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Table of Contents
Rev. Leland Stewart, B.S.E., B.T.
THE MEANING OF UNITY-AND-DIVERSITY MINISTRY Be a lamp, or a lifeboat,
or a ladder. Help someone's soul to heal.
Let's begin by talking about the meaning of service from the perspective of ministry in general. Ministers respond to an inner call to serve others and, above all, to serve God, the Spirit, life's Supreme Identity. Ministers and other faith leaders of all the various religions have that as an area of common ground. It is also true that you do not have to be a faith leader in order to serve the Higher Good. There are an endless number of examples of people of all ages and stations in life who respond to the call of need from another human being or another form of life. The Unity-and-Diversity Ministry is like other ministries in that respect. In addition, however, that particular ministry is not an expression of any one of the historic religions or modern faiths alone. Instead of having one faith as the source of inspiration, the Unity-and-Diversity Ministry draws its inspiration and guidance from many sources: the historic religions such as Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism as well as the Baha'i Faith, Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, Unity School of Christianity, and the like. One of the most important areas of service for such a faith is to help all religions respect each other and work together. Even if one chooses to remain most identified with one religion, there is a larger sense of commitment to seeking to understand all faiths and to encourage them to respect each other. This kind of service can be seen as a much needed form of dialog, or it can in fact be a ministry in itself. There are only a few places in the world today where such a ministry is actively being practiced in a religious institution, but the numbers are growing rapidly. The major religions are participating in interfaith dialog and conferences, as are the more recent religions and spiritual movements. But it is those who have gone beyond their separate practices and begun devoting themselves to the well-being of all who are most likely to be leaders in seeing that all are treated equally and with compassion. Preparation for a Unity-and-Diversity Ministry includes studying all faiths and the relation of science and religion. A world spiritual calendar is being set up that devotes one Sunday per month to presenting each religion, its teachings and practices, often with guests from that faith. Holding monthly interfaith celebrations is also a common occurrence in this kind of ministry, which are likely to be held at different religious centers. At less frequent events -- the Parliament of the World's Religions is every five years -- people of different faiths come together somewhere in the world to get better acquainted and to find ways of cooperation. It is a kind of interfaith ministry that motivates these efforts, whether seen in this way or not. Unity-and-Diversity Ministry draws together those who have left their original religion and are now seeking a faith which is derived from an identification with all faiths. It also brings together those who are most identified with one faith but also have an interest in understanding and working with all faiths. Its commitment is to creating a world that works for all and in which different faiths and life views are seen as a larger whole. Do let us know if that is where your heart is! In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!! Unity-and-Diversity World Fellowship
The Unity-and-Diversity World Council has a specialized affiliate called Unity-and-Diversity World Fellowship, which offers Unity-and-Diversity Ministry Training to people who feel called to this kind of world service. In line with this training, we are starting a new form of interfaith services on Sunday mornings in the greater Los Angeles area. Similar kinds of services can be developed in other communities anywhere in the world once the training is completed. The training can be taken in person for those who live in the Los Angeles area, or by email for those who live in other communities. The length of the ministry training varies based upon what education and/or ministerial type service one has already had. There is a one-year service requirement, during which time you can be taking the academic and practical aspects of the training. If you are interested in finding out more about the Unity-and-Diversity Ministry and its requirements, please respond at your early convenience. You will be sent a copy of the curriculum and an interview arranged either in person or by email to see if you qualify and to set up the program. We look forward to hearing from you. Call 310-391-5735 or contact us by email: udcworld1@yahoo.com. Most cordially, Rev. Leland Stewart, Co-founder/Central Coordinator
Outwitted They drew a circle that shut me out
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The Unity-and-Diversity World Council is an outgrowth of democracy. It seeks to include all faiths and all dimensions of life, as well as the organizations that represent these many dimensions. Its design is that of a peoples' equivalent of the United Nations. Within that vast network there is a place for fellowship on a moral and spiritual basis. It is this aspect of UDC's work which we call the Unity-and-Diversity World Fellowship. It is the task of the Fellowship to hold unity-and-diversity services of worship, the best time for such services being Sunday morning. In this way it can also work with children and young people. It also is given the responsibility of training and ordaining ministers who choose to serve to build this kind of fellowship. The Fellowship, through myself and once with both myself and my late wife Elizabeth, has trained and ordained about twenty-five ministers over the years. There are various ways in which a Unity-and-Diversity Minister can fulfill his/her ministry, but the most obvious and most needed one is the role of holding unity-and-diversity type services of worship by whatever name. During our lifetime of devotion to this awareness Elizabeth and I have usually held such services. It is only most recently that these Sunday morning gatherings have been held by ourselves at our residence. That time of hibernation is about to end. Stephen Longfellow Fiske, an outstanding musician and producer of events, with whom I have worked for about forty years, will be ordained this year tentatively on March 21st at his garden in Venice. March 21st is a Sunday, and it is the first day of spring. The ordination will be held in the afternoon, but following that occasion Sunday morning interfaith gatherings will be held on the westside of Los Angeles. All interested individuals, of whatever faith or no official faith, are invited to participate. These unity-and-diversity services will include spiritually-minded speakers of various faiths, music, interfaith candlelighting, meditation and prayer, and dialog. A single venue will be chosen for these events, so that steadiness of attendance and development will be more possible. Its goal will be both to enrich the lives of those who participate, and also to involve people of various faiths in working together. A world spiritual calendar will be developed which each month devotes one Sunday to a particular faith, so that understanding can be increased. Over time, programs will be developed throughout the week that include interfaith and other intergroup cooperation. The Fellowship will attempt to fulfill its unity-and-diversity purpose by being at the moral and spiritual center of community, both reaching out to all faiths and groups and also organizing programs that draw them together. Are there such groups already in existence in cities across the country and around the world? The answer is "yes", but not very many. There is one in Pennsylvania that holds services and develops related programs with the stress on building common ground. I believe that its name is Common Ground Fellowship. One of its creators is Kit Thomas, who used to live in California. There is another group in Palm Springs, California, which holds a form of service and features speakers from the area. A third group is in Oregon, headed by Sharif Abdullah, which has a unity-and-diversity global outlook but which to my knowledge does not hold services at this time. We are interested in knowing of others. Please let us know if you are aware of such groups. Do stay in touch and plan to be with our Fellowship on March 21st. We appreciate your support and your participation. It is time to build a creative, dynamic, and diverse kind of fellowship that can have a major role in bringing forth the emerging global civilization! In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!! C/o Unity-and-Diversity World Council, Inc., P.O. Box 661401, Los Angeles, CA 90066; Phone: 310-391-5735; Email: udcworld1@yahoo.com; Website: www.udcworld.org
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T. Unity-and-Diversity World Fellowship 9 March 2008(8) SEEKING MORAL AND SPIRITUAL COMMON GROUND For I can see that in the midst of death, life persists; in the midst of untruth, truth persists; in the midst of darkness, light persists. Hence, I gather that God is life, truth, light. God is the supreme good. -- Mahatma Gandhi, Science and Spirituality, p. 188 As the interfaith movement gathers momentum through cooperation among the various faiths of the world, it is time to look at the most important purposes of the movement and the effect it is having upon families, communities, and the world as a whole. And what effect are other movements having, such as the scientific community? If various movements are seeking common ground, then why are there so many indications that violence and war are still so prevalent? How are we going to manage our individual-to-global affairs so that all dimensions of life will come together to build a global civilization? Though there are many paths of life that can live together in harmony, there also need to be common standards of conduct and rules of decency. Those who want to make change need to realize that change brought about by violence and war will not last, whereas change carried out through nonviolence and mutual respect will have a much better chance of being achieved. In the realm of sexuality, our society has recently gone far beyond the bounds of decency. Many women, often stimulated by the exploits of men, are baring their breasts and shortening their skirts, which invites male escapades and often acts of rape that do violence to the human spirit. Instead of seeing women as sex objects, we need to respect women as whole persons, possessing a natural beauty that transcends the body, including the mind, the true emotions, and the soul. Beauty of this kind will only be discovered through meaningful relationships, rather than being flaunted as if the sexual aspect of the body is the only reality. Schools, for example, need to once again assert their responsibility in terms of maintaining dress codes in order to protect their students from possible bodily harm and to reestablish more mutual respect. Most of all, we need to seek a new understanding of the Ultimate Reality of life, which in many religions is called God. New awareness and new terms concerning this Reality are needed to discover the value and the necessity of having such a dimension in our lives. Those who have not discovered this level of consciousness are truly living under a glass ceiling, meaning that their lives are incomplete and will in some way or other suffer the consequences of that incompleteness. The moral and spiritual common ground we need will allow the diversities of race, culture, and religion to be absorbed into our society with a minimum of chaos and confusion. Our new global civilization is long overdue, and we can help it emerge by discovering and living by standards that work for all life, both human and nonhuman. In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!!
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T.
