In the essay on Ismael and Isaac, I spoke about a process that employs reincarnation. We cannot escape this process and I want to explain what I meant in more detail. Let me begin by referring to an image, pervasive in Christianity, of a mother cradling a child. As it is, when most people see this image, they automatically think of the Mother Mary and Jesus, the Son of God, Savior of humanity. However, there is proof abundant that this image/concept comes from cultures predating Christianity. Furthermore, the mother cradling the son imagery is symbolic and has nothing to do with Jesus and Mary. The true meaning is alluded to in Acts: 17:28 ’For in Him we live, and move, and have our being.’ Let me explain.
When I was four years old, I started going to church. Of course, while there I studied the Bible and listened to Sunday sermons. At about thirteen I stopped going for two reasons. The first is that what they were saying to me stopped making sense. With the second being, the teachers could not satisfactorily the questions I was asking. So, I sought answers elsewhere. I studied the Bible independently, then philosophy of religion, and frequently read the Quran. Finally, I settled into praying to better understand myself, others, the physical world, and how God is connected to it all. I never pray for things, but rather ask for quality of life. I meditate and daydream – lost in thought. I have tried very hard to understand God and put what I know into practice. What I am describing, although non-structured, is serious study that takes sacrifice. And, as with all other studies, one verse or thought always leads to another. And Acts: 7:28 is no exception!