What Is the Essence of Christianity?

[@moonglow6639]

"There is nothing to seek and find for there is nothing lost." (Nisargadatta Maharaj)

[@jddr555]

❣️

[@James-ll3jb]

BS😂

[@Elazar40]

The "essence of Christianity," is a crucifixion of the ego, and a resurrection of Spirit and Consciousness. We are Spirit embodied, not just a body.

[@tylerthurman2980]

an interesting interpretation of the symbol of the cross is the intersection of the horizontal plane of time and the vertical plane of eternity with Jesus - the archetypal human - suffering at that intersection

[@jddr555]

Nice

[@serafimsousa5383]

@@tylerthurman2980 that is "my" intuiton too.

[@FirstPersonHood]

@@tylerthurman2980 ABSOLUTELY ALREADY

[@uwvadertje]

Keep studying the NT please...

[@robinchristian5907]

"The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence is my favorite. I'm shocked Rupert loves it and is re-reading it. It's simple, pure, full of heart....very humbling. He said, "His goal in life was to be the best lover of God he could possibly be." Decades ago I took a huge stack of spiritual books off the book store shelf to go through. This tiny book fell to the floor and kept getting in the way of the others. After reading thousands of books, dabbling in over 90 religions, chasing gurus, I often tell people this little book is all one truly needs.

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

I hope that this becomes the modern understanding of Christianity

[@kgrose0219]

“Everything is God” is pantheism. And if “everything is god”, is evil god too?

[@paulmetdebbie447]

@@kgrose0219 Not pantheism, because it also means Nothing is God. It means Neverything is God. In a way, this is atheism, but only in the most religious way. J. Krishnamurti said it most clearly: "I always thought I was atheïst, but then I discovered I am God'. Meaning: we are all God. Like Jesus said: The Kingdom of heaven is within you. The world is an illusion - only Brahman is real - Brhamsn is the world. Tat tvam Asi.

[@richardl.currier4052]

@@kgrose0219 God is ALL. Both reason and paradox, good and evil, you and me.

[@TheGuiltsOfUs]

lol

[@anoopkaurdaas]

The essence of all traditions, including Sikhi (Sikhism) - that everything is God, everything is You, there is only One, there is only Oneness,

[@poetsrear]

This has been my understanding, but the tradition of Sikh has been obscured and hidden well for it's history. Perhaps the time is ripe for Sikh to start teaching openly?

[@anoopkaurdaas]

@@poetsrear Thank you for your reply. I am wondering if you could please elaborate on what you mean when saying that Sikhi has been obscured and hidden? In my limited view, there are indeed people within the Sikh Congregation who seem to interpret Sikhi in a dualistic way - as there are on every Path to Truth. However, there are also many within the Sikh Dharam who speak very openly about Guroo Jees Teaching being Teachings on Oneness as the Eternal Truth of Existence. If you, or anyone, would like to learn about the non-dual Teachings of Sikhi - I highly recommend the KZbin channel 'Nanak Naam' as a start. And beginning with their series called 'Japji Sahib Katha'. Thank you. Many blessings.

[@kurijn]

Thanks Rupert. There is some good agreement with what has been revealed in The New Message from God, in the text "Who is Jesus?" (you can find it for free online) - "The teaching of compassion, forgiveness, and devotion and the example of Jesus all serve to unite people across these great and difficult gaps of separation."

[@johnchapman5125]

Thank you, Kurijn.

[@alwalw9237]

Thanks for this Kurjin. While I was looking for this Teaching you recommend, I discovered another one called "Following the Presence", also by Marshall Vian Summers, which I think ties into what Rupert is describing in this clip.

[@DavidDrimmel]

Wow, after reading this online, it strikes me how they paint the bigger picture of what Jesus' life was really meant for and how his life is also connected to all the world's Religions and Messengers. I'm amazed how this teaching is unifying in understanding and scope!

[@guywhoisnotbob]

The "greatest commandments" are exactly this! Love God with all heart, soul and spirit and love others as self. I heard this passage for decades before it dawned on me that the former contains the latter.

[@AndreasDelleske]

"Do no harm" is all one needs. Do you really think God kept 100.000 years of silence before "he" imposed "his" laws?

[@112deeps]

For not to do Harm all that is needed is Thought of Love and being in the presence..... If harm is thought harm is done

[@guywhoisnotbob]

@@AndreasDelleske no. I think the interdependent, unified total universe became self aware and needed to be reminded to act interdependent and unified.

