Map of My Theology: Part I

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Map of My Theology: Part I

I.   What is the nature of the Beyond? How do I interact with it?

There is no mysterious, hopeful, glittering, redemptive, heavenly, fatherly, open-armed beckoning afterlife with a robed Sugar Daddy of forgiveness waiting for me. I never identified with the pomp and circumstance of Christian art expressing this viewpoint. I always found cherubs cheeky and over the top.

Fewer trumpets and angel wings is what I believe. There is only the here and now for me. My experience is in this moment- the reality of my life and thoughts and the plural realities and experiences of other sentient beings interacting with me.

Assumption of the Virgin (1518) – Titian  (Have you ever been tempted to tickle a cherub?) 

I believe in the energy we create as a mass of living, breathing, fertile or barren lifeforms in the world and the motives and purposes of directing energy into influencing our environment and fellow creatures. I believe it is my purpose to manufacture energy that is positive, healing, and peaceful through my words and deeds. My energy contributes to the collective energy which keeps things stable, unstable or somewhere in the middle. My energy matters, and I need to be concerned about how I use it. The best way to use my life force is to improve the planet, my own life, and the lives of others.

I am an earth-based believer in an integrated ecology which involves understanding and supporting the life cycles of all sentient beings from birth to death. I’m skeptical of supernatural claims.

The Ultimate is my self-realization of my place in the collective. Since there is a global crisis of loneliness, a harmonious blending of the individual into the group is something most humans crave in order to feel a sense of belonging and happiness. This is more important than an afterlife.

Millennials and the Loneliness Epidemic, Forbes, May 3, 2019 

It is the realization that my actions do matter because they impact the health of the planet and affect my fellow life forms sharing space with me. I should strive to live in a way that does no harm, in a way that respects my home and the resources of future generations also living here who are not yet born or just learning to toddle unsteadily on their feet.

This path I describe honors the Ultimate and my conception of the Beyond.

Karma is real to me, but not in a sword-swinging, justice will be done sort of fashion. Karma is the rhythm of the universe and beyond. It’s the certainty for me that I do matter, that what I do is significant. It holds me accountable and tells me my actions will have consequences.

Given this knowledge, I prefer to walk the middle path of moderation, respect others, and generate kind energy so my karmic imprint is friendly. I know this is impossible to do at all times, but the ideal is a compass to keep in my pocket on foggy days. Free inquiry and free exchange of opposing ideas on the Ultimate and Beyond without manipulation, malice, or disrespect is key to theological harmony. This process should never be coercive or judgemental.

I believe in inquiry, logic, evidence, the scientific method, and academic rigor when exploring my own ideas of the Beyond.

Evolution is how I see our small planet maturing. I don’t have a creation story.

We should defend universal human rights and advocate for social justice so our karma will produce energy that benefits the planet. Actions are important. 

I believe we are reincarnated but gradually as our bodies decompose and return to the earth. Ashes to ashes and dust to dust: We nourish the earth with our remains decomposing naturally. The earth in turn nourishes us. That is why interconnectedness and an awareness of the life cycles of all sentient beings should be considered as we care for the earth. We all suffer as humans, but we can lessen that suffering if we believe in awareness in the present moment, kindness, and most importantly- that our actions matter.