Have You Heard "The Secret"?
Emptiness! Emptiness upon emptiness!
The world is fleeting of form,
empty of permanence,
void of surety,
without certainty.
Like a breath breathed once and gone,
all things rise and fall.
Understand emptiness, and tranquility replaces anxiety.
Understand emptiness, and compassion replaces jealousy.
Understand emptiness, and you will cease to excuse suffering and begin to alleviate it.
- Rabbi Rami Shapiro, The Way of Solomon
Download audio creation of this reading
Breakfast at Epiphanies
By Ian Lawton
I always said that if someone found the remains of Jesus, I wouldn’t even miss breakfast. Well, when I shared that thought with my evangelical Bible study group in the early 90s it led to a breakfast appointment with the local diocesan Gestapo. Now some documentary makers are claiming to have found Jesus’ bones, up close and intimate with Mary Magdalene’s bones and alongside the remains of their secret child.
Over the coming weeks, the reliability of this find will be debated. It may or may not be verified. At the very least, it raises the possibility that science will eventually disprove the historicity of the literal Christian story. It may do that now, or it may do it in the future. Here’s my concern with a literal belief in the story. If the literal historicity of the story is necessary for faith, then archeology will forever loom like a dark cloud over the certainty of religious beliefs. If, on the other hand, the metaphoric value in the story is embraced, then its ‘breakfast at epiphanies’ every day.
Thomas Mann once said that “a myth is a story about the way things never were, but always are.” Resurrection is a metaphor, and if it’s taken literally then one day it could disappear under the deconstructed rubble of human progress and end up being neither the way it was nor the way it is. Resurrection as a metaphor speaks to the power of life to recreate itself and the human spirit to persevere despite the worst odds. The empty tomb speaks to fleeting form and the rise and fall of life. This is always true. It always has been, but its truth is different in every context.
Religious followers have often been expected to literally believe in stories and doctrines even when the stories seem offensive to the modern mind. This is often called faith, but has more recently been called delusion. A metaphoric understanding of faith is quite different. Metaphoric faith is the belief in life even when surrounded by death. Faith is the humility that there’s always more, the optimism that no emotion is final, and the imagination that no evolution is ever complete. Faith could be summed up in Zen with just two words- “Not always so!”
The truth of resurrection is that it can’t be separated from death, and on closer inspection death and life are simply two sides of the same reality. This is a profound metaphor that is better visualized than theorized. The poet Keats described joy as “veil’d melancholy,” and the opposite is just as true. In the face of struggle, we can either dive more deeply into the experience of grief or we can raise a fist of defiance in the face of death and embrace joy. Both approaches are valid, and both are based in metaphor.
Much to my dismay, some new age beliefs have fallen into the same trap as religious fundamentalism when they confuse meaningful metaphors with strict literalism. The hugely popular book and movie “The Secret” is a case in point. Amongst the treasures of this book are its emphasis on inner knowledge rather than external authority, the inter-connection of all spiritual traditions, and self-empowerment. The problem with the book is when it speaks literally rather than metaphorically. The book draws heavily on its version of the Law of Attraction, a basic prosperity message that says that we attract into our lives what we focus on.
This is from the book:
"The law of attraction is a law of nature. It is impersonal and it does not see good things or bad things. It is receiving your thoughts and reflecting back to you those thoughts as your life experience. The law of attraction simply gives you whatever it is you are thinking about."
Do you detect the contradiction in this quote? The first part of the statement is profound. Life is impersonal and doesn’t distinguish between good and bad. Yes, life just receives our thoughts and actions, and yes, we often have our thoughts reflected back to us. The problem is with the last sentence. It can’t be literally true, or else there would be no violence in the world, and no suffering. Life is impersonal. It doesn’t make every situation a personal attack or a reward. That’s our human preoccupation. Life doesn’t think in terms of outcomes. Outcomes are just our false attachment to current outer circumstances. Life knows that circumstances are never permanent. We forget that all the time.
If "The Secret" is literally true, then people suffer from cancer because of a faulty mindset and people living in poverty just haven’t tried hard enough to believe in wealth. This is socially naïve and personally debilitating. Some even claim scientific backing for their Law of Attraction. The problem with this is that, scientifically, it’s more accurate to say that opposites attract. So it might be more effective to desire the opposite of what you really want and try a little reverse psychology on fate. This is called Murphy’s Law.
Sometimes we reap what our attention sows and the Law of Attraction holds. Sometimes we suffer because of unjust social structures and sometimes illness strikes even when our attention has never considered the possibility. Law of Attraction? Not always so.
We have several people in our community who are suffering from cancer related afflictions. What I see in them is a beautiful groundedness; a balance of courage and perseverance for healing, and acceptance of that which is out of their control. I find the literal message of The Secret just as offensive in the face of their suffering as a belief in a literal, supernatural God. Their courage in refusing to allow difficult circumstances to define their reality is the miracle rather than any particular outcome. They have already risen from the dead and dwell eternally in heaven, even in the midst of pain and uncertainty.
