Spirit Of God: what does that designation mean to you? Have you ever used the term and if so how did you imagine its meaning? I strongly suspect that people worldwide of all religions and faiths have a vague individualistic idea which likely they could not clearly explain to another person. The reason I am allowed to say that is very clear. No one except me has defined the “essence of God (Allah, Yahweh. Brahma, Buddha, etc.). Without an essential definition, all mention of God and its attributes is jargonistic minutia.
Science has shown us clearly that everything in existence is made of identical tiniest particles of energy collectively known as quanta, but with specific individual group names such as photons, quarks, leptons, etc. Each individual in any group is identical to its counterparts—each is perfect in form and function. Furthermore, not one more or less is in existence now than 13.7 billion years ago. So what does that have to do with the Spirit of God?—everything. My definition of God’s essence as A Perfect Rational Being mandates a Perfect Intellect which envisioned each of these particles and a perfect Will (love, choice, spirit) which mandated their existence and keeps each perfect just as their Creator is perfect. So when we say Spirit of God (Holy Spirit), we are speaking of God’s Will (love, acceptance, choice). That Love of course permeates every grain of sand, tree leaf, snake, fox, cloud, sun, and yes human in existence. Since God’s Love (Spirit) is Perfect, there is absolutely no way we nor anything else could be rejected by it.
The Christian world just entered the season of Lent yesterday with Ash Wednesday. Historically and currently, that season typically has exhorted us to fast, abstain from meat, do extra penance, etc. in hopes of “APPEASING” God and hopefully securing our salvation. Of course, God being Perfect cannot possibly be appeased, pleased or hurt—that was the god of the Israelites, of some pagan gods, and yes, our Christian God. What a terrible misplacement, and misunderstanding of God’s essence. I will submit to you that Lent should be a time of extreme personal and communal rejoicing because Jesus, the brilliant carpenter frim Nazareth, recognized God’s presence (light) in everything. He went about vigorously attempting to educate some to that fact—I’m not convinced he succeeded with any of them. The only real indication that someone caught on is Paul’s letters. He seems to understand the concept reasonably well and preached it vigorously to any and all. Of course, both Jesus’ and Paul’s teachings were pure heresy to the Jews—both were killed for their treason. Jesus showed us that we are intricately connected to everything through the Spirit Of God—that was his gospel (good news) that he wanted preached to the entire world. God cannot possibly be separated from himself. However in the post-Nicaean era, religion took the stance that it was in control of God’s location, thoughts, and actions. Religion speaks of the Spirit of God, God’s Will, and Holy Spirit, but never has been able to tell us what or what those entities are nor where they reside.
So Lent should be a time of great celebration, of extreme happiness and joy for the glorious gift of Jesus who showed us the Christ (the light of the world). It is not a time of self diminution in the false belief that we can influence God’s mind (Will)—it is Perfect and Eternal and not subject to change.
For a complete understanding of these concepts, read Wilderness Cry and Peace in Spirituality (to be released in a few months).
WILDERNESS CRY by Hilary L Hunt MD 