Origin of Thesis - Paragraph 2

We’ll continue with Robert’s Origin of Thesis.

“The continuity of religions’ key revelations, then, is not due to any scholarly means of transmission, books, talks or hearsay, but to the fact these revelations are continuously being repeated - recapitulated - in the history of man’s individual journey. Nowhere is this continuity of revelation more evidence than in the lives of saints and holy people revered as models and inspirations in their respective religions. Without this experiential continuity, revelation would become no more than an intellectual concept or idea, a memento of a bygone era, or simply degenerate into a legend and myth. So the advantage of focusing on individual development is that it reveals the uniqueness of religion’s key revelation without being obscured by the diversity of its cultural and unoriginal overlays.

Having come upon this convergence between God’s historical revelations and their encounter in everyone’s journey, it was obvious to me, at least, man’s true spiritual journey is, in fact, a recapitulation of the key revelations on which our world’s religions were founded. Thus in our individual journey, we miss nothing God has ever revealed to the whole of mankind.” 

To my ears Roberts is saying that on this experiential journey we never miss out on any revelation that is needed for our development. What a comforting thought, that as we intentionally journey along the unfolding or transformation happens. Reflecting on this recapitulation reminds me of a tree, it never misses out on what it should be because the unfolding is built into the fabric of its being. If only I could be so trusting. 

Nevertheless, the lived experience of unfolding is a yes for me, it’s true. I’ve also noticed this truth when sitting and listening with people while coaching or in spiritual direction. I have definitely noted parallel themes emerging across individual stories, even echoing my own, and although everyone is naturally in different places in relation to the unfolding the themes repeat.  

Roberts took the human phenomenon of development and transformation, i.e., learning and experiencing new revelations, and applied it not only to the individual spiritual journey, but also to the species. For me this is nothing less than brilliant. I appreciate her astute understanding that revelation is always happening, thus why religion continues on, even in its current dilapidated form. It continues on because people continually come into contact with something new, life affirming, and dynamic. When this contact happens a person recognizes for themself the real, particularly if one is inclined to slow down and pay attention.  

Pondering her words I wonder if I’m able to completely trust the unfolding (transformative) process? Can I allow the unfolding to occur organically without grasping or wondering if I am missing something? Additionally, the words invite me to become more open, curious and neutral (i.e., non-reactive) to the world around me. To be less narrow in my beliefs and waking up to the understanding that God, if we may use that term, can not help itself but be in and at work in everyone’s life. EVERYONE! Sustaining and existing us from moment-to-moment. 

For myself, as I have intentionally shown up to the unfolding, the desire to explore my revelations to similar revelations of others has been a natural byproduct. Such a curiosity feels like an extension of love and kindness for all who are on The Way. While Contemplative Christianity remains home base, I certainly hear similar messages coming from the Buddhist perspective, say with Tara Brach or Pema Chodron, to name but one. This enlarged community brings joy to the soul! In all honesty, these teachers often state the obvious without the baggage of Christian language and I am then able to find clarity around what my tradition is really about.   

At the end of the day the question becomes one of Trust. Can I trust the process, the feelings of uncertainty and unknowing? Can I trust that nothing will be missed, that all is unfolding as it should? Of course some days are filled with more trust than others, but just noticing where I do and do not trust offers the opportunity to practice with each moment. Always a beginner!