A NEW YEAR -- A NEW CIVILIZATION Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait on the Lord. God's radiance is a light to all the nations. --Judaism, Science and Spirituality, p. 170 The assassination of Benazir Bhutto has truly shaken up Pakistan and raised many questions as to the country's future. It is time once again for the emerging global community to provide support and guidance to a nation in mourning and uncertainty. Under the situation now existing in Pakistan, it will be interesting to see if there is in fact a global community that is strong enough to deal successfully with this tragedy. And how can we as the world's peoples help to deal with such violence and injustice? This past week was supposed to be a time of prayer and meditation leading to a new sense of meaning that will carry us forward into the New Year and give us guidance and strength to meet every emergency with calmness and good judgment. Symbolically, December 25th stands not only for the birth of Jesus but also for the birth of the new civilization, and January 1st its emergence into visibility. Therefore, the time between these two dates was supposed to be devoted to inward looking and the search for clarity for our lives that can bring strength of conviction. Have you taken the time to search for that meaning? If you have, then hopefully the New Year will include meditation and the living out of resolutions for 2008. Some people say that New Year's resolutions are a waste of time, because in the hustle and bustle of day-to-day living they get lost and are not followed. If that is the case, then our lives are weak and need further training in how to keep our promises and see that progress is made as we become older. Maintaining our body weight, keeping our mental alertness, and otherwise fulfilling our life require clarity, determination, and steadfastness. We need to be our best selves in all conditions, rather than changing direction with every influence that comes along. The ways of improving democracy require the involvement of individuals, groups, and networks in creating our own destiny, rather than relying on government to make all the needed changes. This means that we must develop character and initiative. As this year begins, may we take the time to go within, look at what our life has been for the past year, and make decisions to change what needs to be changed. In that way, we will become new persons, ready to commit ourselves to being more responsible, fulfilled individuals in a world that very much needs us. In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!! Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship, P.O. Box 661401, Los Angeles, CA 90066-9201
Phone: 310-391-5735; Email: udcworld1@yahoo.com; Website: udcworld.org
THE HOLY DAY SEASON INTENSIFIES There will be established on earth a new Consciousness and Power which will shape a race of wise spiritual beings and take up into itself all of earth-nature that is ready for this new transformation. --Sri Aurobindo, Science and Spirituality, p. 171 As the political candidates are intensifying their efforts in these last few days before the primary election, so those of us who are seeking to deepen our spiritual life need to respond to the call of this Holy Day Season. There is a major change of consciousness taking place on the planet at this time which is focused on the creation of a peaceful, just, and environmentally sustainable global civilization. It is a new civilization, one which has a new image of the person and a new sense of connection to the whole of planet earth and the universe as a whole. Most of all, the new civilization will have a new sense of the meaning of God, Spirit, the Ultimate Reality which governs this planet and the universe. The new consciousness is being born out of the same energy which drew the early Christians to identify with December 25th as the time of Jesus’s birth. That energy is now drawing us to experience the new birth and to focus our lives more clearly and deeply during the time from December 25th or January 1st, so that when the New Year arrives, we will be ready to allow the new civilization to emerge within us. I want to speak directly to a number of aspects of our inner and outer life that must change if the new civilization is to have a chance to emerge in its fullness:
In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!!
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T.
PREPARING FOR THE HOLY DAY SEASON '07 This is a new cycle of human power. It is the hour of unity among all peoples, and of the drawing together of all races and classes. -- Baha' Faith, Science and Spirituality, p. 170 The most important time of the year for the Unity-and-Diversity World Council is what I call the Holy Day Season. It is the time when Christians, Jews, members of Kwanzaa, and people of other faiths celebrate a season of peace and goodwill. It is, in fact, the one time of the year when everyone increasingly celebrates together the spirit of new birth and the emergence of the new civilization. Specifically, December 25th is seen not only as the birth of Jesus but also the birth of the new global civilization. The time from December 25th to January 1st then becomes a period of inward looking and decision-making regarding our lives and how they can be made more awakened and life-affirming. January 1st is the conclusion of this time as we celebrate the emergence of the new civilization. It hopefully is a time also when people stop their fighting and look to the Universal Spirit for guidance toward a saner, more civilized way of living. For Christians, the first part of December is seen as advent, a time of preparation for the birth of Jesus. From a unity-and-diversity perspective, the first two weeks of December, from Dec. 2nd to 16th, this same idea applies but seen as a development of global consciousness and sacredness related to all peoples and all life. It is a time for getting beyond the commercialism and party-mindedness that so often become prominent at this time. Instead, we are called to realize the importance of a new birth of life and devote time and thought to making it real and truly sacred. This year in particular, it is urgently important we acknowledge that this Holy Day Season is not just for Christians but for everyone to prepare for and celebrate. In fact, this season, in its new light, could become the most powerful tool we have for making the change of consciousness that the world so urgently needs. When we are finishing our interfaith candlelighting, we say "Spirit Is One; Paths Are Many". Democracy opens the door to diversity, and the strength of democracy is approximately proportional to the diversities of race, culture, and religion that we can acknowledge and include in our life perspective. May this Holy Day Season truly be a time for our transformation as never before. May we make the decisions that will allow us to be our sacred self, and that we will be able to unite with others and see the best in them as well. In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!!
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T.
ENVISIONING A UNITY-AND-DIVERSITY SANCTUARY Like the creative soil in which seeds are planted, the soul of the universe is the creative medium into which the world of Spirit falls and from which creation rises. -- Science of Mind (Ernest Holmes), Science and Spirituality, p. 156 In the Christian New Testament, we are told that new wine needs to be poured into new bottles in order to be preserved. Likewise, new teachings for an awakening humanity need to be preserved and developed in sanctuaries that will properly nourish these new expressions of the human spirit. Modern science gives us a whole new context for the cultivation of faith, namely the designs which arise from the scientific discoveries of our age and which need to be accommodated. First of all, a modern sanctuary that wishes to express unity-and-diversity needs to be designed so that it will uplift the consciousness of the people who enter into it. Walking into the universe that is now understood by most people as the result of scientific advances to be the one in which we now live needs to be made real. In that context, the symbols of the world's religions and that of science itself will attest to the diversities of faith and to the new context in which they exist. Instead of fixed seating, there will be comfortable chairs that can be arranged according to the number present and for the wide range of uses to which the sanctuary can be put. The service of worship will include a candle-lighting ceremony which begins by lighting a central white candle, surrounded by a series of candles in a variety of colors, each of which will be lighted in behalf of one of the world's religions and spiritual movements. Music will be drawn from the historic religions and from the modern world's many uplifting expressions. Individual and choral expressions of music will be included that help everyone present to know that life is sacred and needs our greatest respect. All of the arts will be employed to create the new meaning which is essential to the growth and development of humanity and all life in this emerging unity-and-diversity civilization. Last week we spoke of our universal heritage from all of the civilizations of the past, coming together to discover the aliveness of our planet and the universe as a whole. It is time to move beyond the images of past civilizations and into the exciting sense of what life can become if we open ourselves to it. Now is the time for that beauty to be released and to bring us along. May the vision of the emerging global civilization be brought to life here and now, and be spread to the rest of the world. In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!! Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship, C/o Unity-and-Diversity World
Council, Inc., P.O. Box 661401, Los Angeles, CA USA 90066-9210; Phone:
310-391-5735 FAX: 310-827-9187
Email: udcworld1@yahoo.com; Website: www.udcworld.org
Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T.
AWAKENING TO OUR UNIVERSAL HERITAGE My deep sense of spiritual meaning has
to do with remembering as much as it has to do with discovering.
We now live in an age of technology which has managed to transcend many barriers to communication and has helped us to be aware of religions and cultures quite different from our own and often at great distances from where we live. As a result, no matter what faith you belong to, or if you have no specific faith, it is important that you seek to understand the world's faiths, so that you will be able to live with respect for people who follow each of these paths. The same applies to the cultures of the world, now that we can reach out to all of them quite easily. Our connection to our universal heritage derives from this expansion of consciousness made possible by virtue of our new technologies and other means of reaching out to the world and beyond. What is meant by "universal heritage" is simply that we are now able to be in touch with the races, cultures, and faiths of all peoples, wherever they live and whatever paths they follow. This possibility is much more available to us now than ever before in human history. This new phenomenon holds great promise, and it also presents immense challenges. There are movements being born now that arise out of fear and misunderstanding of this change, and often they appear to be winning the battle for people's lives and sense of direction. It is therefore very important for us to be aware of these challenges and not be taken in by them. Instead, we need to provide time in our lives for prayer and meditation, so that we can remain in touch with our Source and live by the highest and best that we are given. Knowing our universal heritage includes our becoming familiar with the world's major religions, as well as with the more recent religions and spiritual movements. It also means we will recognize that religion also has a prophetic dimension. Prophecies of what is to come are very much a part of religion's domain. Such a powerful age as we are now entering needs its own teachings and practices that serve the needs of the modern world. The historic religions will need to adapt themselves to these changes, but there are those who find themselves drawn to teachings that arise out of this age, the age of science, democracy, and ever-expanding consciousness. One of the best ways to begin this process is to open ourselves to dialog with the world's faiths. This is happening very widely now around the globe, yet there are huge numbers of people who are totally unaware of this interfaith movement. It seems that in many religious groups there are a select few who take part in these dialogs, while others in the same congregations go on without any exposure to this movement. Beyond the dialog lies the spiritual experience, which is also part of the interfaith movement. In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!!
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T.