[@peterholy953]

Who said this?: “I call Christianity the one great curse, the one great intrinsic depravity, and the one great instinct of revenge, for which no means are venomous enough, or secret, subterranean and small enough - I call it the one immortal blemish on the human race.”

[@guywhoisnotbob]

@@peterholy953 Google revealed it was Nietzsche

[@Itsalaugh229]

I read brother Lawrence when I was deciding when to enter a monastery. One passage has always been with me .......about the mundane act of sweeping the cloister. Mindfulness by another name.

[@tonynes3577]

I hope you realize that Rupert's philosophy is not about Religion of Christianity. When he talks about God in his discussions, he is referring to the consciousness in all of us, not to a "God" outside of us. At least that's what I understand.

[@James-ll3jb]

Jesus was the same. But Rupert doesn't understand Christianity.😅. Nor do you.

[@persalba]

“Turn thy sight unto thyself, that thou mayest find Me standing within thee, mighty, powerful and self-subsisting” Baha’u’llah (Baha’i Writings)🌹

[@paulmetdebbie447]

Thank you, this sounds true. I didn't know of the Bahai philosophy. Is it based on Sufism?

[@persalba]

@@paulmetdebbie447 Thanks, this is a great topic for us all to contemplate; Baha’u’llah’s teachings emphasize the progressive Revelation of the divine truth hence you’ll find resonance with all the wisdom traditions of the past and the fulfillment of their promises for this day 🌹

[@paulmetdebbie447]

@@persalba Thanks again, we are looking into it as we speak. Just heard the wife of Shogi Effendi tell about him. Very interesting. ❤️🙏

[@paulmetdebbie447]

@@persalba We have looked into it. So far what we found and have read, seems to reveal a personal, all-knowing ceramic God-model that is not an improvement of official Christianity or Islam as we know it. Only a slight modernization of such. Compared to the nondual impersonal God model of Hindu (advaita vedanta) and Mahajana Buddhism, Daoism or Sufism, it is a large step backwards even. Bahai sounds more like Christianity 2.0 to us, which is not attractive at all. Could you point us to the nondual aspects in Bahai? Are there any? Also Bahai seems to be focused on the human race as worthy of saving by means of more and equal justice and better morals (which is all mind-stuff) - we find nothing about honouring the entire creation of nature in it. What are your thoughts, you seem to be enthousiastic about it, could you enlighten us about this?

[@persalba]

@@paulmetdebbie447 great observations! The Baha’i Writings deal with a wide range of topics and contexts. You are correct that the immediate audience due to historical reasons were of judeochristianislamic backgrounds. The deeper read of the teachings however envisions a unity that involves the entirety of the human experience as the progressive Revelation of the Manifestation of the Divine mind. Social teachings with the emphasis on oneness of humankind then are the outcome of this mystical union with the Manifestation of the Divine… good to chat on this limited format! The best!

[@mansuralimirani4186]

You are pure love, you always talking or speaking about essence of all religions & very easy to realize what you are pointing to , may I talk to you as others talking and how, I believe you can feel what I am feeling in my broken words I am not literate person my English is so weak but I can feel & understand what you are saying so please forgive me for weak English I haven't any question then why I want to talk with you I don't know I always grateful my name is Mansur I live in Karachi Pakistan Thank you thank you thank you so much

[@paulmetdebbie447]

Meister Eckhart, Angelus Silesius, St. Francis of Assisi, and most lucid and modern: Marshall Davis (Christian nonduality). There are easy video's of him explaining nondual Christianity very clearly and easy to understand. And he wrote many great books about it. Recommended. 💕

[@nietzschean3138]

Teresa of Avila too

[@harriehoutman5154]

Gospel of Thomas

[@peterholy953]

Who said this?: “I call Christianity the one great curse, the one great intrinsic depravity, and the one great instinct of revenge, for which no means are venomous enough, or secret, subterranean and small enough - I call it the one immortal blemish on the human race.”

[@nietzschean3138]

@@peterholy953 Nietzsche. Although you could argue that it was the institution of Christianity and what it became as a form of empire and governance that was the problem. Not Christian mysticism. Perennialism is a beauty spot not a blemish on the human race. The same blemish could also be argued for from Judaism and Islam too, as societal institutions of governance.

