Dogma

How do you choose your dogma — :

spirituality and practicality

faith and science

fate and free will

god and universe

spirit and matter

w/

so many choices

paths, routes, ways, systems, structures

and

so many

ways to salute

ways to pray

rituals of tribute

ceremonies for any time

(or type)

of the day

?

The institution of religion

captures the rapture,

traps the tales

ensnares the rites

with rules and regulations,

ways to do and ways to don't

things you will and things you won't.

This way, not that way.

Our way, not their way.

Dogma’s groove can guide us toward

a pre-ordained

righteous outcome.

Comfortable and easy

following a well-trodden trail,

safely in the herd

of familiarity.

Dogma can be dangerous

when it

separates and divides

it’s tough when worlds collide.

When we are seen as 'other'

it won't be long

until other is 'wrong'.

Despite the profound similarities

with the respective doctrines

the common themes

the expressions

of Truth

with such the same tone,

it's the proud polarities

that chasm the deep

that widen the gap

that make us think that ‘other’ is crap.

Is it stuffy

in the incubator of indoctrination,

within the walls of strict structure,

in the rigid and tired ideals

?

Dimly lit with a medieval glow…

is there not evolutionary flow

?

Have there not been shifts and changes,

advances and achievements,

growth and development,

refinements and enhancements

?

Have there not been new stories of value,

fables of morality,

tales of wisdom

that embrace the mystery

in revelations of the unknown

?

Is it time to update,

the technology

with new downloads

?

A tweak of the myths of man,

a review and edit

?

An evaluation of the keepers

and

their moral aptitude

?

God or Goddess

Plant or Rock

Spirit or Universe

Creator or Creation

the names, number, notions

are fabulous personalized flair.

Shrine or Temple

Church or Mosque

Forest or Cave

Mountain or Ocean

are sanctuaries of sacred space

made powerful

because of the community.

Some places are

adorned with objects

flowers, gems, statues

shrines and altars

to alter and align

our minds,

hearts and spirits.

Others’ are simple

basic and plain

decorated with…

dedication and devotional

energy.

—

it’s the intention that makes them meaningful.

Can we offer

thoughts and feelings

sentiments and sensations

ways to worship

( — whatever and however the persuasion — )

~ prayers with intention are faith in practice ~

in whatever form

?

Perhaps it’s

to sit quietly

to stand loudly

to bend a knee actively

with respect and regard

to creatively express

reverently.

Perhaps it’s a systemless system

with openness and grace

a principled flexibility with readiness to embrace

— the ability to join them all —

all spiritual kin and kind.

It’s a model that continually grows and improves

( — to keep grooving — )

to move further

and farther

enhancing its place

refining w/graceful inquiry and intent.

A form that’s potent,

an expression that’s empowered,

insight that’s an intentional

patchwork,

a mystical mashwork

of truth and inspiration.

Equal and awesome practices,

valuable and rad rituals

commingle and dance

to embrace

the core source of each

but

shed the restrictive shell of dogma.

We can

share & delight

revel & marvel

and

hold true

to the wisdom

within

each unique individual expression

of each group’s signature style.

They add

personality & charm,

texture & flavor

that intrigues the mind

delights the heart

and

placates the soul.

Maybe

by casting out

we’ve created w/in

another religion

another audacious, preachy dogma.

One with leaderless followers

anonymous authors of tithes and scriptures

all & no deities

— but —

One

With All.

—

Have we just reiterated

?