CREATING WIN-WIN RESULTS IN MATTERS OF FAITH In one's family, respect and listening are a source of harmony. --Jack Kornfield, Science and Spirituality, p. 148 Devotees of the world's religions have tended to see themselves as having the one and only religion, or at least the only one of value. Other religions have been ignored, or in some cases have become a source of antagonism. Some religions feel that they alone can offer a path to God (Spirit, the One, the Supreme). This kind of attitude makes many people feel that religion is outdated and not something they can adhere to. In a democracy, diversity of faith is just as acceptable as diversity of race or culture. In the United States there are many religions, and they are growing in their diversity every year. Also, the languages that people speak are becoming more diverse. Democracy requires a change of attitude that is open to this kind of diversity. Churches often have great diversity of race and culture, but when it comes to faith, the diversity tends to stop. Instead, there often is great ignorance with respect to religions other than their own. Creating win-win solutions means that we need to have respect for different faiths and also to be a good listener when various beliefs are being shared. Instead of having to resort to harsh words and even violence to prove that our faith is superior, the more responsible way is to seek to understand the other person's perspective and find a place for that perspective in our own. Conflict resolution requires seeking to get with the other person's point of view and giving it value. There is a process called RDS (Revolving Discussion Sequence). Within it are many techniques for getting along with others. The process consists of having one person make a statement, followed by the other person attempting to restate it to the satisfaction of the one who made the statement. Once that has been accomplished, the second person then aims to maximize agreement with the statement, even if the second person almost totally disagrees with what has been said. Having found as many areas of agreement as possible, and with the acceptance of the other party that these are genuine, then the second person has an opportunity to make a statement. Variations of this process can help greatly in gaining understanding between two or more individuals. When it comes to nations, RDS can also help to resolve differences. The United Nations was created in 1945 in order to help preserve the peace by having a platform in which the nations of the world could speak with each other and work together to create a global society. It is important for the United States, as well as all other nations, to remember the U.N.'s purpose and to seek solutions which satisfy all parties to a dispute. Diplomacy is a necessary aspect of peacemaking, and we need to find ways to peacefully solve our problems, whether they have to do with race relations, interfaith cooperation, or environmental sustainability. The ultimate win-win dimension of faith is tuning in to God, called by any name or no name. With all of our outward differences, we are one in relation to that inner reality, if we get beyond our semantics and our prejudices. In that light, everyone is worthy and deserving of respect. It is time that we take that ultimate step as individuals and nations! In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!! NOTE: Last week's message entitled "Testament for a Unity-and-Diversity Civilization" gained a very good response, and several new scriptural materials were sent in as a result. Remember the date of October 15th and get your message or quotes in by that time. Thanks for your effort in behalf of World Scriptures, Volume 2. We need scriptural type materials focused on guidelines for the emerging global civilization. Materials must be on email to be accepted. They will first be put on our website and then considered for Volume 2, which is to be published early next year. Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E.,.B.T. Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship 30 September 2007(7) TESTAMENT FOR A UNITY-AND-DIVERSITY CIVLIZATION Unity-and-diversity is an outgrowth of the modern world and its emphasis upon democracy. This movement's birth comes through the discovery of a new consciousness of unity amid the diversity of religions and ways to live. No single religion or way of life is any longer adequate to meeting the needs of the entire world, but by means of mutual respect and cooperation all paths may be woven into the fabric of a world culture. --Leland P. Stewart, World Scriptures, Vol. 2, Central Scriptures Intro. A new kind of civilization is being born out of the chaos and confusion of our time. It is the product of the coming together of science and religion, as well as the emergence of democracy on a global scale. No longer is the United States of America the new world by itself, but rather the promise of the "new world" is a worldwide offering to be discovered and fulfilled. The USA can help bring about that new world, once it regains its commitment to being an example rather than a nation desiring to dominate and control the rest of the world. This is one of the greatest challenges of our time. To help with that promise, World Scriptures is in the process of creating Volume 2, which is entitled "Testament for a Unity-and-Diversity Civilization". Much of this material was assembled when Volume 1 was being written, but now is the time when it will be published, along with additional scriptural material brought in since that time. This weekend has seen a rapid advance of this material toward publication. It now has three sections: (1) Scriptural Articles, (2) Brief Scriptural Writings, and (3) Central Scriptures for a Unity-and-Diversity Civilization. Scripture is now being seen as both the essence of the scriptures of the major religions, plus those of more recent religions and spiritual movements. In addition, it includes insights from individuals and organizations around the world. We are entering into a global age which is opening itself to the universe as a whole, so it appropriate to see this venture as open-ended, welcoming new insights as they are shown to be relevant. Once again, you are cordially invited to submit writings of your own or those which you feel are vital to this prophetic endeavor. More material is needed on nonviolence, on the meaning of democracy, and the role of science, philosophy, and the arts. Short quotations are welcome, as well as articles of up to three hundred words. We still have not received artwork relevant to this project and would welcome appropriate material. October 15th may very well be the final date for submissions, so please act now. You will be glad you did. Remember that they must be on email, with the possible exception of the artwork. Send them to udcworld1@yahoo.com. Thanks ever so much for your cooperation. In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!! Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship, C/o Unity-and-Diversity World Council,
P.O. Box 661401, Los Angeles, CA USA 90066-9201; Phone: 310-391-5735
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T. Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship 23 September 2007(7) THE PURPOSE OF WORLD SCRIPTURES, VOLUME 2 I believe that humanity on this miraculous, wondrous, life-teeming planet has a tremendous cosmic destiny to fulfill and that a major transformation is about to take place in our evolution… --Robert Muller, former Asst. Secretary General, United Nations The next step in evolution in relation to planet earth is the establishing of a global civilization that will serve the well-being of all. The United Nations has a very important role to play in this evolution as it most of all seeks to bring the nations of the world together in dialog and cooperation. However, there is another aspect to this global transformation, which is the role that the peoples of the world play. This, too, must have its own guidelines and way of getting itself together. Scripturally speaking, the evolution is toward bringing together the scriptures of the world's religions and spiritual movements. Regardless of what religion a person follows, there is a need to know about the others and what they teach. And there are many people who are not members of any one religion, but rather who identify with the teachings of all religions, ancient and modern. As well, there are those who are skeptical of all the religions, because of the rather inadequate job they have done so far to unify and harmonize the world. The historic religions represent previous ages, and their scriptures need to be brought into this global age with the teachings which do help to make life more sacred and harmonious. On the other hand, this "miraculous, wondrous, life-teeming planet", as Robert Muller so well puts it, is a new entity that will have its own teachings and ways of coming together. We can and must learn from the past, and yet life would be incomplete if we did not adequately provide for the present and the future. Modern science will have its role to play in shaping these scriptures as well as religion. The interfaith movement, which is now growing by leaps and bounds, bears witness to the fact that there is another level of religious involvement beside that of the individual religions themselves. The religions each have their communities, and it is essential that these religions (and spiritual movements) serve these communities. But who serves the universal community? These two levels of faith are not mutually exclusive. Both are important, and one can easily be part of both. The point is that there are guidelines for the universal community as well as for the individual faiths. There are those people whose faith relates to the harmonizing of all faiths, rather than to the identification of any one. These are the people who are likely to have the most to contribute to the building of the universal community. The purpose of World Scriptures, Volume 2 is to bring together the teachings related to the emerging global community. They comprise the prophetic aspect of religion, and they are needed to help unify the planet as a whole, both human and non-human. It is time for all of us to tune in to our Higher Self and to listen for the answers. In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!! NOTE: World Scriptures, Volume 1 gives its attention to the scriptures of the historic religions and a number of more recent religions and spiritual movements. At the same time as these documents were being assembled, there was also an effort to bring out the teachings of this age in a section called "Central Scriptures". This section has not been published yet and will be included in Volume 2. In addition, there is an effort to reach out to those who may have something to add to this prophetic side of religion regarding the guidelines for the emerging global civilization. This is the purpose of Volume 2. Additional scriptural type material is being sought now from the religions and spiritual movements, as well as from individuals who have something to add to this document. If you feel that you are one of these people, or if you know of materials that should be included, kindly send them to UDC on email. They must be on email to be used, so be sure to send them in that form. They will first be published on our website, and then a committee will select the ones to be used for Volume 2 of World Scriptures. Thank you kindly for your cooperation. Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T.
INTERFAITH APPLIED TO ENDING GANG VIOLENCE I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant. --Martin Luther King Jr., Science and Spirituality, p. 189 The Interfaith Council of California State University Northridge is beginning an effort to provide leadership to solve the problem of gang violence in the greater Los Angeles area. As students are returning to campuses from kindergarten to university this month, it is an ideal time to start such a program. Government officials and local police are calling for a combined effort, yet the faith commitment needed to succeed has not been sufficiently present to make much progress to date. Religion has to do with ultimate commitment, because it is based upon trust in God, called by any name or no name. The essence of Spirit is a unifying consciousness, and in that consciousness life can come together across lines otherwise difficult if not impossible to cross. To solve the problem of gang violence will take the cooperation of the entire community: mayors, city councils, police, educators, scientists, and also religious and spiritual leaders. The CSUN Interfaith Council believes that faith communities need to offer leadership in order to get this intergroup cooperation moving. The Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship has a special offering to make to this effort. We are familiar with a broad approach to moral and spiritual understanding. The language of interfaith needs to be inclusive; that is, it needs to be open to different faiths working together, rather than assuming that the language of any one existing faith will apply. An attitude of wanting to understand the different faiths, and to find ways for them to respect each other, is essential to success in this cooperative effort. The power of Spirit is greatly enlarged when such openness is at the heart of the project. It is this same Spirit which, when applied to ending war and improving our environment, will succeed in the long run, because the commitment transcends politics and the battle of one faction to dominate the other. The work beginning at Cal State Northridge, through its Interfaith Council, needs to be applied to solving all kinds of social problems from this time forward. We are told that peace in the world requires, first of all, peace among religions. Now is the time for that peace to be manifest and to transform the conditions of life on planet earth. In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!! Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship, C/o Unity-and-Diversity World Council
Inc., P.O. Box 661401, Los Angeles, CA USA 90066-9201; Phone: 310-391-5735,
Email: udcworld1@yahoo.com
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T. Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship 5 August 2007(7) UNITY-AND-DIVERSITY AND THE DIVERSITY OF FAITHS:
On their surface the world's religions are irreconcilably diverse; but at their core, in their experience of the holy, they are in near universal agreement. --Sam Keen, Science and Spirituality, page 193 Two weeks ago the weekly message was entitled "Studying for a Unity-and-Diversity Ministry". It was sent to the entire email list of Unity-and-Diversity World Council. The response has been excellent, both in terms of those considering ministry study and those interested in the importance of this work. As a result, we will attempt to create a newsletter at the end of these messages to keep you abreast of the responses we are getting and the actions which are being taken as follow-up. Please stay tuned in, and let us hear from you whenever you have something to add. It is good that we pay attention to Sam Keen's words concerning the experience of the holy as a way of understanding what religion is supposed to be all about. The religions of the world have different ways of experiencing the holy, but that needs to be their first and most major purpose. Each has its own teachings, as well as a spiritual practice, and these are valid as they help their congregations to become more holy, more respectful toward life and to other paths which differ from theirs. An increasingly large and worldwide interfaith movement is now developing that has this as its intention. It is important to seek out this movement in the community where you live and, if possible, take part in the activities which are being presented. It is clear that the interfaith movement in itself is not a religion, but rather a coming together of the faiths of the world to get to know each other and to increase the sense of the holy in its various forms locally to globally. The Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship welcomes this effort and supports its activities whenever and wherever possible. At the same time, the major religions of the world all came from a previous age and have teachings which must be modified as they adapt to the needs of this age. More recently there have been new religions and spiritual movements which attempt to bridge the gap between previous ages and the global civilization now being born. These also need to be included. The Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship seeks to draw upon our universal heritage, which means including the major religions as well as the more recent movements. It is a movement of synthesis, which means its major task is to provide sacred space within which all paths are included if they are sincere and respectful of the other paths beside their own. The studies of Charles Morris, author of Varieties of Human Value and other books dealing with religion and culture from a global perspective, show that there is a path at the center of the circle of all paths, which he called the Maitreyan path. (The term "Maitreya" comes from Buddhism and means "the enlightened one yet to come".) The global civilization needs its own sense of meaning, and needs a central path to support it and to give it the life of what is emerging and what is yet to come. It is the task of the Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship to represent that energy and to establish sacred spaces throughout the world which are open to all paths to worship together, to engage in dialog in the search for common ground, and to develop a spiritual practice based upon this inclusive approach. In the interfaith community, it would be one of the participants. But in its own work it would have the special role of developing centers to represent the universal community and to provide sacred space for unity-and-diversity worship. This is a new kind of faith, whose task is to help unify the diverse elements making up each community, and it has among its primary resources the World Scriptures and Science and Spirituality books, which can go a long way in terms of supporting this effort. We recommend that you look at these books and consider their purchase. We have copies here, and you can get World Scriptures at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble Booksellers. Science and Spirituality can be purchased at Author House. Check their websites. In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!! Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship, C/o Unity-and-Diversity World Council, Inc., P.O. Box 661401, Los Angeles, CA USA 90066-9201; Phone: 310-391-5735; Email: udcworld1@yahoo.com; Website: www.udcworld.org