[@paulmetdebbie447]

@@peterholy953 yes, Nietzsche . But modern Christianity (the gospels) are not what Jesus said and present not his being. The new Testament is more the creation of Paul of Tarsus then of Jesus of Nazareth. Paul didn't get it, but his version sold better in the world of the ego and the power that be, that l iked to believe in the erasing of the sins by Jesus' crucification. Matthew did a much better job than Paul. None of these writers however, ever knew Jesus alive and they wrote down their own understanding of what was being said about Jesus, and they translated with their own minds and agenda. Marshall Davis has enlightening talks about it, very lucid and objective. Atheïsts are right: the God of modern day Christianity does not exist. The conclusion that there is no God at all, however, is throwing away the child with the filthy bathwater. Going one step beyond, you will find God in everything. Not as a super person with doom and revenge, not in pantheidm either, but as the unrequited love that is in All. Impersonal, but closer than close and all encompsssing. This is the God of Dao. The Kingdom of haven is within you. Only lossing the separation of the mind will realize this for us.

[@elsiesmith1771]

This is so beautiful, thank you! Removing all the religiousity from knowing God allows a clear path.

[@jsharp9735]

I've actually always viewed Christianity with a non dualistic lens even before I knew the term.. I think the essence of Christianity is Gods grace through Jesus Christ. Unconditional love and sacrifice for the Father on behalf of his creation. I think the protestants may of had it right in believing that suffering is God testing your faith. It surely has mine - God is good !

[@mauricepowers3804]

God does not test. Life just happens. Rumi says treat it all like a guest.

[@jsharp9735]

@@mauricepowers3804 I agree with you. But when life does throw chaos and suffering at you it really does test your faith and it all comes down to a choice.

[@balak7161]

If essence is mediated then it is no-longer non-dual. There is a continuous underscoring of otherness in Christian faith that is being white-washed by so called Christian non-dualists....Finally, religion is as religion does. Abrahamic religions need to look in the mirror

[@jsharp9735]

@@balak7161 Otherness ?

[@aedadlan5134]

I praise the Almighty daily, I testify that there is no god but God, the Greatest and Most Good! I and my Father are One, believe me when I say that I am in my Father and my Father is in me, and the works I do, I do not do on my own, but my Father does the works. The above is a perfect description of God-conscioussness, and shows that Jesus was without a doubt Awoke to Absolute Truth aka God. That's it. The other stuff is bullshit, corruption of the little false ego.

[@fredphipps9452]

As a lapsed catholic from my teens fear has separated me from god; rediscovery is now well and truly overdue

[@Rinanathar]

I wish you well in your journey

[@carlfigueiredo2095]

Fred Phipps: what you seek is, in fact, seeking you; and, in truth, IS you! Enjoy your journey of re-discovery!

[@paulmetdebbie447]

It is never too late. You have rightly departed from the christ as it was wrongly told to you. Now go and find the right christ. Listen to Marshall Davis, who translates the bible in noduasl terms of Dao as supposed.

[@Aum_shantishantishanti111]

My intention is same as hers thank you and as always my dear friend Rupert you have a special place in my heart .

[@luciafischer3190]

Many years ago I felt drawn to meditation and the presence of God. I read the book and have been practicing contemplative prayer ever since. That was 40 years ago.

[@icontrolmythoughts4712]

You are one with GOD by doing what you know is right, that is love. When you do what you know is wrong, you enter fear. Fear is the absence of GOD. There is no middle. This is the choice you make on a constant basis

[@simka321]

We practice this teaching as our chief article of wisdom at the Rose of Zion Church of Awakening.

[@I-Am-Aware]

Another incredible interview. Thank you so much! 🙏

[@sergioangel8362]

Joel Goldsmith. Namaste. 🙏🏼

[@suelangdon7738]

A 2022 revolutionary translation of ‘Practising the Presence of God by Carmen Acevedo Butcher. Thanks Rupert so much. Thank too for person asking the question.

[@robertzwemmer9915]

Rika from Colorado, you might also be interested in The Urantia Book. It really puts the teachings of Jesus and people like Rupert Spira in a more universal context. PS : 'God, Christ, Gurus' is a mantra by the legendary Yogananda which also helps seeing things more in perspective.

