Love knows no boundaries:
from the most elementary particles: quarks and bosons
to the most intense human relationships/sexuality
there exists a lifeforce that lures and attracts –
gravity/attraction/love is the basic driver
of the universe/evolution.
Evolution is not just another theory
according to Teilhard de Chardin
it is a dimension of truth to which all theories/disciplines –
physics/chemistry/biology/sociology/history of religions –
must bow, if they are to be credible.
Religion as our ultimate concern (Paul Tillich)
is a dimension of spirituality to which all major religions
Judaism/Christianity/Islam/Hinduism/Buddhism
must bow – this means religion is much broader than church:
lawyers can be seized by an ultimate concern for justice
and thus make the legal system more accessible for the poor.
In a ‘theonomous’ (God-based not church-based) culture
many groups can co-operate, including churches,
in transforming society. Is not this all religion too – God acting in the world?
Buddhism can transform civilizations, as in Thailand and Vietnam
with its Five Precepts which outlast any war:
cultivate compassion/kindness/oneness of body and mind/
mindful speech/mindful consuming.
Christ’s only description of the Final Judgement (Matthew 25: 31-46)
has nothing to do with following the Ten Commandments/
attending church/believing in papal infallibility
it is only about seeing Christ in the marginalized
and reaching out to them in lovingkindness
as the image of God in the least sister/brother.
In giving Christian or Buddhist lovingkindness to others
we need to start with unconditional love for ourselves
whether we feel weak/small/incompetent/not good enough
we can still choose to love our true self/
forgive our false self/
be happy.
Loving others starts, but never ends, with loving our whole self
without boundaries/limits/conditions.
Intelligent Christian Spirituality 