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T. Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship 29 July 2007(7) MONEY AND THE FULFILLMENT OF LIFE The ideal economy combines the spiritual and material, and the best commodities to trade in are sincerity and love. --Morihei Ueshiba, The Art of Peace; Science & Spirituality, p. 109 The emergence of global civilization, and lives worth living, wait upon the proper balance between the material and spiritual dimensions. Today we are caught in a material world that is greatly out of balance, with money often creating its own orbit that has nothing to do with meaning and purpose. Until that consciousness changes, there will be no real sense of fulfillment in our personal lives or in the life of society as a whole. We need to ask the ultimate questions about the meaning of life and our role in it. How can we pursue a personal life that expresses meaning and value? With Dr. Albert Schweitzer, we need to develop reverence for life, so that everything we say and do is an expression of the Life Force. Then we will be healing the divisions within us and between us and others. We will be expressing the unity which binds us and the world together. That is what it means to live a civilized life. Wars are now being fought that are destroying certain nations, and which could only be pursued because money is being used in this way rather than for diplomatic initiatives that are based on the search for commonly held values. What is being discovered in the midst of this painful process is that war does not affirm life, but that reverence for life requires respect for nations and peoples, and the development of a process for furthering mutual respect and understanding. The United Nations was given birth in order to find a way toward this end. We are also discovering that, not only do the nations need to pursue nonviolent ways of solving problems, but that the peoples of the world also need to have vehicles toward this same end. The Unity-and-Diversity World Council, in August of this year, is beginning a process of Global Assembly Dialog which is designed to get individuals, groups, and networks sharing with each other and exploring peaceful ways of problem-solving and creating a climate of mutual respect and understanding. Contact Roger Eaton at rogerweaton@gmail.com if interested in participating. On the personal level, money can be guided into useful channels through the pursuit of a spiritual practice and the cultivation of a sense of meaning for one's total life. Only those activities are pursued which fulfill that sense of meaning and which provide balance between needs and wants. Not everything that we want is appropriate to have. Often what we want may deprive someone else from something that is vitally needed. Albert Schweitzer often said that his happiness would remain incomplete as long as one creature was miserable. As we develop a life of service, we will become sensitive to the needs of others and find ways of overcoming the suffering in the world. The craving of money creates a great deal of suffering, whereas the proper channeling of money in serving the needs of life and the world is a legitimate endeavor. Nonprofit organizations generally offer worthwhile channels of service that involve the proper use of money that further value and meaning. As we engage in lives of service with others, we discover that each moment takes on a new meaning, and life becomes worth living, even in the midst of great challenge and uncertainty. May we have the insight and the courage to pursue such a life, so that our talents and abilities can be fulfilled. In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!! Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship
Rev. Leland Stewart, B.S.E., B.T. Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship 22 July 2007(7) STUDY FOR A UNITY-AND-DIVERSITY MINISTRY Humanity must progress as a whole. Unity in variety, not uniformity, is the pattern for world-culture. There is no inherent conflict between science and religion, between reason and faith, or between poetry and philosophy. --Swami Vivekananda, Science and Spirituality, page 193 For the first time in human history, democracy is entering into the realm of religion and showing itself as a way of life that includes diversity of faith and the need for mutual respect between the religions of the world, as well as between all aspects of life. This change of consciousness has very powerful implications for the ministry and for the life of the spirit as it expresses itself in our society. It calls for a new kind of ministry, one which is not devoted to one religion alone, but rather which seeks harmony between the many paths and an awareness of our universal heritage. In every community on earth, the spirit of democracy calls for a unity-and-diversity center that gives visibility to the world's religions and spiritual movements, showing how each faith offers some aspect of the moral and spiritual heritage of the human race. Such a broadly-based religious institution is likely to embody a world spiritual calendar that sets aside a time to focus on the teachings of a particular faith and what it offers to the fabric of the emerging global civilization. It is a place where people of all races, cultures, and religions can gather to get to know each other and cooperate for the common good. To develop this new kind of faith, a well-training ministry is a necessary element. These ministers-in-training will study all religions, as well as the relation of religion and science. It will help its candidates to explore all areas of life in the search for unities and universals, as well as to develop an appreciation for the uniqueness of each faith and each dimension of life. Symbolically, this ministry and these unity-and-diversity centers will stand at the center of community, being a gathering place for people of all faiths and cultures. As the various other faiths serve their particular congregations with their important teachings and practices, the role of the unity-and-diversity minister will be to help provide the openness and place of understanding within which the universal community can come together and build bridges that will sustain the global civilization and the quest for peace, justice, and environmental sustainability for all peoples and all life. If you are interested in studying for this unique kind of ministry, you are invited to contact the Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship and apply for its training program. It is possible to pursue this ministry through classes in the Los Angeles area or online in any part of the world. In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!! Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship, C/o Unity-and-Diversity World Council,
P.O. Box 661401, Los Angeles, CA 90066-9201; Phone: 310-391-5735; Email:
udcworld1@yahoo.com; Website: www.udcworld.org
Rev. Leland P. Stewart Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship 8 July 2007(7) UNITY-AND-DIVERSITY AS A LIVING FAITH The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord. --Baha'i Faith, Science and Spirituality, page 192 Religions exist to serve spiritual communities, communities based upon different beliefs, different languages, and different cultures. Each has a purpose and a mission to fulfill. But who is it that serves the well-being of all, whose mission it is to find the common ground amid the different paths and to sound the note of wholeness? This mission is not to diminish any of the faiths, but rather to seek the harmony of all. To accomplish this, we need a new synthesis, a coming together of all aspects of life and especially the discoveries of modern science as they pertain to the realm of consciousness. Religion has always had a prophetic dimension. Religions tend to be associated instead with custom and tradition, with those things which are already well established. It is true that we need to maintain those elements in the various traditions that make for unity and cooperation, but there are times like the present one when only a major transformation of consciousness can move us beyond the current strife and downward trends. We are entering a new era, and to live as if our present pleasures and enjoyments are sufficient for what is to come is to deceive ourselves. Much more is being called for, and the sooner we are willing to make these changes, the sooner we will find our way to peace, justice, and a sustainable environment. The mission of unity-and-diversity is to serve the well-being of all. It is not attached to any one religion, yet it draws upon all of them. This is why there is a need for World Scriptures and the Science and Spirituality book. To establish a unity-and-diversity faith, we must draw on our universal heritage, the heritage of faith from the beginning of time up to the present, as well as anticipating those teachings which are yet to come. A new kind of monastic life will also be needed, so that people can withdraw from the chaos and confusion of big city living and deepen their sense of connection with the Life Force, called by any name or no name. The famous British historian Arnold Toynbee talked about withdrawal-and-return as a way of balancing our need to go within and discover the meaning of our life, with the need to serve truth and love in the world. The ideal life will find a place for both of these dimensions. There is also a need for flowing with life, not withdrawing from it or being overactive in it, but just being open and receptive to the flow of life energy. Taoism is the religion which most clearly represents that aspect of the religious life. Unity-and-diversity faith serves at the center of the circle of all faiths and the diversities of life. This must be done in all humility, since strong ego will tend to make that service ineffective or even impossible. Hence, there is a need for training to help those who wish to serve its calling understand how they can best serve. This understanding needs to be represented at the spiritual center of every community, so that all paths can come together and cooperate for the benefit of all. It is time to begin or to further expand that work in every community, as well as to make it more visible to the world. Our term for this development is Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship. We invite all who are drawn to this consciousness to get in touch with us and help to serve this high calling. In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!! Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T. Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship 6 May 2007(7) THE ROLE OF RETREATS IN BUILDING COMMUNITY We individuals are what we are, and have the significance that we do, not so much by virtue of our individuality, but rather as a member of a great human community, which helps to direct our material and spiritual existence from the cradle to the grave. --Albert Einstein, Science and Spirituality, p. 131 On the weekend of June 8th to 10th this year, the Unity-and-Diversity World Council will sponsor a Unity-and-Diversity Convergence at Temescal Conference and Retreat Center in Pacific Palisades. It is the first time we have held a retreat in several years, and it comes at a most important time in UDC's development. This is the year when: (1) all three of UDC's Boards have been considerably expanded, (2) when World Scriptures is creating Volume 2 to involve interested people in submitting writings that offer messages of hope and inspiration for the emerging global civilization, and (3) most of all is developing a global assembly of individuals, groups, and networks via the internet as well as other forms of communication. It is high time that we came together in extended meetings and experiences which help us to get to know each other better and to develop a sense of common purpose and activity. Only when we begin to feel at home with each other and sense our common destiny will we be able to make much difference in ourselves and the world around us. The notion of "unity-and-diversity", which is at the heart of our common vision, seems to many people like a phrase that is too difficult to pin down. It appears as if it is trying to be everything and ends up being nothing. This, of course, is not true, but it is important to experience what unity-and-diversity does mean and how it can be real in the lives of people around the world. A Unity-and-Diversity Convergence is an event which begins with an introductory session and a keynote speaker, but which then breaks into manyness sessions representing the diverse interests of the participants. In our case, the vast majority of Saturday will be spent in these sessions, helping participants to discover what they have in common with others in those areas of interest, hopefully so as to continue beyond the weekend to develop activities and projects. Saturday evening will be an experiential time for the group apart from the daytime sessions. Sunday morning will begin with an Interfaith Celebration. Then the rest of the day will be involved in a oneness session, meaning that the whole group will come together again, exploring common ground and possible future action for the entire group. The day will end with a meaningful closing ceremony. Retreats are different from much shorter gatherings in that they can provide for a series of sessions on a particular theme and therefore permit going into more depth. They also allow time for eating together, relaxing and sharing in more general conversation, perhaps hiking together, and staying overnight at the same facility where the meetings are held. Sometimes retreats are held quite far from where the participants live. We are fortunate that Temescal Canyon is quite close to Los Angeles, yet it is a retreat type area away from traffic noise and other distractions. Central to UDC's vision is that we are now in the process of transcending the civilizations of the past and entering into a global unity-and-diversity civilization that is just being discovered in the midst of our chaotic, transitional period of the present. To the extent that we can discover the guidelines of the coming civilization and follow them, we are likely to transcend this time of troubles and find ourselves in the new world we are hoping for. Having at least occasional retreats allows us the time to go deeper and to discover meaning for our life that can carry us forward successfully into the new civilization. A new moral and spiritual awakening is upon us. You are cordially invited to ask for more details about the Unity-and-Diversity Convergence and to come to experience a most vital new dimension in your life. In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!! For further information contact:
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T.
