Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything. – George Bernard Shaw
Progress often is achieved one step at a time; occasionally, however, it is hindered by one step forward and one step back.
Such is the nature of life in most endeavors.
The ability and willingness to change one’s mind is vital to the process.
The subject of today’s blog is the evolution of my understanding and image of God.
I will begin with my first official introduction to the God I believed in while attending Catholic grade school.
My image of God had been based on two events: God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, with instructions to follow them to the letter or suffer the consequences; and Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross for our sins. Rules, regulations, pain, punishment and, of course, guilt were our path to Heaven. Excerpt from “I’m Afraid”
Needless to say, my initial comprehension of the Almighty consisted of strict adherence to His laws, unquestioning obedience, and fear of unimaginable punishment.
When I moved on to a Jesuit high school, my perception of God changed dramatically.
As a young man in high school, I saw the same God that I had seen as a child, but through different eyes. I saw a God of mercy and forgiveness, comfort and healing, who spoke through the example and teachings of his Son. – Excerpt from “I’m Afraid”
My college years were an example of “one step forward and one step back.
It was while I was in college that I made some subtle adjustments in my image of God. I believed in, admired, and respected the forgiving, merciful, and loving Son of God, but I was growing uncomfortable with all of the rules and regulations imposed on me by His Father. In themselves, the rules were not totally unreasonable, but they definitely interfered with my lifestyle.
My new image of God seemed to evolve on its own. God was still God, but with a few changes: He became a benevolent father who mellowed with age; He still had rules, but He was willing to bend them on occasion. – Excerpt from “I’m Afraid”
A little imagination coupled with a lot of rationalization goes a long way in achieving one’s desired goals.
This was not the end of my evolution; it was merely the beginning.
I offer these thoughts for your consideration.
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The saga continues in my next blog.
Do Not Be Afraid!!!