| Light is often figuratively associated with proper attitudes and behavior, as for example in the concept of enlightenment. One particular truth is this: a light produces both illumination and shadows. It might illuminate the truth and at the same time provide shadows that can hide lies. I see hope, however, in the idea that
there aren't any shadows when light comes equally from all directions. It is therefore important to remember that nobody owns the light.
My view of organized religion is that it doesn't have much to do with a belief
in God. Organized religion seems to be mostly about obeying the
clergy, with God as the clergy's badge of office and "big stick". The
consequences of disobedience appear to be, variously, secular criminal prosecution
and punishment, defamation and slander, shunning, excommunication, exile,
torture, death, or whatever other punishments the particular clergy have
the power to impose. As an alternative, I suggest that God intends
for us to think for ourselves. It's the clergy, not God, who try to
coerce us into darkness, to deprive us of the light. Nobody owns the
light.
May God grant us the will to seek the
light, the skill to find it, the courage to choose it, and the wisdom to
make it endure. |
The name of this website follows from that of