BUILDING COMMUNITY IN A MULTIRELIGIOUS WORLD Real communities foster
dignity, competence, participation and
In earlier times in this country, and to some extent even now throughout the world, religious leadership in community was in the hands of a single religion. One can often see that leadership symbolized by the vertical spire of a Christian church, a Muslim mosque, or a Buddhist temple rising into the sky high above the homes and businesses that also were operating in those communities. What has changed in that picture is that more and more communities now have a multi-religious population, and that therefore no one religion can or should claim to be the one and only significant religion in that community. Instead, there is a need for points of convergence for the different faiths, as well as places where the newer religions can also meet and share. Dialog among the existing religions is important, but so is the experiencing of new realities of faith, including the discoveries of science in the realm of consciousness. Faith in an age of science and democracy is going to look quite different than in previous ages. Religion's task in building community is to provide avenues of communication between the different faiths at the same time when individuals are learning about their own faith. Often, governments appreciate being able to relate to the different religions in a community as one body rather than having to contact each of them separately. There are many faiths whose work is to meet the needs of their own congregations, whether Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or other existing faiths. However, in the midst of these various faith traditions, increasing numbers of people are not being served by these religions. This could be because of different beliefs, the search for a more diverse kind of fellowship, or a variety of other reasons. Some of these people have a faith based on the desire to relate to all faiths, seeking reconciliation between them. These people also deserve to have a place to worship and to grow. Communities are encouraged to be aware of these different kinds of people and to seek ways of meeting their needs. Symbolically, a new kind of fellowship could be created that would be conscious of the total community and seek to reach out to include these diversities of expression. Such is the work of our Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship. This kind of fellowship is likely to have the symbols of all faiths in its services of worship, as well as other more recent symbols, and pay respect to all of them. The leaders of the different faiths would be called upon to share in that fellowship, as well as other community leaders whose work is related to the interests of the Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship. We invite your awareness of this emerging kind of fellowship, and to be prepared for making it a reality in your community. In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!! Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T. Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship 1 April 2007(7) A TIME OF MORAL AND SPIRITUAL AWAKENING We are waking up now, out of the past,
We live in a time of stark contrasts: of conflict and resolution, of war and awakening. On the one hand, we see a civilization of the past that is collapsing, yet if we look more deeply we catch glimpses of people becoming more mature and a new civilization being born. What we are learning is that the conflicts themselves produce their opposite. As Pitirim Sorokin, the late sociologist of world renown, said: The law of polarization indicates that in a time of crisis, the more serious the crisis becomes, the more it produces its opposite and thereby, in time, civilization is restored at a higher level. The last few years have seen an increasingly serious crisis on a worldwide basis, with ample evidence of conflict and collapse. At the same time, science is making some of its greatest discoveries, and religions are getting together and sharing as never before. The arts are coming forth with works of depth and inspiration. The World Scriptures book is expanding and getting into its prophetic dimension, putting forth guidelines for the emerging unity-and-diversity global civilization. The global crisis, in fact, is giving rise to a worldwide moral and spiritual awakening. Little by little, people are realizing that we do have the power to change the course of history. Some think that violence is the way to make the needed changes, but more and more we realize that destroying life and property is not the way to solve our problems. Instead, we are discovering that the ways of peace, justice, and environmental sustainability are the ways to effect lasting change. As Albert Einstein has said, "Peace cannot be maintained by force; it can only be achieved through understanding". We are truly at a crossroads in civilization as a whole. Western civilization, which has existed for so long as the culture that sustained a large part of the world, is now in disrepair and in need of being balanced by the ways of the other civilizations on planet earth. Values now need to be globally applicable, and people need to respect each other among all races, cultures, and religions. This process takes time, and the United States of America needs to develop a new attitude that respects all peoples and works with them, rather than seeking to dominate and control. Most of all, we are experiencing an awakening that will transform ourselves and our planet, making possible the birth of a civilization which shall be for all peoples and all life. May that time come sooner rather than later. We are ready! In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!!
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T. Unity-and-Diversity World Fellowship 25 March 2007(7) THE EVOLUTION OF SCRIPTURE …We need to keep our heart open for all that may come in the future. Is the Book of Life finished? Or is it a continuous revelation? They are marvelous books -- these spiritual revelations of the world. The Bible, the Vedas, the Koran, and all other sacred books are but so many pages, and an infinite number of pages remain yet to be unfolded. …Salutation to all the prophets of the past, to all the great ones of the present, and to all that are to come in the future! --Swami Vivekananda, World Scriptures, Vol. 2 (available late '07) This year is a most exciting one for the evolution of scripture, because Volume 2 of the World Scriptures is now being prepared for publication. Much of the scriptural material was gathered from the 1950's until the present, but it was not published in World Scriptures (Vol. 1), because the early editions were to be focused primarily on education. Two editions have now been published with that objective in mind. Scripture in most religions tends to become frozen and unchanging, with barriers being built between the scriptures of one religion and another. Along with that attitude toward scripture, the attitudes of the people who follow the various religions likewise tend to be separate and unequal. Often these attitudes lead to violence and war, as can be seen in the Middle East and elsewhere today. Building a global civilization has, on the other hand, tended to deny the legitimacy of religion. Some have hoped that religion would just disappear as a relic of the past. Three major trends have arisen that are changing those attitudes. One is the rise of the interfaith movement, which begins with accepting the legitimacy of the various religions and encourages them to meet and share together. As the races need to meet in order to discover the positive qualities in each, so the religions also must meet and get to know each other. When that happens, the scriptures now become documents that can be examined for their strengths and weaknesses, as well as being shared with their counterparts in other religions. A second trend is the rise of modern science, which has recently been delving into the realm of consciousness. Values are being discovered that are not derived from any one religion but from life as a whole. A whole fresh look at the moral and spiritual life is coming into being, and it helps to erase the border lines of separation. After all, religion was supposed to be about bonding and unifying. Since there are many religions, we have to transcend those boundaries in order to build bridges of peace, love, and understanding. The third major trend is that of democracy, both as a form of government and as a way of life. Democracy relies on the worth of individuals and organizations, as well as religions. Truth and the control of society are no longer supposed to come from one source only, but rather from the healthy interaction between all of the parts. In the United States, this form has been developed by having three interacting branches of government. If one branch takes on too much power, then the other two branches have the responsibility of seeing that the balance is restored. With scriptures, this means that there must be the drawing together of the diverse teachings from the historic religions, as well as the modern religions and spiritual movements. It is time that more attention was paid to the recent faiths, because their life experience is more recent, resulting in the likelihood that they will be more understanding of different paths. The Unity-and-Diversity World Council, in connection with its interfaith work, is calling for scriptural-type prose, poetry, and artwork to be submitted for possible inclusion in Volume 2 of World Scriptures, which will be published this year. Its uniqueness is its focus on the emergence of the global civilization and the guidelines needed for living in the new world of democracy, science, and technology. It is time to look deeply at our current values and to discover what is still appropriate and what needs to be updated or replaced. For example, "You shall not kill" is still very relevant for creating a world that works for all. though there are some rare exceptions that need to be taken into account. You are cordially invited to send along any of your work, or that of others you feel is relevant to this concern. Appropriate material will be put on our website, and when most of the material is in, a committee will examine what has been submitted to see what is to be used in Volume 2. Kindly send your material to the email address below (all materials must be on email to be considered). We will respond in due course. Thank you in advance for your effort. In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!! Unity-and-Diversity World Fellowship
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T. Unity-and-Diversity World Fellowship 25 February 2007(7) CREATING GUIDELINES FOR THE NEW CIVILIZATON There will be established on earth a new consciousness and power which will shape a race of wise spiritual beings and take up into itself all of earth-nature that is ready for this new transformation. --Sri Aurobindo, Science and Spirituality, p. 171 We are entering into the most potentially powerful time of transformation in human history. It is our opportunity to shift so completely in our understanding of life and its possibilities that we truly create a new world. Now is the time when all of the gates are open, and the flood waters of new understanding are rapidly sweeping away the confusions and limitations that have kept us from reaching our human and divine potentials. The interfaith movement is helping to bring together the faiths of the world, many of which have previously been discounting each other or are even at war. A good example is that of the warring factions in Iraq within Islam. For some time in the past, Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland have been fighting with each other, whereas now some solutions are appearing. There is, however, a new dimension of life which is gradually entering into the picture of what is needed. The historic religions, and a number of the more recent spiritual movements as well, represent the values of earlier civilizations. These teachings are still very important, but a new element has to be added in order for full reconciliation to take place. This element has been brought forward through the birth of science and technology, as well as the advent of democracy. Science depends more on the use of reason to examine evidence and draw conclusions. The scientific method has given new tools to the process of discovering truth. Truth becomes more the result of exploration into the visible world, as contrasted to relying solely on revelation. Even in science, however, revelation assists as it guides scientists in choosing what to explore and where to look for evidence. Freedom and democracy have come along as we search for ways in which everyone has some truth to give, rather than relying on only one source. All religions now need to be studied and listened to for the truths which they bring to our universal heritage. No one religion any longer is in a position to have all the truth, while other faiths have none. Listening is now becoming a sacred art. In line with these new dimensions of life, the Unity-and-Diversity World Council, through its Unity-and-Diversity World Fellowship and its World Interfaith Network, has taken responsibility for helping to create the new forms of scripture which will provide guidance for the coming global civilization. The first part of this responsibility has been the creation of World Scriptures, which includes the essence of the scriptures of sixteen different faiths, both the historic religions and several more recent faiths. Now comes the task of bringing together in brief compass the teachings of the faiths and other sources that focus specifically on guidelines for the global civilization. It is here that science and democracy have something to contribute to the notion of scripture. Other sources are the arts, philosophy, and wise individuals from all walks of life. My part in this process is both to offer some of the scriptural writings and also to seek the best materials from wherever they are being offered. The process is being pursued this year, with the plan to complete and publish World Scriptures, Vol. 2 by the end of the year. Further work will continue to be done, but now is the time when this effort is needed most. If you have poetry or other writings that might be insightful and appropriate for this purpose, please send them to the email address given below. Please note that they must be on email to be used. What will happen is that they will be put on our website if appropriate. When all of the available materials are there, we will then examine them further for inclusion in the scriptural text. This is a most exciting process, because it will include the old and the new, hopefully in a meaningful synthesis. The two volumes together seek to manifest a universal heritage whose task is to offer guidance for meditation and spiritual practice, as well as for education, available to those who seek to live a morally and spiritually awakened life. Unity-and-Diversity World Fellowship
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T. World Interfaith Network 18 February 2007(7) WHAT DO WE HAVE IN COMMON? Above all we need, particularly as children, the reassuring presence of a visible community, an intimate group that enfolds us with love and understanding, and that becomes an object of our spontaneous loyalty, as a criterion and point of reference for the rest of the human race. --Lewis Mumford, Science and Spirituality, Pages 132-133 Religions in the past, and in many cases even now, regard themselves as unique and often superior to other religions. The result has been that not enough attention is paid to the positive values of those other religions, as well as what is in common between them. In this age of democracy, that whole attitude needs to change, so that there can be cooperation among the religions and a coming together when only their combined efforts can be sufficiently strong to handle certain matters. One of the excellent questions to ask in the context of interfaith exploration is "What do we have in common?" What is religion supposed to be about, and do we have anything in common in the way that we practice our various faiths? Are there social or political concerns that we do share, or that we should have as common ground? During the time of Dr. Martin Luther King, the civil rights movement stemmed from the black churches, first of all the Baptist church but also from other churches in the black community. It was because these churches discovered gaining first class citizenship was in their common interest that they could be a powerful enough force to succeed in gaining this result. Since that time the interfaith movement has come into being, and now this movement encompasses the effort toward racial, cultural, and religious equality as one of its major goals. The San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council finds its work most of all to be in giving service such as helping the homeless, providing food and shelter to those who need it, and in general seeking to eliminate poverty and hopelessness. On the other hand, our World Interfaith Network finds its greatest common ground in exploring the values of the various religions, especially the reality which is called God, the Spirit, Oneness, the Supreme. Prayer, meditation, sacredness, forgiveness, understanding, love, and the other qualities of the spiritual life are the central areas of exploration for most of us. This does not mean that social and political concerns are ignored, but rather that religions' primary areas of focus are the qualities that unify and give meaning to life. What is being discovered is that the various religions do have much in common, and that in coming together a much greater strength is to be found. "United we stand; divided we fall". In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!!