[@James-ll3jb]

The Urantia is a famous crackpot comoendium from the Madam Blavatsky/P.T. Barunum era

[@evedotcom]

Beautiful, thank you 🙏❤️ I am going to get this book also.

[@ruskiny280]

"All you need is Love". Patience with, kindness towards, understanding of others. TheSermon on Mount.

[@elizabethlewis5593]

Thank you, dear Rupert.

[@elissac5428]

The Wisdom Jesus by Cynthia Bourgeault is a great book to read on the nondual teaching of Christ. Beautiful as always Rupert! Your Being and your teaching!!!❤️🙏🏻✨

[@tylerthurman2980]

I will definitely check this out, I'm familiar with Cynthia as she is faculty at the Center for Action and Contemplation which was founded by Richard Rohr. If you like Cynthia you would probably like Rohr's books The Universal Christ, Divine Dance, and the Naked Now. As someone who was brought up in a conventional christian setting and ultimately found it unsatisfying, there is no greater joy than returning to the teachings with a nondual lens and seeing how it was all there all along, just hidden underneath all the modern misunderstandings. Love to you

[@elissac5428]

Someone in the comments also mentioned Marshall Davis who I had never heard of. It seems he has many books and some videos on you tube on the subject of nondual Christianity. I always love to hear when people return to the religion of their youth and find that the Truth was there all along! 🙏🏻☮️✨

[@peterholy953]

Who said this?: “I call Christianity the one great curse, the one great intrinsic depravity, and the one great instinct of revenge, for which no means are venomous enough, or secret, subterranean and small enough - I call it the one immortal blemish on the human race.”

[@paulmetdebbie447]

@@peterholy953 see answer above.

[@paulmetdebbie447]

@@elissac5428 Yes, I did. Marshall has a very lucid way of pointing to nonduality in Christianity. But after finding oneness, one does not return to the religion of youth, only to the name of that. Internally, it has been found out to be almost the opposite of what one was made to believe about it when young.

[@GewoonTeike]

Wonderful to hear Jacob Boehme get a mention. His writings led me to awakening.

[@DateCamp]

Does anyone know which translation of Brother Lawerence’s book Rupert prefers? There are several. He mentioned a name but I couldn’t get it fully. Thank you!

[@robinchristian5907]

At about 4:20 he said translation by "Matelock" (spelling?) was what he has (didn't use the word 'prefer'). Then said, "but there are various translations". It's my all time favorite book, short maybe 60 or so pages. Only a few dollars, so get several translations....that's what I did. Not too much difference in them at all.

[@uwvadertje]

It's not a religion, it's the end of religion. It's a relationship with the one true God.

[@freddyburton1393]

The Essence of the Christian life: THE constant attentiveness and awareness that Christ lives within us. One must establish oneself in the Presence of God throughout their day. This will transform everything in us. This will produce God's Ultimate Goal: THE transformation of our character into the image of Christ. Christ likeness. 2 peter 1:4 ...2 Cor. 3:18

[@Hugh9]

God is eternal. Is in all of us. Is in everything. Is one without second.

[@112deeps]

God's Name given to Moses on the Mount 'I AM THAT I AM'. (is Vedantic Mahamantra for meditation) Knowing English & Sanskrit are Indo European Languages I AM = AHAM (in sanskrit) ~ OM = 🕉️🙏. Look at how many times Lord Jesus referred to 'I AM'

[@keithoyoung34]

Morning everyone 🙏🤗

[@christopherconlogue5373]

At. John the Evangelist, In the beginning was the word, the word was with God, and the Word was God, etc

[@skulijakobsson5116]

Word = Logos.

[@peterholy953]

Who said this?: “I call Christianity the one great curse, the one great intrinsic depravity, and the one great instinct of revenge, for which no means are venomous enough, or secret, subterranean and small enough - I call it the one immortal blemish on the human race.”

[@paulmetdebbie447]

@@peterholy953 come on, don't be a one triick pony. At least explain what Nietzsche meant.

[@FirstPersonHood]

The Gospel of Luke has a direct pointer to Jesus's message: And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. 20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

[@magma9138]

WORD.

[@harriehoutman5154]

perhaps some one mentioned The Gospel Of Thomas. clearly non dual teachings.

