunday morning. I have turned back all our clocks, which is not an east task as we have many time pieces. It is actually 10 o’clock according to our clocks, which have been properly set but it feels like 11 o’clock and Church time. I think this is a reminder that our feelings are necessarily our best guides. Sometimes I know that doing something is correct even though it does not feel right at the time. I once heard a colleague say that our feelings are to be the caboose of the train, not the engine. This is not to say that feelings are not important; it is to say they may not be the source of our best guidance.