Opinion: Finding Common Ground: Reflecting on Christianity, Critique, and Compassion

Anyone who has met me in the last decade has most certainly discovered that I am vehemently anti-religion. I was once rabid about this, though now I strive to be less militant and more compassionate about it. I still have some heavy criticisms for Christians in particular (because I have the most first-hand experience with it) but I feel most if not all religions, either by design or by corruption, lean heavily on aspects of control by utilizing fear, shame, guilt and coercion. There are already tons of creators out there discussing the same criticisms I have, so for today I would like to focus on sharing some aspects of Christianity I like. I find common ground to be the most effective way to bridge any divide and this country is already divided on so many lines and I don’t think spirituality should be one of them. 

During my 17 years as a more-than-casual Christian, I picked up some key ideas that I keep with me now, more than a decade later. First and foremost, I like Jesus. I think he was a rebel with a great cause. He flipped the money changers tables in the temples, he performed miracles on the Sabbath, kept company with sinners, lepers, and women. From reading the bible and later the historical context I came to understand that he is really for the people. I think Jesus was truly revolutionary. My favorite passage, the one that I think succinctly sums up what Jesus  wanted us to learn was the Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 5-7 for those following along at home.) 

The sermon on the mount starts off strong by talking about what is now known as “the Beatitudes”. Here Jesus talks about the qualities that will be rewarded in heaven. I don’t personally believe in heaven and hell anymore but I believe that these attributes will help us live a life that lessens suffering and serve to clear past negative karma and set us up for success in the next life by building positive karma. (Side note, a lot of my ideals and beliefs are rooted in Buddhism, which of course is rooted in Hinduism. I came to many of these beliefs on my own through observation. I later discovered they line up pretty well with Buddhism and of course Buddah teaches us that observation is a powerful tool.) Here on the Mount Jesus tells his followers that the following attributes are blessed: the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who seek righteousness, the merciful, the pure of heart, the peacemakers, and the persecuted. 

Jesus goes on to ask his followers to ask, seek and find, to share their light. He affirms that he is fulfilling the law (Moses’) and the prophecy. He speaks out against murder, adultery (I particularly like that he asks men to pluck out their eye if it causes them to sin), divorce (excepting in cases of adultery, though I think Jesus would agree that you should leave your abusive spouse today), and making oaths. He goes on to ask us to give to those who hurt us, love our enemies, give to the poor (without making it a show), pray, fast (without making it into a spectacle), he reminds us that our possessions are not coming with us into the afterlife, and reminds his followers that they will be provided for. He tells us not to pass judgment on others and speaks about the golden rule. He warns against false prophets and disciples. 

I invite you to look up how a pastor of a mega church acted towards folks displaced during hurricane Harvey in Texas back in 2017 and reflect on if this is the kind of attitude you would expect from a disciple or prophet of Jesus. I invite you to look into the pastor that just a few months ago gave a whole sermon from the pulpit before sharing that his wife had killed herself and reflect on if that is what you would expect from a leader in the Christian faith. I invite you to look into how your local leadership speaks about politics and reflect on two things: Should they be speaking about politics from the pulpit? (By law and would Jesus approve?)  If they kept with Jesus’ teachings - do you think that what they are saying about different populations are loving, compassionate and just? 

I imagine that if we are objective, we might find that the most “Christ-Like” among us are not in the church leadership, and in my experience, are not often found in the church at all. I understand that we are not perfect - I do, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t all strive to live the truths that Jesus taught. 

With Love and Compassion,

Mia Marie

Buddhism: A Natural Conclusion

In my journey of personal growth and exploration, I have stumbled upon many principles that have significantly shaped my worldview and daily practices. Interestingly, many of these concepts align closely with Buddhist teachings, despite my not being a Buddhist. This convergence of ideas speaks to the universal wisdom embedded within Buddhism, which transcends religious boundaries and resonates with the human experience.

One of the most transformative concepts I encountered is mindfulness—the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment. Without initially realizing its roots, I found that by paying close attention to my thoughts, emotions, and actions, I could navigate life's challenges more effectively. This practice allowed me to cultivate a sense of peace and clarity, leading to more thoughtful decision-making and a deeper appreciation of everyday moments. 

Buddhism places a significant emphasis on mindfulness. It is one of the core elements of the Noble Eightfold Path, a guide to ethical and mental development. The practice of mindfulness in Buddhism involves observing one's mind without attachment or judgment, fostering a deeper understanding of oneself and the nature of existence. This alignment between my natural inclinations and Buddhist teachings highlights the profound impact mindfulness can have on our lives.

Another realization that profoundly influenced my outlook is the concept of impermanence. I began to see that everything in life is transient—emotions, circumstances, successes, and failures. Embracing this understanding helped me develop resilience and reduce my attachment to fleeting moments of pleasure or pain.

Impermanence, or "anicca," is a fundamental doctrine in Buddhism. It teaches that all conditioned phenomena are in a constant state of flux. By recognizing and accepting this impermanence, Buddhists aim to reduce suffering and cultivate a more balanced perspective. My natural acceptance of life's transitory nature echoes this core Buddhist principle, underscoring its relevance across different contexts and cultures.

In exploring my relationships with others and the world around me, I came to appreciate the interconnectedness of all things. Recognizing that my actions have far-reaching impacts and that I am part of a larger web of existence has encouraged me to act with greater compassion and responsibility.

Buddhism emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life through the concept of "dependent origination" (pratītyasamutpāda). This teaching asserts that all phenomena arise in dependence upon multiple conditions and causes. By understanding this interconnectedness, Buddhists strive to act with kindness and awareness, fostering harmony and reducing suffering. My natural inclination towards recognizing our interconnected world aligns with this profound Buddhist insight, highlighting its universal applicability.

In my personal development, I discovered the importance of compassion—not just towards others but also towards myself. By practicing self-compassion, I learned to navigate my shortcomings and failures with kindness, leading to greater emotional well-being and growth.

Compassion, or "karuna," is a cornerstone of Buddhist practice. It involves the wish to alleviate the suffering of others and is considered essential for achieving enlightenment. The practice of compassion in Buddhism extends to all beings, encouraging a sense of universal empathy and care. My natural gravitation towards compassionate living mirrors this essential Buddhist value, demonstrating its significance in fostering a more humane and compassionate world.

While I did not set out to adopt Buddhist principles, my journey of self-discovery has led me to many of the same insights that Buddhism has articulated for millennia. This convergence underscores the timeless and universal nature of these teachings. Whether we identify as Buddhists or not, integrating these principles—mindfulness, acceptance of impermanence, recognition of interconnectedness, and cultivation of compassion—can profoundly enrich our lives and the lives of those around us. As we navigate our unique paths, we may find that these ancient wisdoms naturally emerge, guiding us towards a more mindful, compassionate, and fulfilling existence.

With Love and Compassion,
Mia Marie