Weekly Message March 19 Comparative Thoughts

Bible vs. "Pagan"- Lessons in Romans

I am using the term Pagan loosely here, but for the sake of this blog- we are going to use the term "pagan" for any non Christian spiritual path- so just not the Wiccan path.  Spiritual paths with karmic law- do no harm. 
​I think people often wonder what "religion" I am, and often surprised when my knowledge comes forth, or for the fact I am a minister, yet I do not define myself with one religion.  I am a Metaphysician- I have my degree and working on my other 2 degrees.  With this, it has taught me, things I was fully already aware of- that God/Universe is within me. I am the light. I suppose if you want to define that, some call it New Thought. I personally, still call myself- just spiritual. 
New Thought, does work with the bible, however it looks at it from a metaphysical standpoint. Afterall, it is one of the greatest religious texts ever written, and dismissing it would be like dismissing any spiritual awareness text. The bible like any other book is a tool. How the tool is used, however can define a person- good or bad. Misuse, which has happen in most  religions that have a text. We have wars in the world, due to the misuse. People, not agreeing with each other, so rather fight. The interesting point with religious texts, is there is either an extreme side or a very loose side. Sometimes, you get a happy middle. 
My family has always had its fair share of preachers- I guess you can say it is wired in our DNA.  I can look down the street and see one of the churches that my family built in the late 1800s.  I think all the men, except my father, was some type of preacher/decon in the church. My brother is also a Chaplain, he follows a much differnt path than, he is a creationist.  It is not my view, but it is what he believes and I respect.  Which leads us to those comparative lesssons. 
I have studied many spiritual paths, taking differnt ​ religion courses when I can. I have done this in my life, to expand my knowledge. Also, as the starseed that I am- I know that there is so much more. In this vast universe we are in. We are not alone, there is more out there than our own universe.  Before modern day Christianity, there was native religions, far reaching and far knowledgable that we can see. Thus the "pagan" paths. This had to come from the stars, this had to come from the higher power, the plug we all have- God within. 
I had a lovely reminder of this this past week, when my phone went off for my daily bible verse- it was a Romans 12 verse.  Actually Romans 12:2  (NLT) " Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."  This verse speaks exactly of our actions, our thoughts are responsible for our daily living. If we let God/Universe or the whatever divine that you have your "faith" in, a divine living will be made in your life. Think of it as a Law of Attraction.  Yes, this is a bible verse that transends all faiths. 
We have karmic laws of do no harm to others and love one another, that surpasses just Christianity- it is in Eastern faiths, Islamic, Jewish and of course pagan faiths.  Once again in Romans 12 we have this play out again.  Romans 12: 8-10 (NLT) " 8. If  your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 9. Don't pertend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." This could not be more clear. Yet, in today's society, the news is full of hate and negative. Even friendships, family and more are swirling in a negative vortex. Only feeding the negative fires until one another breaks. Be the good in the world. Use the gifts that the universe has given you for good. 
Romans 12:20-21 (NLT) " 20. Instead, " If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads." 21. Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good."  Don't take revenge on someone whom has done you wrong, they know they have done you "dirty" that is something they have to live with. It is not our job to take matters in our own hands.  And remember no matter what "faith" you follow- good conquers evil. 
Romans 12 proves that if you are Christian or "pagan" or anything that falls in some realm of spiritual practice, use good and God/universe has divine blessings.  Your body is the a living spirit. No matter what faith you follow, treat it well. 
Have respect for other faiths, just because one may not typically have your view, honor them and love them. Do not debate with them and tell them they are wrong. Next time someone wants to debate you on religious matters, remind yourself there are native tribes that most likely have never even heard of most of our common faiths. That most religious texts have been translated over and over and everyone has thier own opinion on what is the "correct" translations- an english translation is not going to be the same as an slavic, greek, spanish, french and so on translation.  There is not right and there is no wrong when it comes to  religion- that is why it is called 'faith'.