If one assumes a positive motive in the average person's intention then virtually every conflict in church, local, national, institutional, and religious faith vs. religious faith boils down to a difference of opinion on the answer to the key question this week. One can seek the answer in two ways analyze the data until you can derive a theory based on data, information, and extrapolation, or develop a hypothesis and test that hypothesis against observed behavior. We presume that the path to high spirituality is founded on harmony at any price coupled with an emphasis on traditional practices. Inherent in virtually every religion's traditional practice is the avoidance of the immediate aspects of life one finds in the world.
All practices involve a turning away towards something other than the world.
The path to higher spirituality follows along live in harmony with fellow travelers and shun the enemy. In the past Christians fought among themselves, Islamic and Hindu people were enemies, and most groups avoided any association with others. The new trend is no longer away but towards and with each other. A week ago Monday, the Arabic News reported on a new declaration that came from Amman Jordan. The statement echoes our behavior in local churches when members disagree on worship style, grace vs. church standards, behavior choices, and a myriad of other issues.