by Bridget Hildreth

Created on: May 11, 2007   Last Updated: May 17, 2007

When fundamentalist Christians and Spiritualists are best friends, many interesting and sometimes quite passionate discussions take place. Dissecting the root belief system from ceremonial displays aids in finding common ground, but my experience is that Spiritualists are far more tolerant of differing schools of religous and metaphysical theories than followers of specific organized religous groups.

I believe that life is eternal on many different planes and that our current incarnation on Earth is not an exercise or test that must be passed or scored to a specific tally to move to the next stage of consciousness. Why would an infinite power waste this glorious energy that is Mankind solely on preparation for physical death? Our lives are meant to be abundant and filled with experiences to enrich our essence. We learn and grow from our positive and negative actions; everything and everyone has a place, both that is percieved good and evil. This is the balance that the Universe operates within...the physics of death and rebirth; the exchange and repositioning of energy.

Conservatively, I would estimate my closest friend and her mate "invite" my husband and me to attend a service at their place of worship at least once a month. It seems that neither will be satisfied until we convert to their way of thinking where God, Heaven, and the saving of our eternal souls is concerned. What stikes me as amusing is that we are polar opposites when it comes to our political affilliations, but there is barely any discussion or attempts to sway our ideology in that department.

Proving that friendship holds an open mind and open heart, I have attended a sermon or two with this couple, and to no surprise, the same sort of message that I had encountered countless times from fundamentalist Christian parishoners was in the forefront with no room for any other school of thought than what they believe to be ordained by THEIR God, and there is no other way...PERIOD. I have yet to have them reciprocate, even in private conversation, that a broad spectrum of belief systems are in place within our society as well as around the globe, some equally convinced as they of their righteousness.

I have nothing negative to say about anyone's belief system as long as it does not impose on another. If invited to do so, an individual should surely share thoughts and ideas regarding theology, and /or the origins of our lifeforce. I believe we are meant to be curious and thoughtful of the energy and light that flows through us all, and that faith is a gift we hold as a comfort to ourselves, not to be used as a net to restrict the mind from glorious ideas and inspiration.

Friendship is an amazing thing. I am sure this couple will remain vigilant in their tireless recruitment to save my immortal soul, and I shall embrace the knowledge that their path brings them comfort. My peace is eternal, and our relationship has purpose. This I know.

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