Chapter 1: Rethinking Spirituality

In our quest for a more profound understanding of existence, we might benefit from letting go of material possessions and rigid ideologies.

Photo by Dingzeyu Li on Unsplash

To discover the divine, perhaps we should consider releasing the concept of a singular God. When individuals recognize the inherent value of our planet and the life it nurtures, they may begin to perceive the Creator’s presence in all living things.

The traditional dichotomy of the material versus the spiritual is swiftly being replaced by a perspective that values the here and now as equally significant as any transcendental realm. This is a groundbreaking way of perceiving our existence, suggesting that a departure from conventional religions could lead us to a more universal sense of belonging. Ironically, to achieve this, we may need to let go of our established conceptions of God.

Throughout history, countless lives have been sacrificed for the sake of religion. The renowned Carl Sagan posed a critical question: what blood has been shed, and to what end? The reality is that, for a fleeting moment, those in authority leveraged the fervor of believers to protect their interests. More often than not, religion has been weaponized by the powerful, promoting nationalism, racism, and various ideologies. Those who are fervent often embrace these notions wholeheartedly, willing to lay down their lives for them.

While this could be viewed as noble, it also raises concerns about the value of life itself. Indigenous populations have frequently perished defending their heritage, only to be overwhelmed by those wielding superior resources, technology, and power. We now inhabit a transformed world, but whose world is it really?

In an age where technology connects us more than ever, will we harness this potential to unite as a global community, or will we fracture into factions, each intent on defending its own way of life?

We find ourselves at a pivotal moment. Many individuals advocate for a more inclusive approach to humanity, regardless of race, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, or belief system. There is a growing clamor to dismantle oppressive colonial structures and challenge inflexible regimes, alongside calls for a more equitable form of capitalism—or perhaps a complete overhaul.

What might true inclusivity entail? It should encompass everyone, free from religious discrimination. Indeed, many of us perceive all life—human, plant, and animal—as not only essential for sustainability but also fundamentally intertwined with it. This perspective suggests that being part of the Earth community extends beyond human identity.

The journey ahead is long, yet the seeds of this vision are already taking root. This concept, often referred to as Creation Care or the Moral Circle, emphasizes that if we recognize the divine in the very act of creation, the path toward a unified spirituality becomes less daunting.

The first video, "Is New Age Theology Creeping into the Church?" featuring Marcia Montenegro, delves into the influence of New Age beliefs on traditional faith practices. This discussion invites viewers to reflect on the evolving landscape of spirituality.

The second video, "What is New Age Spirituality? | Signs of New Age Series Pt. 1," introduces the core principles of New Age thought, illustrating its impact on contemporary spiritual practices and beliefs.