I now find myself seeking out spiritual teachers who point to universal and metaphoric truths rather than doctrines that enforce an eternal moral code and an after-life. I seek spiritual teachers that speak to both the stark reality of life, and its transparent illusion. They point to the miracle and sufficiency of the present moment and warn against belief in belief and attachment to outcomes, whether the outcomes are a literal heaven or a pocketful of cash.
Rabbi Rami Shapiro is one such teacher, and he will be with us in just two weeks. He has written and taught extensively on the universal truths of Judaism, and all religions, that life is a miracle, and that holding lightly to any perspective is the path to freedom.
Follow this link to Rami's blog to read about how his Yiddish Grandma practiced Murphy’s Law click here.
Read this one to get a sense of a spiritual teacher holding lightly to belief click here.
The Christian tradition is full of beauty and wisdom, but it’s not a thing that can be held with a tight grip. It’s a tool for spiritual awakening. When taken literally it becomes dogmatic and life denying. When taken metaphorically, it reveals treasures for a deeper engagement with life.
New formulations like The Secret are full of beauty and wisdom, but they are just as dangerous as traditional religion when taken literally. When taken metaphorically, they reveal treasures and unlock mysteries for a deeper engagement with life.
This is a journey of mystery and personal awakening. Come and be part of our exciting Rabbi Rami weekend, or else watch this space for the DVD, as he unlocks the treasures of the life and teaching of Jesus and shows us how we can manifest God in our lives.
Rabbi Rami Shapiro coming to Christ Community Church on March 17-18
Roadside assistance for the spiritual journey
A message from Rabbi Rami:
Here’s what I know: Alles iz Gott, all is God. I discovered this in 1968 while meditating by a lake on Cape Cod. I have forgotten it thousands of times since. And I have remembered it thousands of times as well. Remembering and forgetting is my spiritual journey.
When I remember, I am loving, just, kind, and humble; filled with grace and gratitude; and awake to mochin d’gadlut (spacious mind). When I forget, I am fearful, greedy, cruel, and controlling; filled with anger and angst; and trapped in mochin d’katnut (narrow mind). My work is not to escape narrow mind, but to open to spacious mind that I might know both self and other as the greater shlemut (nonduality) of God.
Here’s what I do: I share what I know and how to know it for yourself. My website is part of that sharing. I hope you find it worth visiting.
Rabbi Rami Shapiro has been called a “Stand Up Mystic,” the “Jewish Alan Watts,” and a “Holy Rascal.” He is a funny, entertaining, iconoclastic, and insightful teacher who loves to help people wake up to the Divine within.
You will not want to miss the incredible opportunity to hear this unique spiritual guru who, when asked to describe himself, says,
“I am Jewish by birth, and a rabbi by training, but I have gone beyond both in my explorations of how to awaken the Divine in all things . . . that’s what drives me.”
Saturday morning Rabbi Rami will lead two morning lectures. In the afternoon, we will explore how to live more meaningful lives through a dialogue between Rabbi Rami and Ian Lawton, in addition to hands-on, experiential workshops.
Friday, March 16
7:30 p.m. “Loving-Kindness in the Jewish Tradition” at Temple B’Nai Israel, Muskegon
Saturday, March 17
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. “Jesus: The God Intoxicated Jewish Mystic“ - $25
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. “Awakening to the Divine Within” - $25
Sunday, March 18
9:30 am Gathering & sermon talk-back with Rami
You may purchase tickets at Christ Community Church, by credit card by calling 616.842.1985, through paypal on our website, or by mailing a check to:
Christ Community Church
225 E. Exchange St.
Spring Lake, MI 49456
For more information on Rabbi Rami
Check Out Rabbi Rami's Work with the One River Foundation
One River provides opportunities for open, honest, unscripted dialogue between individuals of diverse backgrounds and opinions on matters pertaining to religion and spirituality.
Founded by Rabbi Rami Shapiro in 2000, One River is a not-for-profit educational institution guided by the dialogical insights of Martin Buber, David Bohm, J. Krishnamurti, and Margaret Wheatley. Believing that deep contemplative conversation builds community rooted in trust, respect and humility. Programs seek to establish what Buber calls a “living mutual relation” among participants, a relation that provides the matrix for friendship, self-realization, meaning, and an encounter with Absolute Reality.
One River currently sponsors five projects: a wisdom school exploring the classics of Eastern and Western spirituality; classes promoting writing as spiritual practice; a video project with interviews of some of the leading mystics in contemporary America; conversations and dialogue between scientists and mystics on what it means to be human in the 21st century, and an honest critique of sacred scriptures with the goal to end religiously sanctioned violence.