Rev. Leland P. Stewart Unity-and-Diversity World Fellowship 4 February 2007 (7) AN EXPERIENCE OF FAITH As I mentioned last week, this year we are seeking scriptural type materials to include in the final section of World Scriptures. This material will comprise volume two of the project and will serve as an evolution throughout much of this year. We invite submissions of material now, which we will present on our website prior to the selection process of deciding what will appear in the printed volume. Here is the first of that series. It is based on an article written by Sharif Abdullah, whose book title Creating a World That Works for All was the theme of Peace Sunday last December. Sharif is a universalist in his religious orientation, gaining strength from many religious traditions, yet he was moved in this article to regain his health by the music of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I hope you will find this message uplifting. * * * * * * * I want to share something with you, something that's been so personal to me that I don't think I've shared it with anyone else. Last Thursday, 14 December 2006, while sitting at my computer, I suddenly burst into tears. Tears of joy. On the radio, I heard a holiday song sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. This put me into a time tunnel -- back to two holidays ago, when my appendix blew on Thanksgiving Day, and I was rushed into two emergency surgeries. (There's nothing like being wheeled into a second surgery, with the nurses asking for your next of kin, to get you focused on how serious your situation is.) I lingered in the hospital for days, my other organs failing. Because my adrenals had completely disrupted my sleep cycle, I found myself awake at around 2 a.m., flicking around the TV channels in my hospital room, trying to find something non-offensive. I settled on a PBS documentary of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, specifically because I assumed that they would end with the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah". The "Messiah" is the Choir's signature piece, and was my paternal grandfather's favorite piece of music. He sang bass professionally, so he would sing along with a recording of the Choir. I would love watching his Adam's apple bob up and down as he sang. Anyway, I'm watching this documentary, Walter Cronkite narrating. I'm learning a lot more than I ever knew about the Choir, and about the Mormons in general. (As a student of religions, I already knew a lot.) About ¾ through the show, they played the "Messiah". Now I was intrigued: what could they possibly sing that could top the "Hallelujah Chorus"? As the program draws toward its end, Cronkite says something that I did not know -- that every member of the Choir is an unpaid volunteer. They not only have to take unpaid leave from their jobs in order to travel with the Choir...they have to pay their own transportation and expenses. Singing with the Choir is an act of faith for each of them. I am witnessing their faith, their sacrifice, and their glory. Although the "Hallelujah Chorus" is their signature song, the song that they ended with was the song that was most meaningful to the Choir -- the song that Mormons sang while they pulled hand-carts 2,000 miles, across the Rockies, to their promised land. It's an American folk song called "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing". (I had never heard it before.) Right before the song, Walter Cronkite said, "When they sing the words, 'Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it' -- they really mean it." I cried all the way through that song. I'm still crying. There I was, lying in a fairly comfortable hospital bed, nurses on call at the push of a button -- if the Mormons could cross the country on foot, carried by that song, my faith could get me out of that hospital bed and on with the rest of my life. Their song became the touchstone for my faith. The next day, I checked myself out of the hospital. Having faith means everything. There is a gene, hard-wired into our very being, that demands our faithfulness. When we live our lives as though faith is some outmoded or silly concept, or can be replaced by THINGS, or (worse yet) by REASON, we do so at our own peril. Faith doesn't mean that things are going my way, or that I'm going to get the pony that I'm praying for. Faith means that I GIVE MYSELF to the Divine, that IT'S NOT ABOUT ME. Faith to the Mormon pioneers didn't mean that they were going to make it as they walked (walked!) across the country to Salt Lake City. Many of them didn't make it. Faith meant that their every step was dedicated to God, not to themselves. Faith is tied to sacrifice. Sacrifice is pain...elevated to the level of the Sacred. Sacrifice is to find the MEANING in the pain. The Choir has to give up so much in order to sing -- their time, their paychecks. It is their giving up that sweetens their voices. Ask yourself, what is it that you have given up? Not giving up alcohol, drugs or overeating...you are doing that for YOU. What are you giving up for humanity? For the Earth? For God? Where is your sacrifice? Faith has nothing to do with whether or not you make it. Faith has nothing to do with what's written in the Bible, the Qur'an, the Bhagavad-Gita...or the Book of Mormon. Faith has nothing to do with "playing it safe" and not taking risks. The purpose of your life is not to make the next mortgage payment (regardless of what the bank tells you). The purpose of your life is not to put your kids through college. Your life goes DEEPER than that. You can't find that purpose while clinging to the surface of things. There are times when I forget this. There are times when I question whether giving all of my time, efforts and money for this path to a new society is 'worth it'. Then I remember: it has nothing to do with whether or not I 'succeed'. Here's my heart, Lord... . Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T. Unity-and-Diversity World Fellowship 30 January 2007(7) CREATING SCRIPTURES FOR THE GLOBAL CIVILIZATION "The major forms of religion are incomplete: there has not been formulated a way of life expressive of the type of personality in which all components of temperament are all fairly strong and of approximately equal strength. Since this personality has not yet found its embodiment in a religious prophet..., it is difficult at this time to focus sharply the picture of (the unity-and-diversity person). But the possibility of such a personality is evident, and certain of his(her) features are even now discernible. We must do something to fix them before our attention, and investigate the consequences of taking (the unity-and-diversity person) as an ideal human type around which to build a philosophy, a religion, and a society." --Charles W. Morris, Paths of Life, page 153 The existing religions all have their scriptures, which are their most sacred writings through which the teachings of the religions are put forth, and their communities are given guidance for their lives. Each of these religions has teachings that not only apply to that particular age but can potentially become part of the universal heritage of the human race. However, in addition to the civilizations of the past, we are now entering into the potentially most advanced and life-transforming civilization ever to appear on planet earth. Technologically, we are already highly advanced. Humanly and spiritually, we are in great confusion and conflict. We urgently need religious leaders and scriptures that can give guidance for this age. All of the world's religions and spiritual movements can contribute to these new developments, but something new must be added. The advent of modern science has greatly advanced our understanding of the universe we live in. The birth and development of democracy have given the world a whole new awareness of how diverse races, cultures, and religions can live together and enrich each other's lives. Most of all, it is these new developments in modern life which give rise to the necessity of a global civilization composed of all races, cultures, and religions discovering how to live together in peace and harmony on one sacred planet. What remains is for those who have been given insights into the new civilization to step forward and make those insights available now while the final section of World Scriptures is being assembled in a separate volume. Many materials were assembled some years ago when this book was first being created, but they have not yet been published. This year they are being readied for publication, but with the addition of materials from the faiths represented in the existing World Scriptures, which I have compiled with the help of these faiths. Other contributions of scriptural type materials are also being invited from any source. They will first be placed on UDC's website, and from there they will be edited for World Scriptures, Vol. 2. Please note that all materials much be on email and sent to udcworld1@yahoo.com.
In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!!
