Religious growth benefits from devotional practices.Byline: FROM HEART TO HEART By The Rev. Edgar Peara For The Register-Guard Religion can be perceived in many ways. For some, it's worship of a deity. To others, it is ultimate concern, or a belief in a supreme order, or a connection to divinity. It also could be confidence in the supremacy of goodness, or commitment to the highest values, performing rituals or conscience in action. My early concept of religion was influenced by my unstable childhood. I was sickly, changed schools 13 times between kindergarten and eighth grade, never saw my father and suffered from lack during the Great Depression. Thus my Sunday School Sunday school, institution for instruction in religion and morals, usually conducted in churches as part of the church organization but sometimes maintained by other religious or philanthropic bodies. In England during the 18th cent. teaching led me to see religion as what enabled one to prevail over undesirable circumstances. My religion became a mental, life-improving effort devoted to spiritual growth and the creative power of developmental thinking. At age 14, I began daily Bible study Bible study may refer to:
Happily, that education was practical and helpful. I learned how much my life and well-being depended on the way I thought. I saw that there is a meaning in life as it moves from chaos to order, from ignorance to mindfulness mindfulness, n the capacity to maintain nonjudgmental attentiveness to the present moment. , from bestiality Bestiality See also Perversion. Asterius Minotaur born to Pasiphaë and Cretan Bull. [Gk. Myth.: Zimmerman, 34] Leda raped by Zeus in form of swan. [Gk. Myth. to love. My task was to harmonize my thinking with that developmental movement by identifying myself with the creator's integrity, responsibility, industry, generosity and health. My life improved as I found that goodness was reality, and reality goodness. My daily devotional Daily Devotionals have a long tradition in religious communities. Daily devotionals classically are publications which provide a specific reading each day for the audience. The Daily devotional tends to be associated with a daily time of prayer and meditation. studies helped hold before my thought the ideals to which I aspired. I have made a lifelong practice of daily committed study of the truths in elevating religious literature. It has nurtured and blessed me to the degree I have been faithful to the ideals of this developmental education. People spend years of effort in getting a secular education Secular education is a term that refers to the system of public education in countries with a secular government or separation between religion and state. While it is considered an important part of a democratic and free society, some may oppose secular education on the . They work at their studies daily during their school years. Of course, they have a payoff. Their education qualifies them for employment. They learn to appreciate the riches of life. Their growth is facilitated as they learn how to learn. In academic education students are promoted from grade to grade. They become aware of regular advancement. But in life there's no set curriculum or clear way to measure development. Since growth and development are universal characteristics of natural life, I believe adopting a life-improving practice to harmonize with this progressive essence of life is beneficial. Worthy objectives of post-school development might be to increase contributions to the human enterprise and to grow in universal, unconditional compassion. To me, helpful developmental religious practices include meditation, contemplation, spiritual reading that exalts high ideals, attending inspiring services, Zen, seeking the silence, yoga yoga (yō`gə) [Skt.,=union], general term for spiritual disciplines in Hinduism, Buddhism, and throughout S Asia that are directed toward attaining higher consciousness and liberation from ignorance, suffering, and rebirth. , the study of nature's wonders ... I believe pursuing them is spiritually educational. They lead to harmony with the dynamic love of divine creative thought. Spiritual power then floods life with goodness and joy. Divinity's marvelous influence blesses the student and the world. Needs for love, employment, income, health, home, security and every good blessing are met. Spiritual education can advance and improve life forever. The Rev. Edgar Peara is minister emeritus e·mer·i·tus adj. Retired but retaining an honorary title corresponding to that held immediately before retirement: a professor emeritus. n. pl. of a Unitarian Universalist church in Illinois, and a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene. This column is coordinated by Two Rivers Two Rivers, city (1990 pop. 13,030), Manitowoc co., E Wis., on Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Twin River; inc. 1878. Two Rivers is closely associated with its twin city, Manitowoc, both of which are highly industrialized. Interfaith in·ter·faith adj. Of, relating to, or involving persons of different religious faiths: an interfaith marriage; an interfaith forum. Ministries, a network of more than 35 religious and spiritual traditions in the Eugene-Springfield area. For more information, call 344-5693 or visit www.interfaith eugene.org. |
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