"Eve. Where did you get that apple?"
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Consciousness, and the nature of human consciousness compared to that of other living things, is a fascinating subject to ponder. Of course this unique ability to ponder, in and of itself, sets us humans apart. Any scientist who studies the behavior of dolphins or chimpanzees, any dog or horse owner, knows intuitively and intimately these beings are remarkably conscious. Fortunately for the dog, his apparent inability to worry about how he looks to the other dogs, or what is going to happen to him after he dies provides him a pleasant canvas upon which to paint the picture of his life.
We are different.
The story of the Fall of humanity is one we have heard since childhood.
"Eve. Where exactly did you get that apple?" Which tree is it that was forbidden? Should we be curious to why it is the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and n
ot the tree of power, or the tree of life, or simply the tree of knowledge? What is significant about this tree? What entered into humanity when we became conscious of good and evil?
Judgment entered.
Their new found self-awareness and self-consciousness is the first detail we read about Adam and Eve after indulging in the forbidden fruit. They realize they are naked. Self. Ego. Shame.
They are immediately worried about how they look to the other dogs.
The story goes on to describe Adam and Eve's shame, fear, turning to blame one another, and justifying their own behavior. As Genesis unfolds, humanity spirals relentlessly downhill.
Jesus' words are clear and strong regarding judgment.
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the same measures you use, it will be measured to you." Matt 7:1-2
This cause and effect relationship, in regard to how we choose to judge, seems inescapable.
The divine gift of an expanding human consciousness and our extraordinary complexity also provides us with the free will not to judge. With this gift of free will we are capable of choosing the wisdom of renunciation, and every consideration
for another human being comes from this freedom of consciousness. Joy resides here. We have a choice of what to paint on our canvas.
Maybe I do not have to be so jealous of my dog.
Some time has passed since my last post. I look forward to your thoughts.
Michele
We are different.
The story of the Fall of humanity is one we have heard since childhood.
"Eve. Where exactly did you get that apple?" Which tree is it that was forbidden? Should we be curious to why it is the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and n
Judgment entered.
Their new found self-awareness and self-consciousness is the first detail we read about Adam and Eve after indulging in the forbidden fruit. They realize they are naked. Self. Ego. Shame.
They are immediately worried about how they look to the other dogs.
The story goes on to describe Adam and Eve's shame, fear, turning to blame one another, and justifying their own behavior. As Genesis unfolds, humanity spirals relentlessly downhill.
Jesus' words are clear and strong regarding judgment.
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the same measures you use, it will be measured to you." Matt 7:1-2
This cause and effect relationship, in regard to how we choose to judge, seems inescapable.
The divine gift of an expanding human consciousness and our extraordinary complexity also provides us with the free will not to judge. With this gift of free will we are capable of choosing the wisdom of renunciation, and every consideration
Maybe I do not have to be so jealous of my dog.
Some time has passed since my last post. I look forward to your thoughts.
Michele
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