Religious Division and the Truth of our Interconnectedness
Hello Friends,
I write this post with a very heavy heart. As I know you all are, I am sickened and deeply saddened by the horrific attacks and murders of innocent people in the Middle East. I am holding in my mind and heart the spirits of those that have died, their loved ones, and all of my friends and those that I don’t know who are feeling the grief and fear for their people in Israel, Gaza and Palestine. No matter your connection to the conflict, I am holding you in my heart. I see you and I am here for you. I know these challenging times can be lonely - please know that you are connected. We are all connected.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a long and complicated situation and part of the conflict involves deep religious tensions.
I am so deeply saddened by the state of religion in our world - how extreme some have become. How much religious practices and teachings have strayed from the truth of their original intent and beliefs, from what their prophets were really saying. Messages have been so deeply skewed to benefit human interests. In many ways, it feels religion has become much more about power OVER people than divine power within people. And what that leads to is division between people with different beliefs.
As an Interfaith and Interspiritual Minister, I believe that all faiths are valid and valued. I see religious practice as one avenue to connect with the Divine and to experience spiritual truth.
I believe the true teachings of each religion is that every person is equally unconditionally valuable and deserving of life, safety and love. That each being has inherent value, no matter their beliefs, origin, race, gender, sexuality, etc. And that it is our purpose to love, respect and care for one another. ALL the others. Not just those that look like us or believe what we do. We are all one species. We are all connected. We are all a family. We are all one.
There is so much division in the world and what is really called for is recognition of our inherent interconnectedness. I believe returning to the truth of our connection will lead to more peace, compassion, love, resolution and transformation.
I am full of grief for the lives, innocence, safety, homes and sacred land lost (all land and species are sacred). For the terror being exacted on people, for the fear that people are living within, and for so much more. I am sure you’re feeling much the same.
In these difficult times, I invite you to reach out:
Reach out to those you know who are more directly impacted through their families, ancestors, friends and religious ties. Being connected and holding one another in times of suffering is the path through it.
Reach out to your support systems, including your relationship with the divine (in whatever form that takes).
Reach out into your heart and consider what you believe about the inherent worthiness of all beings and how that has been impacted by your religious experiences.
And reach out if you need me, for anything. I am here - holding you in my heart.
I love you and I am thinking of you all.
Rev. Dev
The Connected Way™