(Note: I seek not to define which “religions” are “the One”. It is not my place to present a compelling case for any, for I am not a theologian nor an apologist. But in the name of human dignity, I feel compelled to provide a basic framework for examining what would constitute one which reflects the teachings and lives the values of that cause. And if you truly seek, you will find where that teaching resides.
God does not compel. And neither shall I.)
How many times have people felt compelled, forced, into obedience within the confines of a religion? How many have felt rejection or inability to reach the lofty heights of perfection preached from pulpits? How many have felt the sting of rejection or repelled by the expectations of the people who are in authority of those same creeds?
Perhaps there is a reason for all of this. A problem found in the cracks of those teachings.
It comes down to this:
God persuades, He does not compel; for violence is foreign to the divine nature. Second-Century Letter to Diogenetus
And again, in the words of Kallistos Ware, Bishop of Diokleia:
…God does not abolish our created personhood but enhances it. Divine grace co-operates with human freedom: we are ‘fellow-workers’, ‘co-operators’ with God (1 Corinthians 3:9)
Every person who claims the authority in the church of Christ must first reconcile the teachings with the gentleness afforded to each by God. For each one of us, even they themselves, are of but fallen nature.
None of us, of our own volition, can ever reach the heights of perfection.
None of us, of our own volition, can ever reach the heights of perfection. It takes a willingness to cooperate with the Grace God gives us, but of attaining transcendence on our own we can profit nothing, for we haven’t perfection within us, nor the means to get their on our own.
This is what the religious leaders must teach: compassion and kindness — like a good doctor who treats a patient with these virtues in order to help them heal.
So what does the religion look like that reflects all of this?
It is a religion in which the very tenants are rooted in and remain unchanged throughout history. It is one that reflects and breathes all the gentleness and mercy God has to give to each one of us fallen, imperfect human beings. It does not judge. It does not raise up above any of the lowliest among them, the select few to be placed in lofty positions of authority – the teachers, preachers, priests, religious – for all individuals are cut from the same cloth. The cloth of humanness; the cloth of imperfection.
It is a religion that teaches peace, not harm; joy, not fear; patience, not impatience; gentle guidance, not guilt for not attaining unreachable heights; one that is not afraid to admit past mistakes, not one that conveniently “cuts out” or ignores their past; one that forgives, not one that promotes retaliation; one that follows the writings of their past teachers, not one that innovates new doctrines and teachings; one that uses as the basis of their foundational beliefs writings that do not promote violence to those hate them, not one that declares genocide on those who disagree with their religious views.
…it recognizes that the individual cannot bring any change on their own…
It is a religion that lifts someone up from the depths of despair and sets them on their feet again. It is one that loves, not hates; embraces and provides multiple opportunities for a change of heart, not one that simply expels them from their inner group forever without opportunity to improve; one that recognizes the weakness of human nature and gives guidance and compassionate support to turn around the lives of those hurting.
And it recognizes that the individual cannot bring any change on their own, but, rather, through surrender to the help afforded them from an Uncreated Being which is outside of themselves. It alone can reach into the very core of their soul because It understands Its own creation in a way that man cannot.
That religion provides external experiences and relationships to be alongside the person walking on this journey toward healing.
That is the religion where God resides.
That is the religion where God does not compel, but gently draws individuals toward Him through His love. He surrounds those who are open to Him with the kindness and patience of His followers—those who reflect His nature.
It exists, and it can be found in plain sight.
