Tsc Tempest
a biography of religious faith
(a submission in accordance with the requirements for the Universal Ministries Masters Degree)
Belief. Religious Belief. Religious belief as taught by the Holy Roman Church and I, did not get along together all that well. It wasn't so much a problem with the tenets that were taught but more an issue with how the congregation, flaunted those tenets when they thought no one was looking.
I fell out with the Roman Catholic Church after seeing people stealing from the donation plate, in the back tallying rom, and when I reported it, I was admonished for not being in my pew and attending to the mass. in other words, I was the one at fault, I was the sinner, and all I did was get, to go to the toilet. This was my first confrontation with questions of blind acceptance, "belief" and an inner understanding, "faith" that most of us refer to as "Religion."
Since that time I have spent a great deal of time trying to understand what it it I do believe, what is my religious faith, and how does it shape my life. quite simply, my faith is not a mainstream belief system, It is the crystallization of experiences, dedicated thought, and meditation on fundamental principles that concern each and every one of us.
After falling out with The Church, I have delved into various Cristian sects; patiently listened to the speakers of the Book of Mormon; studied the way of Science, explored new age thought; philosophized with Forum participants, instructors; and debated students of theology. I've even looked from the outside in at some key Eastern worldviews. All this has led me to develop my own belief system. It works for me and informs they way I choose to interact with other in my community and around the world.
My belief, the Tetroidian Worldview, is based on principles of family, community, self-actualization and worthiness. It has shaped one of my principle philosophies concerning public discourse and the sharing of opinions in public forums, that of being, "Firm, Friendly, Fair and Frank."
My life has been shaped by exclusion and inclusion in various communities, both religious and secular, western and eastern.As such my experiences have informed my thinking on the place of religion in society and its role within society. That is of guiding the values and principles of the people so that they are able to flourish and contribute to the best of their individual abilities to the community's prosperity, and share equally in that prosperity.
I believe we have an all seeing Guardian that watches over us, that The Guardian may intervene at times, in strange, mysterious, and somewhat startling ways, but otherwise leaves us to our own devices. I believe that there are several planes of existence and that we are here on this plane to grow and develop spiritually. As such, my personal life experiences seem to support and reinforce such beliefs enough for me to take it on, "Faith" as being true.
January 18, 2003 TT
