If you’ve picked up this book, it’s fair to say that you’re still seeking; still looking
for something you believe is missing. Many spiritual seekers own shelves of books, have
attended numerous lectures or retreats, tried countless “methods” and followed many
“formulas,” but are still uncertain of who they are, who God is and what the purpose of their life
might be. What do we really need to get these questions answered? We live in an
information age that not only provides us with an overabundance of information, but
also treats the acquisition of information as an end in itself. It’s been reported that
more information is contained in one issue of the New York Times than someone living in the
1600’s took in in an entire lifetime! It’s no surprise if we often feel inundated and confused by the
outpouring, and so we should, because information without purpose to us individually, while
perhaps interesting, is also useless. Information takes on real value only when it answers
a question or solves a problem. And uncertainty about our place in the universe
certainly qualifies as a problem, arguably mankind’s most significant and persistent
problem, since solving it would provide us with both a foundation and direction.
for something you believe is missing. Many spiritual seekers own shelves of books, have
attended numerous lectures or retreats, tried countless “methods” and followed many
“formulas,” but are still uncertain of who they are, who God is and what the purpose of their life
might be. What do we really need to get these questions answered? We live in an
information age that not only provides us with an overabundance of information, but
also treats the acquisition of information as an end in itself. It’s been reported that
more information is contained in one issue of the New York Times than someone living in the
1600’s took in in an entire lifetime! It’s no surprise if we often feel inundated and confused by the
outpouring, and so we should, because information without purpose to us individually, while
perhaps interesting, is also useless. Information takes on real value only when it answers
a question or solves a problem. And uncertainty about our place in the universe
certainly qualifies as a problem, arguably mankind’s most significant and persistent
problem, since solving it would provide us with both a foundation and direction.
Essential to finding the answers we seek is asking the correct questions. The most helpful
and significant question we can ask ourselves is why we want certain information:
why do I want to know who I am, who God is and what the purpose of my life might
be? In her book, Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas, Princeton University Professor
of Religion, Elaine Pagels, points out the significance of our answer by referring to the early
Christian commentator, Heracleon. He described two types of early Christian spiritual seekers
who displayed distinctly different goals. The priority of the largest group was a savior who would
offer solutions for day-to-day problems and end their suffering. In contrast, the second group
sought spiritual experience because they perceived an emptiness within themselves they felt
could only be filled by a rich and intimate relationship with Divine Presence.
We don’t wish to denounce or elevate either group since each of us comes to understanding
within the time frame, and on the path, best suited to us. However, we do want to clearly state
that it is not the purpose of this book to add to the stockpile of information already available
regarding such day-to-day concerns as the acquisition of material wealth, finding fulfilling
relationships, or leading a healthier, happier life.
and significant question we can ask ourselves is why we want certain information:
why do I want to know who I am, who God is and what the purpose of my life might
be? In her book, Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas, Princeton University Professor
of Religion, Elaine Pagels, points out the significance of our answer by referring to the early
Christian commentator, Heracleon. He described two types of early Christian spiritual seekers
who displayed distinctly different goals. The priority of the largest group was a savior who would
offer solutions for day-to-day problems and end their suffering. In contrast, the second group
sought spiritual experience because they perceived an emptiness within themselves they felt
could only be filled by a rich and intimate relationship with Divine Presence.
We don’t wish to denounce or elevate either group since each of us comes to understanding
within the time frame, and on the path, best suited to us. However, we do want to clearly state
that it is not the purpose of this book to add to the stockpile of information already available
regarding such day-to-day concerns as the acquisition of material wealth, finding fulfilling
relationships, or leading a healthier, happier life.
Chapter ONE
First Things First
First Things First
If a man will begin with certainties,
he will end in doubts;
but if he will be content with doubts,
he will end in certainties.
—Francis Bacon
he will end in doubts;
but if he will be content with doubts,
he will end in certainties.
—Francis Bacon
| Copyright © 2007 Oroborus Books Lee and Steven Hager |
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Its purpose does not include a method for making the world
a better place. It offers no secrets, no systems and no
formulas to follow. Its intention is to discuss the
question of who God is, who we are and what our
purpose includes in a manner that can greatly enrich
our understanding of, and relationship with, the
Ultimate Reality. Our experience has taught us that as
we allow God to tell us who God is, and rebuild a
relationship with God on that basis, the “problems” we
believed we had will also be resolved.
a better place. It offers no secrets, no systems and no
formulas to follow. Its intention is to discuss the
question of who God is, who we are and what our
purpose includes in a manner that can greatly enrich
our understanding of, and relationship with, the
Ultimate Reality. Our experience has taught us that as
we allow God to tell us who God is, and rebuild a
relationship with God on that basis, the “problems” we
believed we had will also be resolved.