Today is a solemn day. The events of September 11, 2001 will forever weigh heavily in our hearts and minds. And more often than not and whether we want to admit it or not, a devastating situation such as this raises this question: Does God exists?
For those who were not directly touched by this horrific event, it might be a bit easier to say “it’s God’s Will.” For those mothers, sons, spouses, children, relatives, friends and colleagues who went through the torture and anguish of that day and beyond… maybe it’s not so easy to find belief much less relief in those three words.
I often ask the Million dollar question, “Does God exist?” But, before I render my opinion to such a loaded question, I would like to explore some of our beliefs surrounding our ideas of a deity.
It’s very common for people to pray, especially during trying times and most often during times of desperation. As the saying goes, “There are no atheists in foxholes.”
So, why do we do this? Why do we pray? Do we really, seriously, believe that if such an omnipotent presence exists, they wouldn’t already know our every desire and need? And what about the poor saps who don’t believe in prayer? Is God like the spiteful Aunt who says, “Well, if you’re not going to call me, don’t expect me to buy you a birthday gift!”
I often hear people say things like, “My God is a vengeful God.” Really?? If God is “GOD”, why would we assign a very human quality like revenge? And for that matter, why do we so often attempt to pigeonhole God into a human image? Here in the West, the typical image of God is of a WHITE, human (male) with a beard and piercing blue eyes. Other religions have different images, of course, but the point is we seem to have a need to put a form to the name.
Even if you believe that your metaphysical brain has gone beyond that old-time religious belief and when you think of God, you see a huge burning light, I’d bet that if I say “God”, the immediate image you have is the human one that you have to quickly erase before you see your new 21st century Photoshop’d image
And how does the Law of Attraction fit into this metaphysical soup? Is God sitting back and saying, “It’s your deal on earth. You thought it into existence, and you’re the one believing/thinking every experience you have. I’m out of this.”? First of all, why are you praying for help? More importantly, I don’t think this line of thinking would sit well with the victims’ families of 9/11, the children in Darfur, and all the other victims of worldwide atrocities that we know exist.
So from all this, what can we deduce? Although, I think Bill Maher is an extremist in much the same way that he preaches against religion, I do agree somewhat when he says, “… And anyone who tells you they know, they just know what happens when you die… I promise you, you don’t.”
Many people have had experiences that convince them absolutely of the existence of God. Usually, these experiences are described within the context of their own personal religious beliefs. If you think I’m inferring that there is no God, I’m not.
Personally, and as I so often talk about in this blog, I believe in “Miracles.” And I subscribe to St Augustine’s interpretation of Miracles, “Miracles are not contrary to nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature.” Really think about that for a moment and what that implies. And try to wrap your mind around the concept of infinity – that there is no beginning and no end.
I believe in Miracles and I believe in quantum physics and how Einstein describes this peculiar field as “Spooky action at a distance.” I believe that something is happening at the quantum level that could be interpreted as having God-like qualities. And I believe that prayer is the focused attention and intention on something we desire. And when we pray without ego and with profound reverence and with deep love, it is such a powerful force that it can literally alter atoms and, therefore, matter. I believe that if our beliefs promote first and foremost, non-judgment against other’s beliefs, love, compassion, kindness, understanding and forgiveness, then it’s a positive thing.
So today, I will focus on all those who suffered a loss on September 11, 2001, and on our world and sending love to all, that we may transcend violence, hate, greed, and prejudice and realize the profound connection we have to one another… and yes, I will pray.
And as an afterthought and an experiment, what if we all join in with this intention at 9:11 EST tonight?
Namaste,
Michele
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