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T. Unity-and-Diversity World Fellowship 23 January 2007(7)* THE FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY Today was the day when the President of the United States, George W. Bush, gave his State of the Union Address. It was followed by several other statements, mostly Democratic, indicating that there are other opinions as to where we are now and where we need to be going in the next two years. I would like to take a very different view of where we are and where we need to be going, starting from a spiritual perspective. The work of the Unity-and-Diversity World Council relates to the fact that we are in transition from the ending of western civilization to the rise of global civilization. This major change requires a new vision of the future and many specific actions to carry it out. While there is a great deal to learn from the visions of past civilizations, this new civilization is so important and compelling in its potentials that it will have guidelines of its own that are designed to "create a world that works for all". In line with that objective, I have chosen a selection from Volume Two of World Scriptures, which is being planned for publication this year. Volume Two will contain existing scriptures and new spiritual writings that seek to provide guidance for the global age now being born. We invite your response to this selection and your material, whether written by you or others, that you feel belongs in this volume. "Almost all of the major living religions have some belief regarding prophetic developments beyond their own times. For example, Christianity speaks of the second coming of Christ after the days of calamity, a large segment of Judaism adheres to some kind of Messianic hope, and Buddhism teaches that Buddhas emerge in every major crisis, the Maitreya being the enlightened one of the next era after that in which Buddhism began. "A dogmatic religion of today would no doubt say that all these prophecies have been, or will be, fulfilled in one individual. However, evolution and experience indicate that a modern way of life must rest upon non-dogmatic premises. Revelation has occurred in the past, is taking place in the present, and will continue as long as human beings survive. In fact, all persons do, at one time or another reveal something of the meaning of life. "Unity-and-Diversity accordingly proclaims that the emerging global civilization is the great new era about which all religions have dreamed, that during this time life throughout the world will find new unity and significance, and that consequently all prophecies of the past will in some measure be fulfilled. The Christ, the Messiah, the Maitreya, the Mahdi (Islam), the return of Krishna (Hinduism), the Shah Bahram (Zoroastrianism) -- all these and others will appear in one person or in separate persons during the age now being born. There is no need to quarrel over whether Baha'U'Llah is the second coming of Christ, or Ramakrishna is the second coming of Krishna, or someone else fulfills one of the prophecies. Any person who has valid insights regarding the new era is to some extent a true prophet, and anyone who claims revelation for him/herself and cannot stand the test of science and time is similarly false. Likewise, the true leader is one who surrenders his/her existence to the call of the new era and gives the remaining years of life to the realization of that high calling. "The emerging global civilization is producing sages and seers and many other types of adherents. Of these the prophet is the most rare. Nevertheless, there are already a number of such persons, and others are likely to emerge in the future to further clarify the meaning of the age now being born. The nature of democracy requires that everyone take on this unique role as called upon from the inner life and not wait for the one who will carry that role for us. Thus the principle of Unity-and-Diversity implies the need for "group avatars": that is, core groups of people who devote themselves to the many needed dimensions of unfoldment related to the global civilization."* *Written by myself in the late 1950's as part of the final section of World Scriptures originally called "Central Scriptures". 2007(7) is the time to expand this section to include all faiths that wish to add their relevant teachings to this "new testament", as well as others who feel called to join such an act of faith and prophecy. People of science, philosophy, and the arts, are also invited to join in helping to create the new civilization in this way. What emerges will be a remarkable venture in awakening and realization. In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!! Unity-and-Diversity World Fellowship
*The (7) after 2007 is used to suggest a new beginning in our calendar that coincides with the new millennium as the approximate time of the start of the global civilization.
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T. Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship 14 January 2007(7) NEW PERSON, NEW CIVILIZATION A new type of person
whose orientation and view of the
We have just entered into a New Year, and the implication of this transition is that of entering into a new dimension of life. Each year is an opportunity for us to meditate at this time to discover what the nature of that newness is for our own growth and the growth of our civilization. The births of the world's major religions represent points of transformation, when a whole culture develops a new image of itself and its proper direction. Usually these particular moments are represented by new religious prophets, whose lives and teachings give meaning and significance to momentous changes. Whole civilizations develop from these images and their elaboration over time, and the civilizations that arise continue for extended periods, until the currents of change demand new syntheses. This is the point where we are in the life of western civilization, which has been based most of all upon the life and teachings of Jesus. Two factors have entered into the picture in relatively recent times which call for a new and global civilization in order to create a synthesis for the coming age. They are the rise of science and technology on the one hand, and the coming of democracy on the other. The world's major religions were all born before the rise of either of these new dimensions of civilization. The achievement of rapid worldwide communication and transportation alone have had a major influence on the need for a global civilization in order to provide values which can sustain this much larger number and diversity of people and the sense of the planet as a whole. The scriptural base for the new person and civilization also must evolve, because now all of the scriptures of the religions, as well as the teachings of sages and seers of all times, are being made available to everyone. There must be a new testament for the world, so that guidance can be from all relevant sources. It must provide a real sense of understanding of all religions and cultures of the past being integrated through the coming of new teachings that can bring about a global synthesis. We live in an exciting new time, when all of these possibilities lie before us. The new person will be a whole person: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual; one who can relate to the full gamut of relationships from self to family to community to nation, world and universe. This is a tall order, yet it is a necessary one as we enter into this new civilization. We pray for the inner guidance to make our next steps in this direction possible. In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!!
Unity-and-Diversity World Fellowship 7 January 2007(7) FROM MEDITATION TO TRANSFORMATIVE ACTION:
The time for the healing of the wounds has come. The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come. The time to build is upon us. --Nelson Mandela, Science and Spirituality, p. 169 This past Holy Day Season for my wife Elizabeth and myself has been a very focused time of meditation and decision-making. We have been preparing for a quantum leap in the development of the Unity-and-Diversity World Council (UDC). Peace Sunday was the beginning of the campaign to bring together individuals, groups, and networks to form the Global Assembly. Now is the time to activate that vision with specific steps in an overall plan and to put those steps into motion. In the Christian New Testament book of James, we are reminded of the need to act on what we have envisioned: "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. …those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers that forget but those that act, they shall be blessed in their doings." UDC's work as a network of networks is to bring people in all fields, discovering what we can do better together than separately. At Peace Sunday we honored individuals, groups, and networks who are doing important humanitarian work on their own and/or through their organizations. We will be contacting these people and others to discover who wishes to be part of the Global Assembly, what we consider the people's equivalent of the United Nations in relation to nations. One of the first tasks this year for the Unity-and-Diversity World Fellowship, in cooperation with the World Interfaith Network, is to see that the new sections of the World Scriptures are published, either as a separate volume or an extension of the single volume now published. What we need to understand is that our universal heritage is expanding at this time from including the many forms of Christianity to that of encompassing the whole world. That change has two parts: (1) to assemble in one volume the essence of the world's scriptures, so that everyone can learn what those central teachings are and to benefit from them; and (2) to bring together the new teachings which comprise what I am calling the "Testament for a Unity-and-Diversity World". By way of comparison, Christianity itself consists of the "New Testament", which is twenty-seven books that arose from the time of Jesus until the Bible was completed some years later. The thirty-nine books of the "Old Testament" came from Judaism, which predated Christianity by many centuries. Similarly, Buddhism arose out of Hinduism through the coming of Gautama Buddha. While it began in India, it spread to the various countries of Asia. It has its own scriptures, temples, and clergy who help to keep the religion alive and vital. It is interesting that Buddhism talks about the Maitreya, which is "the enlightened one yet to come". The parallel in Christianity is "the second coming of Christ". The global civilization into which we are now entering is not going to be sufficiently served by means of the scriptures of the historic religions, though it will learn greatly from these teachings that continue to have their importance. Neither will it be served just by the new teachings of the more recent religions and spiritual movements, though they also need to be included. This powerful age needs its own teachings as well, which are what provide the synthesis of all that has come earlier. It will come not just from the teachings born of the global age, but will find resonance with much that has come from previous ages. The "Testament for a Unity-and-Diversity World" was brought together during and after the 1950's when World Scriptures began, but as yet it has not been published. This year is the year when the publishing of this Testament must take place. Even then, it will not be in final form but needs to be revised and updated once it has arrived in its published form. We are currently working with our publisher to see how this can best be done. Your comments and suggestions are certainly welcome. Happy New Year! In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!! Unity-and-Diversity World Fellowship
P.S. UDC will be expanding its three Boards (Executive, World,
and Advisory) this year, as well as continuing its ministry training and
other staff development. If interested, kindly contact the Council
by one of the above means. Your feedback regarding these messages
is most welcome.
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T. Unity-and-Diversity World Fellowship 24 December 2006(6) INITIATING A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
A blank stare focusing on any object conducts a stillness and relaxation of mind and body, which releases dreaming states of prayer. Sit in nature and look beyond. --Native American (Bear Paw), Science and Spirituality, p. 186 Last week we talked about December 25th as being both the celebration time of Jesus' birth and also the time for the birth of the new person and civilization. As the Holy Day Season preceded the birth of Jesus as the time when the mystery religions held their major celebration of the year, this most powerful time is now evolving into the occasion when all faiths come together to celebrate the emergence of freedom and democracy, as well as science, in the modern world. The world's religions and spiritual groups will have the role of helping to spiritualize this Season again and to prepare everyone for the New Year, which is symbolic of the emergence of the global civilization into its fullness. In other words, the Holy Day Season is a time for everyone to celebrate together, rather than a time for one religion alone. Christianity can and should continue to celebrate Jesus' birth at this time, but in the consciousness that all other religions and spiritual groups are encouraged to celebrate at this time as well. The Holy Day Season is a time for celebrating diversity and the rebirth of the human spirit in all possible channels. It is a time to increase the spiritual power of this Season as all paths come together in the consciousness of unity-and-diversity. The week from December 25th to January 1st then becomes one of inward looking and personal transformation. Using the interfaith candlelighting ceremony as symbolizing both unity and diversity (the central white candle for unity, and the six colored candles for diversity), we are encouraged to develop a 7-day spiritual practice that prepares us to enter the New Year as transformed beings, fully aware of the emergence of the global civilization that needs spiritual guidance and power to transform a planet now entering into spiritual death. As we are coming to the end of western civilization, we are at the same time entering into a global civilization whose transformative power is only just beginning to be felt. We are the ones who can release that power through the clarity of our prayer and meditation, as well as through our acts of peace, justice, and most of all goodwill. Let's make this Holy Day Season a time for releasing a new level of spiritual energy and thereby hastening the day when the global civilization will indeed bring peace, justice, and a sustainable environment to our planet-in-transition. In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!!
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T. Unity-and-Diversity World Fellowship 17 December 2006(6) BIRTHING THE UNITY-AND-DIVERSITY PERSON
Unity-and-Diversity...proclaims that the
age of one world is the great new era about which all religions have dreamed,
that during this time life throughout the world will find new unity and
significance, and that consequently all prophecies of the past will in
some measure be fulfilled. ...
