We were sitting over dinner as I shared pictures on my phone of the Bahai’ Temple north of Chicago. I spoke of the peace I experienced in the temple as I spent time with meditation. Something about the architecture helps to draw visitors to experiences that are both deep and transcendent. My friend was amazed at the images. She shared how she enjoys visiting her own temple and the peace she finds there just by sitting. My friend is Vietnamese and Buddhist.
I find myself comfortable in many places, whether it’s the Bahai’ Temple, Buddhist temples and Zen sanghas, Hindu temples, and, of course, even some Christian churches. These are places I can sit and experience the Holy One in silence and stillness. With my universalist perspective on religion and spirituality, it’s probably fair to wonder why I have remained a Christian.
Inevitably, there are some people who tell me that the only reason that I am a Christian is that I was born in a Western country into a family which practiced Christianity. There is a dimension of truth in that observation. But after years of study of other religious and spiritual practices, having sat in meditation and working closely with roshis, monks, and priests from other religions, I’ve chosen to remain a Christian.
I don’t believe that Christianity is better than any other religion. Nor do I believe that the teachings of Jesus are an exclusive gateway to salvation, however it is that you understand “salvation.” Having studied various sacred and inspired texts, I find that the teachings of Jesus draw me toward a balanced way of living out the experiences I hold dear in contemplative practice. For me, spiritual practice isn’t just about meditation but it’s also about living actively in the larger world around us.
The teachings of Jesus in the gospel narratives point to a duality that I experience deeply: the realm of God, the realm of heaven is both within us and it is among us. This understanding is rooted in ancient Jewish teaching that we are made in the image and likeness of God and that Divine life was breathed into us. At the same time, the earth and cosmos are God’s dwelling place. Yes, the realm of God is within and around us. I may experience the realm of God deep inside of me in contemplative practice, but I also experience it with other people.
Further, the teachings of Jesus prevent me from being self-absorbed in my own spiritual practice. Jesus taught his followers to pray in one’s own room, to go alone to a private place. At the same time, he taught his follows to love others with passion and without reserve. In this I find great balance for living in these two critical teachings of Jesus. My time in prayer and meditation is truly sacred to me. But so is working for justice and bringing about right relationships with others.
As an over-educated white man who has had a variety of privileges in life, the teachings of Jesus also penetrate through all I’ve been taught about male dominance and white privilege. Jesus was clear in his teaching: the greatest is the one who serves others. Taking the seat in the back of the room to allow others to have the prize seats is the right thing to do. While I will probably always stumble on issues of privilege, the teaching and example of Jesus have given me insight to make conscious decisions to put myself in second place so that others can take first place, particularly those who are often excluded from holding first place like women or people whose skin tone is different from my own.
Why have I chosen to remain a Christian rather than following the path of some of my friends who have become Buddhist or Hindu? It’s not that I don’t appreciate other religions. Nor is it because I happened to be born into a family that practiced Christianity. Instead, I have actively chosen to continue to follow the teachings of Jesus because the way he taught is a way of balance for me. The way of Jesus blends the need for a contemplative path with a path of active engagement rooted in love. Yes, this is the way that leads me to the fullness of life.
I love this. Very thoughtful and loving sentiments. Very much appreciated.