Spiritual Autobiography

Reflection #1 Spiritual Autobiography The religion of my culture, which most African Americans ascribe, is Christianity. The denomination is generally Baptist, Pentecostal or Apostolic. The three denominations are similar in faith with certain variations. Some variations include attire, personal associations, diet and lifestyles. For generations my family identify with the Pentecostal and the Apostolic faiths. My maternal grandfather was a Pentecostal preacher. He was very stringent regarding his religious beliefs and the religious beliefs of his children and grandchildren. My sister, cousin and I, would often accompany him to speaking engagements throughout the Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia Areas. We formed a trio and would sing hymns
or the latest gospel songs directly before my grandfather took the podium to deliver the message. In addition, my brother is a minister. He is the founder of Renewed Mind Church of Jesus Christ, which my family are members. Quite naturally it does matter to my family that I continue to ascribe to the Christian faith.
Presently, the spiritual path I most identify with is the teachings of Jesus Christ, specifically, his message of love.
Jesus’ ministry was predicated on love. He asserted that we should love one another. Therefore, I believe if we all love one another, the world would be a better place to live. Thus, displaying unconditional love for my fellowman is the spiritual path I ascribe. In addition, unlike the religion of my culture I believe that there are many paths to God. Additionally, I love the God, Goddess deity concept. Common sense demands that there must be a female as well as a male deity instead of the patriarchal system that is in place today. Because where there is a God there must be a Goddess and where there is a queen there is a king to keep harmony and balance in nature and the spiritual forces of the universe.
The images that come to mind regarding the God, Goddess deity concept are usually the female counterparts such as Gaia, Isis and the female Egyptian pantheon Goddesses. I have never asked them for anything but, I do acknowledge their existence. Some of the powers I believe are associated with these entities are the power of nature, the power of love, the power of healing, the power of protection, the power of light, and the power to bestow gifts that are related to the arts and
crafts. One of the three things I believe in which might not have any biblical bases is that when people die their souls go back to the God or the Source. Second, I believe the earth is a place that humans come to learn and experience different things in order to fulfill their destiny. Third, I believe that religion is designed to control the masses. The religious idea that I feel most comfortable supporting is Jesus’ message of love. When I show love toward my fellowman in either word or deed, I feel like I am fulfilling my destiny. Finally, the religious ideas I am most curious about are the concept of Hell. Is Hell considered a real place or is it a metaphor? Also, is purgatory a manmade construct because it is not referenced in the bible? And, is Heaven an actual place or is it a manmade scheme to create civility among the masses to accept an unjust life (specifically the poor) or is it a state of mind.