Today is eight days before December 25th, the traditional date of the birth of Jesus. The teachings of the "Testament for a Unity-and-Diversity World", which is the final part of the material yet to be published in World Scriptures, indicate that December 25th is itself in the midst of a transformation. Jesus was actually not born on that date, but over time the power of this Holy Day Season was so strong that his birth date was changed in order to be the focal point of this spiritually most powerful time of the year. Previously, the mystery religions held their major celebration at this time, which originally was selected because of the winter solstice. Earlier peoples were very concerned when the days became shorter and shorter, and it was only a few days after December 21st, the shortest day of the year, that a time of celebration was established. Now it is time for December 25th to take on a new role: that of the emergence of freedom and democracy. What this means is that December 25th is becoming the birth date not only of Jesus, but also of the unity-and-diversity person and civilization. It is a time for every religion to celebrate together, so that the New Year can become a Declaration of Interdependence among all faiths, all peoples, and all life. January 1st then becomes the date of maturity of the new person and civilization. What occurs between these two dates is a period of inner searching and decision-making, so that what emerges is a transformed life in the New Year. In the awakened individual, and in awakened spiritual groups, each year can produce more clarity and spiritual power in the unfolding of the new beingness. The interfaith movement, which is becoming stronger and stronger in many parts of the world, carries the possibility of challenging each faith to look beyond its historic teachings and awakening to the reality of the emerging global civilization. Not only is a new civilization coming, but the presence of science and democracy provide the major new dimensions of that emerging civilization. Religion, which has existed since the beginning of human life, now has the opportunity to find a new balance with science, philosophy, the arts, and especially the rise of freedom and democracy. In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!!
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T.
TESTAMENT FOR A
There will be established on earth a new Consciousness and Power which will shape a race of wise spiritual beings and take up into itself all of earth-nature that is ready for this new transformation. --Sri Aurobindo, Science and Spirituality, p. 171 Last week's message entitled "Testament for a Unity-and-Diversity World" stirred some interest and controversy, so it seems appropriate to go on with clarification as to what this new testament is and how it will be developed. First of all, the addition to the World Scriptures of this material is not to create another religion to add to the very large number of religions and spiritual groups. It is a point of synthesis; its work is to bring together the great diversity of such groups and to find processes that will help to unify the diversities. Whether the World Scriptures are used on Sunday mornings or at other times during the week, it is not just talk about bringing the religions and spiritual groups together. The goal is to bring these groups together as a natural part of the fulfillment of its mission. They will be brought in as speakers, performers, helpers at interfaith events, and in every way possible. Unity-and-Diversity Faith is another level of religion. It does not in any way negate the historic religions or spiritual movements. Rather, it encourages them to express themselves so as to bring greater clarity and mutual understanding. Its "congregation" is potentially all of humanity, most of whom have a faith that represents their diversity of expression. Those whose main orientation is that of Unity-and-Diversity is likely to be a small percent of the total, yet it is these people who are in the best position to help bring the diversities together. Will these people also meet separately so as to cultivate their own faith? Yes, many of them will and, at the same time, their own fellowship will include drawing upon the larger community which they are committed to serve. Unity-and-Diversity people are generally small in numbers yet large in vision and commitment to the well-being of all. Therefore, they cannot live in isolation but choose to reach out and connect with the whole of life. Their scriptures are those of a universal heritage. Their culture is a culture of diversity and of unity, based upon a respect for all races, cultures, and religions. What Unity-and-Diversity needs to bring to the world is a new gospel, the good news of unity-and-diversity, which celebrates the emergence of freedom and democracy, emphasizes our need for living by our Declaration of Interdependence, and which draws upon modern science and its search for meaning. "Spirit is One; Paths Are Many". In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!!
Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T.
TESTAMENT FOR A UNITY-AND-DIVERSITY WORLD We, the People, hereby declare our interdependence
– our connection to the Source of All Life and to all life forms.
We affirm that diverse individuals, groups, and networks are necessary
for the creative development of humanity; and that to strengthen UNITY-AND-DIVERSITY
throughout the universe is our individual responsibility and privilege.
New religions begin with new visions of life that are relevant to the time in which they are revealed and beyond that time. The interfaith movement, whose mission is just beginning to be made manifest, includes the historic religions and also numerous religions and spiritual movements whose teachings are from a much more recent time. The capacity of the interfaith movement to survive and grow will be determined, in my judgment, by its capacity to include both the historic religions that are able to adapt to the needs of the modern world and also the newer groups that have new revelations to offer to an awakening humanity. Christianity as a religion began with a teaching revealed at the time of Jesus and called "The New Testament". What is called "The Old Testament" had existed for many years as the Hebrew Scriptures, namely the scriptures of the Jewish people in which Jesus grew up. Christianity’s own teachings, then, are contained in "The New Testament". Its power and uniqueness lie in the life of Jesus and his followers, as well as in the new teachings which they brought forth. It was a new synthesis, a new vision for Jesus' time and beyond. Now we find ourselves in the struggle for a united world, for a global civilization which can sustain life on planet earth as a whole. This new awareness is an environmental challenge, and it is also a moral and spiritual challenge. All of the historic religions came from a previous age. They have much to offer to this age, especially as they adapt their teachings based on the evolution of our planet since the time they were given. The more recent faiths have usually tapped into at least some of the changes which have occurred since the time of the historic religions, such as the rise of modern science and the coming of freedom and democracy. However, this emerging global age is the most potentially powerful time in the entire history of planet earth. Right now it looks as though the challenges to the global age could overcome all of the efforts to "create a world that works for all". These challenges include global warming, the unresolved issues surrounding nuclear proliferation, and the many struggles related to war and the deep-seated misunderstandings in the Middle East. With all of the potentials of the global age, as well as the challenges which are now being faced, it should be clear that a new vision is necessary in order for the world to get itself together. This new vision is not going to be just the vision of one person or one religion. Rather, it will be the combined visions and efforts of all the religions, the sciences, the arts, and the philosophies that either now exist or are coming into being. At the same time, all of this much be brought together in the single compass of some form of world scriptures. As with the Hebrew Scriptures that fed into the Holy Bible of Christianity, there is now the whole of the world’s religions and spiritual movements to be brought together from the ancient and recent past. But, in addition to all of the teachings of the past, there is an increasingly compelling need for the emergence of a new global and universal vision. In the World Scriptures which I have had the honor to work on for about fifty-five years, the "Testament for a Unity-and-Diversity World" is yet to be included. It has been written some years ago, and it is being added to as time moves on, yet it has still to be included in the World Scriptures now published. It comes from many sources, and it also has some of my writings to focalize that vision. My ministry for many years is to provide the insights in this direction which I have, as well as to draw together those others who have something to add to this effort. A "Unity-and-Diversity World" means a world in the presence of freedom and democracy, where many races, cultures, and religions are seen as having contributions to make to the whole, rather than choosing one to the exclusion of all others. What is coming is a new world, but it is more specific than that. It is a world enriched by science and democracy, and it requires a new attitude of openness and a willingness to listen in order to understand and appreciate differences of outlook, of lifestyle, and of faith. In the midst of these differences, we need to create a new society that works for everyone. This is the central challenge of our time. The new elements of World Scriptures might be in a second volume, which could be published now, but there are those of us who believe that it belongs in a single volume, just as "The Old Testament" and "The New Testament" comprise one volume. We would like to get your feedback on this matter, as well as any personal and/or financial help you might have to offer to bring this effort to its realization. Our times are filled with challenges which could be helped by this new and global vision. What can you offer? We hope to hear from you and value your opinions. In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!! Unity-and-Diversity World Council
The Search for Meaning in Life - Aug 6, 2006 "All deep religion, all profound philosophy,
is a search for ethical mysticism and mystical ethics."
The challenges of our present moment in time force us to look more deeply within to discover what life really means and to find our proper role in making our own life worthwhile. What can we do to help create the kind of world we truly choose to live in? How can we move in that direction and not just depend upon outward circumstances to dictate our every action? Bill Moyers, the well-known interviewer of religionists and philosophers, recently carried out an interview with a Buddhist nun. What she said was that we need to take time for meditation in the midst of our life in the world, so that we can move beyond distraction and keep in touch with our inner nature. To do this may require periodically removing ourselves from our active life and dedicating time to quietness and in-depth listening. What is likely to be the result of this inward looking is a mystical connection with life that is beyond words and yet full of creative and spiritual power. Mysticism is a sense of life that goes beyond the names and forms of religion and experiences a direct connection with the Essence of All. Some call that realization an experience of All That Is. It is an awakening to the aliveness of our real Self, and it is generally accompanied by a strong commitment to ethical behavior in the world. Certainly our mystical experience will be much clearer and more worthwhile if it does lead to ethical behavior, because then it shines forth and becomes truly authentic. Ethics leads us to treat others as we would be treated. It directs us toward concern for our fellow human beings, to a quest for peace, justice, and to a sustainable environment. Ethics helps our own lives to be an example of responsible behavior and healthy relationships with others. It calls upon us to respect people of different races, cultures, and religions, as well as to treat all forms of life with the same reverence as humans. Ethics and mysticism together suggest wholeness. They are the horizontal and vertical dimensions of life aligning with each other. Our discovery of God (the Supreme, the Ultimate Reality, the One) awakens us to a life devoted to meaning and a sense of connection with all that is worthwhile. From that discovery, a life of ethics is likely to emerge. On the other hand, a life that is ethical is a preparation for the discovery of the larger meaning of life itself. So the interrelation of the two is a natural evolution of the whole life, as indicated in the quotation from Albert Schweitzer. May our lives unfold in their fullness, so that we can be happy, whole persons. May we also become servers of the higher good, and may we help create a world that works for everyone! In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!! -- Leland Stewart About World Fellowship In addition to UDC's vehicle for serving the interfaith community, which is called "World Interfaith Network", there is a need for a unity-and-diversity kind of fellowship to hold weekly services and especially to serve those whose convictions have to do with bringing all faiths together and not being identified with any one historic religion or modern spiritual movement. People who see themselves relating to all paths will naturally hold services that includes speakers and programs of different faiths and also of other kinds of consciousness-raising events. Such fellowships are symbolically at the center of each community, since their task is to bring all paths together in meaningful ways. Revs. Leland and Elizabeth Stewart have been on this path throughout their married life and have held these kinds of services for many years. Now, since the "World Scriptures" and "Science and Spirituality" have been published, they are meeting each week on an informal basis, preparing the way for a more public ministry when the time is right. In the meantime, weekly messages written by Rev. Stewart are being sent out worldwide, and a fellowship of sincere seekers is being built without structure but with attunement to the expression "Spirit Is One; Paths Are Many". Anyone who finds yourself in sympathy with this perspective is invited
to be in touch with the Fellowship, to receive the weekly messages, and
to exchange letters and messages whenever possible. Please contact
the Fellowship c/o UDC.
Unity-and-Diversity Contact Information Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T.,
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