One River Foundation
Controversy of the "Lost Tomb of Christ"
CBS News investigates the claims of James Cameron's (director of Titanic) new documentary "The Lost Tomb of Christ." Cameron's film claims to have found the remains of Jesus and the holy family. Many believe if these claims are proven true the literal view of Jesus's physical bodily resurrection would be in grave danger (pun intended). Since the Discovery Channel's press release asserting these claims many archeologists have lined up to dispute the findings.
Follow the link below to read what the experts have to say, watch a special CBS News video report, and to join a discussion blog on the subject, featuring wide ranging comments on this debate.
"Lost Tomb of Christ" article, video, and discussion board found here
Explore The Secret for Yourself
Book's Description:
Fragments of a Great Secret have been found in the oral traditions, in literature, in religions and philosophies throughout the centuries. For the first time, all the pieces of The Secret come together in an incredible revelation that will be life-transforming for all who experience it.
In this book, you'll learn how to use The Secret in every aspect of your life -- money, health, relationships, happiness, and in every interaction you have in the world. You'll begin to understand the hidden, untapped power that's within you, and this revelation can bring joy to every aspect of your life.
The Secret contains wisdom from modern-day teachers -- men and women who have used it to achieve health, wealth, and happiness. By applying the knowledge of The Secret, they bring to light compelling stories of eradicating disease, acquiring massive wealth, overcoming obstacles, and achieving what many would regard as impossible.
The Secret website
Check out this Sunday's Bulletin on Jesus the Axial Sage
Many religious teachers have proclaimed the twenty-first century the “age of interspirituality.” In our world today there has been an increased sharing of ultimate experiences among people of different spiritual traditions. As our experiences of other cultures and times expands, so does our perspective on the world and ourselves.
This Sunday we will kick-off our Lenten series as we re-examine Jesus from a multitude of perspectives and traditions, and as we anticipate the resurrection of a new Jesus.
This Sunday's gathering will feature music by Sarah Jenan, Kurt Ellenberger, and Imad Mahawili, as well as great community moments as we experience the God Between through Baptism and the joining of new members.
May these words from Rabbi Rami Shapiro inspire all of us,
Because everything is God. You are the way God writes symphonies and bad checks. You are the way God cries over newborns and last breaths. You are the way God is God as you. It is you to whom God points and says to the worms, ‘This is my body.’ It is you to whom God points and says to the fleas, ‘This is my blood.’ You are the way God eats and is eaten. Do not be deceived: you are nothing more and nothing less. How marvelous!
Download this week's bulletin
You Can Help Improve our Ministry Outreach
To meet an increasing demand for progressive educational materials, classes, workshops, and gatherings we need to make some updates. Our goal is to raise $3,500 for these improvements. One generous donor has already committed to give $1,000 IF we can we can find donors to commit to the remaining $2,500. This could be done with just five donors committing $500, OR one donor committing to $500 and two donors committing to $1000.
We are optimistic that we will reach this goal with your help, and will continue to bring progressive Christianity to the many who are searching for it. If you have any questions or would be interested in donating to this special campaign please email Allison Rockey or check out our website to make a donation.
Donate to C3/CCC for this special project
Evolutionary Journey: Living Free
Last Sunday was a very momentous occasion for our community. Beginning just as an idea for a few women to support the ministry of Christ Community Church, a fundraiser was born, and as a result a celebratory service was created. On February 25 we honored 153 women and raised $15,300 for Christ Community Church.
Toni Van Dyken delivered a wonderful heart-felt sermon on the necessary integration of the masculine and feminine in both men and women. If you are looking for the glory of how to live: living well, living fully as human beings, and living free then this is not a sermon to miss.
Read the sermon text here
The Institute of Progressive Christianity: Jesus 101
Wednesdays, March 14, 21, 28 -- 7:00 p.m.
Have you wondered what role or significance Jesus has in the faith of progressive Christians?
Join us for a three-week class as we explore the historic life of Jesus, the symbolic meaning of the Christ and ‘Christ consciousness,’ and the relationship between Christianity and Jesus. Together we will explore provocative questions such as; ‘Does Jesus have a place in progressive Christianity?’ and ‘Can you be a Christian without Jesus?’ Ian and Bob will be leading this class. For all who are able, there is a suggested donation of $10 per session. If you have any questions please call 616.842.1985.
Your contribution will enable this evolving community to thrive
Christ Community Church is an independent church supported solely by members and friends of the community.
C3/CCC is a unique community offering a message of progressive Christianity to those who seek an alternative to church as usual.
Your donation will help this evolving community continue to be an active voice for progressive Christianity in our world today.
It is very simple to donate to C3/Christ Community Church, through the Network For Good.
The Network For Good is a secure and safe online donations collection center for non-profit organizations. Please consider giving today!
Thank you, we couldn't do this work without you!
Donate to Christ Community Church now
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