thesoulpurposedotorg

I was told this by a friend of mine who is himself a counselor:

A group of psychologists who are both interested in how religion effects persons emotionally and positive about that effect, consider fundamentalism to be the “religion of the virgin,” designed for those who cannot embrace their own humanity. The radical embracing of the doctrine of original sin means they have to prove to themselves over and over again that they are sinners. The anathama in this psychological rubric is the virgin who has been soiled. This group was not surprised by the sexual sins of the televangelists in the 1980’s because the “shadow” self has to be so repressed in fundamentalism that it has to come out and “prove” the person’s sinfulness to themselves.

I grew up with this way of thinking. In my opinion, this fear of one’s humanity, leads to a cycle of emotional repentance and eventually horrifying failure followed by emotional repentance and eventually horrifying failure, over and over again. In contrast to that is the spiritual journey of “sanctification” (in old evangelical and Roman Catholic terms) also known as “purification” in eastern terms also known as “deification” in Orhodox terms – all of which refer to a deep inner change that comes through choosing to turn to God in daily practice and happens slowly over time.

“God became man in order that man might become god” St. Ireneus

“We remain creatures while becoming God by grace, as Christ remained God in becoming man by the Incarnation” Vladimir Lossky

In my opinion, the cycle of sin and repentance can become an addiction. If we see ourselves as basically evil creatures who are basically disgusting to God because we are sexual beings, then all we can do is sin and repent, over and over again. For there is no such thing as purity of thought this side of heaven.

The alternative is to embrace our original nature as divine, to remember that when God looked at all that was created.

“God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.”Genesis 1:21

Of course, all has not remained good but we have remained the beloved:

“Is it not evident that the Father accepts the sacrifice not because He demanded it or because He felt any need for it, but….becaue man must be sanctified by the humanity of God, and God Himself must deliver us by overcoming the tyrant through His own power, and drawing us to Himself by the mediation of the Son who effects this all for the honour of God…..what remains to be said shall be covered with a reverent silence…..” Vladimir Lossky

To me, knowing that we are called back to our original divine nature through the grace and generousity of Love itself rather than seen as objects of disgust by a vengeful God makes all the difference. May you, the reader, know this Love and know your original nature.