The Map is NOT the Territory

Getting Oriented

Symbols

Topographical lines

• No purpose to debate the reality of the symbols.  We will better know their reality when we experience them.

When we see the moon reflected in a still, clear pool, is it real or a reflection?

What can change the quality of the image?   

Clouds passing before the moon.  Breeze/rain disturbing the pool surface.  Our viewing position, our eyesight and dirty window glass?

Do we confuse the reflection with the reality? 

We have framed the reflection with our chosen beliefs. 

• If we are looking at the pool from a window and the window frame is very thick, we have only a small opening to see through.
• If we make the belief system frame thicker, we go to a distorted image (bad) eventually to darkness (evil).
• If we diminish the belief system frame and enlarge the window, more light can come into our lives.  It is still reflected light.
• If we get really preoccupied with the frame (body, outward appearances) and make it really elaborate and ornate, no one notices the Face of Christ the frame was meant to display.
• Christ is the One True reflection of God in Creation and in each of us.

Another image of the illusion in our lives is a projected movie that we get “in to” as if it is really happening now or the dreams we have at night.

In what sense can I believe that Evil is not ultimately real?

• We understand that our bodies are composed of atoms constantly being replaced by atoms from around the world.
• The outward “form” of our bodies seems to change slowly in time – slow enough for us to usually be re-recognized.
• The substance of that form is cosmic dust originally from the stars which will eventually return to the stars and space.  Ashes to ashes.  Dust to dust.
• Most Christians believe in something about us that is permanent.  Soul?  Spirit?  This permanence is created by God in His Image.
• Evil is as “real” as this physical body and its suffering  — and as impermanent.
• Personally, my experience of God has never included the dark side of judgment, vengeance, or any hint that God “created/allowed” evil as a co-power.
• My reason cannot accept ONE God Who “really” fell and was humpty-dumptied into separate pieces struggling to re-join.  Our perception and understanding is mistakenly fragmented – not the reality of God.
• My reading of world scriptures, including the Bible, provides ample passages attributing God and His Creation with characteristics from good to evil – clearly the best descriptions the writers could manage given their available vocabulary and culture.  Spirit is tough to communicate in worldly terms.  It is easy and natural to create god in our own image.
• Traditions around the world have always described a necessary protagonist with which the powers of Good and Light must struggle.