Today, the world finds itself moving through a turbulent transformation between two systems. Collapsing at a faster rate every day are the foundations of a failed imperial world order defined by zero-sum thinking, consumerism and materialism which has defined our existence for decades. The question is now: will the new world system take the form of a new era of global empire, unmitigated war between faiths and a prolonged dark age OR might it take the form of the beautiful multi-polar world order defined by win-win cooperation between all of the nations, faiths and cultures of the world?
Islam started in Mecca (Arabia) at 610, when Prophet Muhammad began to receive the Divine Revelation known as the Quran. At the time, most Arabs where idol worshippers and there were a few Christians, and some Jewish tribes. For Muslims, Islam confirms all the previous Prophets, including Moses and Jesus. We are not allowed to different between them, they were all sent by God. For us, Islam is a continuation of the same universal message for humankind, that of One Creator….
In other religions such as Islam, we don’t accept Jesus was crucified. We believe he was a Prophet and Messenger of God, and his mother is revered as one of the four most excellent women mentioned in the Quran. There is a whole chapter called Mary which is about mother and son. We believe we are responsible for our actions and can directly ask God for His forgiveness and mercy, for He is the Most-Merciful and the Compassionate. And when we mention Jesus, we ask for God’s blessings upon him. Happy Easter!
Interesting. I stand by my thought on this matter. The evil Roman Empire did use crucifixion as a means to punish and serve as a warning to the low classes forced to serve them, probably crucified many Islam believers as well. I don't know for sure, don't know about Islam. Its ok with me you can think what you want. Happy Easter!
Thank you for presenting our urgent dilemma in such a positive and beautiful light, as a question of how we express our love for each other, rather than focusing on the darkness of transhumanism. The answer, of course, is Christ. Christ is always the answer. I feel such hope as we stand on the cusp of momentous change that we will actually prevail over the great darkness.
Enjoyed reading and the reminders of the massive amazing influence of Christianity upon the world. The bankers seem to be striving to return to Imperial Rome control with the implementation of CBDC. Hope to hear more about this in your writings of this most pressing concern soon.
This is a comment I posted on Tessa Lena's Substack recently responding to her question: “What if Jesus Christ has been weeping ever since, seeing what people have done in his name?” Yes. Good question.
I like to say that Jesus was crucified three times. First, as a social activist killed by crucifixion for defending the humanity of the “least of these”. Second, Jesus was crucified by “deification” (othering—no longer human). Point being, that Jesus' humanity is crucial--divinity in the world through his practices. Third, by the appropriation of his message of “human decency” by charlatans and free riders who have exploited the simple and compelling beauty of this message. And why not, the charlatans ask, because it is all fiction, isn’t it? (Think of Ayn Rand and the arrogance of Neoliberalism) This is how a fundamental and deep human social truth becomes an apparent lie.
I would argue that social organizing belief systems are fundamental to all societies based on religious or communal cultural practices. (Even the religion of Scientism is a social organizing belief system—our current cross to bear.) Fundamentally, all societies are built upon the social cohesion availed by their shared belief systems, for better or worse (think operating systems).
There is no doubt in my mind that humanity is at a turning point and will be forced to choose between the creativity of a life affirming future, versus, a rejection of of life in a quixotic obsession with materialism, control, and subjugation. Reductionistic materialism is a dead end. It is an evil end. The question is how does humanity wake up?
Interesting how easy it was for empire to lure and lull the masses away from "the moment" of transformation and into the recitation of dead words and concepts in its place. That "moment" can only exist as we create it. (We don't re-create it; that's the sleight of hand, in its essence.) The only Easter sermon worth hearing is the one bubbling up spontaneously in the heart and mind of the speaker. It must be invented and still growing as it unfolds. Uncanny how this is precisely the phenomenon noticed by Gene Gendlin in his work in psychology in the 1960s, which he called (unfortunately) "focusing". The living process in which mind and words give life to unfolding states of the heart. The very meaning of conscious existence.
Thank you Matt for this wonderful Easter gift. My best to you and Cynthia.
