To the question of whether Metaphysical Christians really
have the religion “of Jesus”?... I say no. However, I can say yes to having “a”
religion of Jesus. To say “the” religion
of Jesus at the surface level seems to have a claim that is unsubstantiated and
arrogant.
Since the religion of Jesus was Judaism, as a Christian,
we do not follow the religion he practiced.
As a Metaphysical Christian, we do not follow the Judaic laws, wear
sandals, preach from mountains, etc. However,
the term “Christian” has been used to describe a follower of Christ. If we believe that Christ, as in the divine
man as Charles Fillmore defined, existed before Jesus and Jesus was an individual
expression of Christ, we could also call Jesus a Christian. This may be a stretch. Let us consider that we in Metaphysical
Christianity do not use the terms Jesus and Christ interchangeably as other
Christians often do.
We speak with our
own authority as we claim the term Christian, just as Jesus spoke of his own
authority. We in Unity also have a
tradition, not only from the Fillmores, but also from the tradition of Jesus
speaking from his own authority. We are to be cautious in the use of classic epistemology
of tradition and not resort to glib statements.
This is where our study of theology serves us. Theology can engage us in a dialogue with individuals
with other perspectives. Here is the
opportunity to practice going beyond the shallow statements that separate us
from others. When we say we have found
our “home” in the Metaphysical Christian teachings, we are declaring intuition as
a source of Truth. However, intuition is
not a way to prove our knowing. So we
really are practicing “a” practice of Jesus when we speak from our own
authority.
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ReplyDeleteJudy, I read your logic however, as I understand it, "Christ" is consciousness. Jesus became the Christ. "Jesus was an individual expression of Christ, we could also call Jesus a Christian." Perhaps we can call Jesus a "Christian" but can we in Unity then say we are Christian if we have not yet attained that consciousness?
ReplyDeleteA Christian according to Webster is "someone who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ". So I believe I am a Christian in that sense. Jesus was not a Christian, he was a Jewish religious teacher. The term "Christian" did not even come about until after his death. "Christ is not a person. It is not Jesus. Christ is a degree of stature that Jesus attained, but a degree of potential stature that dwells in every man." Eric Butterworth, Discover the Power Within You. Calling one's self a Christian and awakening to one's Christ consciousness are two different animals.
ReplyDeleteI believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ and I do not believe I am a Christian. I do however believe I am awakening to my Christ consciousness. Great blog Judy Beach! Really gets me thinking and searching my "content!" Now to get my tools of "method" working!
DeleteDavid, your last line is such an important distinction to make, "Calling one's self a Christian and awakening to one's Christ consciousness are two different animals."
DeleteJudy, first of all, great title! Secondly, you pose some great thoughts for reflection. I too was struck by the phrase "religion of Jesus," when it was presented in class. Definitely made me think how a seemingly simple statement has such strong implications.
I like your comments, Judy. It is very clear from what you indicated that Unity is a Christian religion. I just wonder if we will continue in this Tradition? Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteI found your statement about speaking from our own authority empowering. I Never quite looked at it that way. Thanks, judy
ReplyDelete