Really beautiful. Thank you.
Islam started in Mecca (Arabia) at 610, when Prophet Muhammad began to receive the Divine Revelation known as the Quran. At the time, most Arabs where idol worshippers and there were a few Christians, and some Jewish tribes. For Muslims, Islam confirms all the previous Prophets, including Moses and Jesus. We are not allowed to different between them, they were all sent by God. For us, Islam is a continuation of the same universal message for humankind, that of One Creator….
In all these other religions no one offered themselves to be crucified so others would not have to suffer the same fate, please make a note of this.
In other religions such as Islam, we don’t accept Jesus was crucified. We believe he was a Prophet and Messenger of God, and his mother is revered as one of the four most excellent women mentioned in the Quran. There is a whole chapter called Mary which is about mother and son. We believe we are responsible for our actions and can directly ask God for His forgiveness and mercy, for He is the Most-Merciful and the Compassionate. And when we mention Jesus, we ask for God’s blessings upon him. Happy Easter!
Interesting. I stand by my thought on this matter. The evil Roman Empire did use crucifixion as a means to punish and serve as a warning to the low classes forced to serve them, probably crucified many Islam believers as well. I don't know for sure, don't know about Islam. Its ok with me you can think what you want. Happy Easter!
Yes, they did indeed. Not Muslims though, as Islam didn’t exist yet. But many Jews and followers of Jesus.
When did Muslims form a religion? What did these people/communities believe beforehand?
Thank you for presenting our urgent dilemma in such a positive and beautiful light, as a question of how we express our love for each other, rather than focusing on the darkness of transhumanism. The answer, of course, is Christ. Christ is always the answer. I feel such hope as we stand on the cusp of momentous change that we will actually prevail over the great darkness.
Inspiring Easter message , thank you Matt.
Enjoyed reading and the reminders of the massive amazing influence of Christianity upon the world. The bankers seem to be striving to return to Imperial Rome control with the implementation of CBDC. Hope to hear more about this in your writings of this most pressing concern soon.
Thank you Matt. Blessings to you and Cynthia. 🙏
What a beautiful essay, Matt!
This is a comment I posted on Tessa Lena's Substack recently responding to her question: “What if Jesus Christ has been weeping ever since, seeing what people have done in his name?” Yes. Good question.
I like to say that Jesus was crucified three times. First, as a social activist killed by crucifixion for defending the humanity of the “least of these”. Second, Jesus was crucified by “deification” (othering—no longer human). Point being, that Jesus' humanity is crucial--divinity in the world through his practices. Third, by the appropriation of his message of “human decency” by charlatans and free riders who have exploited the simple and compelling beauty of this message. And why not, the charlatans ask, because it is all fiction, isn’t it? (Think of Ayn Rand and the arrogance of Neoliberalism) This is how a fundamental and deep human social truth becomes an apparent lie.
I would argue that social organizing belief systems are fundamental to all societies based on religious or communal cultural practices. (Even the religion of Scientism is a social organizing belief system—our current cross to bear.) Fundamentally, all societies are built upon the social cohesion availed by their shared belief systems, for better or worse (think operating systems).
There is no doubt in my mind that humanity is at a turning point and will be forced to choose between the creativity of a life affirming future, versus, a rejection of of life in a quixotic obsession with materialism, control, and subjugation. Reductionistic materialism is a dead end. It is an evil end. The question is how does humanity wake up?
Interesting how easy it was for empire to lure and lull the masses away from "the moment" of transformation and into the recitation of dead words and concepts in its place. That "moment" can only exist as we create it. (We don't re-create it; that's the sleight of hand, in its essence.) The only Easter sermon worth hearing is the one bubbling up spontaneously in the heart and mind of the speaker. It must be invented and still growing as it unfolds. Uncanny how this is precisely the phenomenon noticed by Gene Gendlin in his work in psychology in the 1960s, which he called (unfortunately) "focusing". The living process in which mind and words give life to unfolding states of the heart. The very meaning of conscious existence.
How many of us spend our whole lives in the kitchen? Irrespective of religious background.