[@gokulmuthu]

Nice words. I guess the Church and its missionaries must be converted to true Christianity. Many of the other traditions around the world like Sufism, Hinduism (Vedanta) already are rooted in this. But unfortunately the Church and Missionaries are spending so much of effort and money to uproot these traditions and convert people. Alas, who will convert the Church and Missionaries into true spiritual Christianity!!! The world would be a much better place if that is done.

[@evinakyuz7722]

That reminded me of 'Besmele' (Basmalah).

[@kennethwilliams4169]

The philokalia vol 3 is a good read

[@SolveEtCoagula93]

I am SO confused. The Christian mystic Meister Eckhart writes a great deal about the difference between God and what he calls the Godhead. Whilst, for Eckhart, God is Oneness, he states that this is NOT non-duality. It is the Godhead which is the non-dual state. He develops this difference and its consequences, quite a lot in his sermons. Even going so far as to state that the Godhead is as far above God as God is above the Earth. So, why do Christians, and in this video Rupert, refer to God as being the non-dual state? Can anyone help me please?

[@christopherconlogue5373]

The Cloud of Unknowing- book

[@heikeahlbory1738]

John of the cross

[@world-of-susan.]

Orthodox Christianity.

[@dr.susheelkhemariya8966]

Wahwah AhaAha wonderful Chamatkaric Vishmaypurna wonderful dhanyabadDhanyabadDhanyabad thanksgretitude dhanyabad dhanyabadDhanyabadDhanyabad Rupertspira dhanyabadDhanyabadDhanyabad Rupertspira dhanyabadDhanyabadDhanyabad Rupertspira dhanyabadDhanyabadDhanyabad Rupertspira dhanyabadDhanyabadDhanyabad Rupertspira

[@Syed_12]

( Do Christians And Jews and "OTHER" non-Muslims go to Heaven? ) Quran 2:62 '' Those who believe (in the Quran) and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures) and the Christians and the Sabians->ANYAllah< Is The Protector Of Monasteries, Churches, Synagogues And The Mosques ) Quran 22:40 [They are] those who have been evicted from their homes without right - only because they say, " Our Lord is God " And were it not that God checks the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of God is much mentioned. And God will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, God is Powerful and Exalted in Might. Note: Why did Allah protected Churches and Synagogues if they worship false Allah ? ( Why Are There So Many Different Religions In The World ? ) Quran 5 48 ''...... If God wanted He could have made all of you a single nation.( ie single religion ) But He willed otherwise in order to test you in what He has given you (ie Scriptures) therefore try to excel one another in good deeds. Ultimately you all shall return to God then He will show you the truth of those matters in which you '' >DISPUTE verb < not noun like other religions Islam mean "submission" to God ( The above verse saying is that God will not accept a religion from the >MUSLIM< and the Non-Muslims but total "submission" to God ) Question: How Can Muslim And the Non-Muslim "submit" to the God? Answer: Be kind to other human beings and Do not lie, Do not steal, Do not cheat, Do not hurt others, Do not be prideful and Do the charity work. Note: If you obeyed all the ABOVE Allah-God's moral laws "YOU" submitted to God.( ie Islam mean "submission" to God ) The only people who will enter Paradise those who '' Submitted to God '' ( ie by good deeds ) God does NOT accept your religion of birth but only ''Your Total'' Submission to Him. ( God Allows Interfaith Marriages And Eat Food From the Christian And Jew And Vice Versa ) Quran 5:5 ''This day [all] good foods have been made lawful, and the food of those who were given the Scripture (ie Christian and Jew) is lawful for you and your food is lawful for them. And [lawful in marriage are] chaste women from among the believers (ie Muslim ) and chaste women from among those who were given the Scripture (ie Christian and Jew) before you, when you have given them their due compensation, desiring chastity not unlawful sexual intercourse or taking [secret] lovers. And whoever denies the faith - his work has become worthless and he in the Hereafter will be among the losers.'' Note: > Only < Islam allows interfaith marriages (>14 hundredsSame God< but They are >ALL Corrupt< more or less, some more than others from their original foundational teaching. The older religion are MORE corrupted than newer religion. Question to Muslim and Christian: Does God / Allah only answer your pray ? And God / Allah does not answer non Muslim / non Christian pray? Did Allah '' Canceled '' all other religions Judaism and Christianity? Quran 5:48 '' And We have revealed to you [O Muhammad] the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture ( ie New and old Testament ) and as a criterion over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. >>>TO EACH OF YOU WE PRESCRIBED A LAW AND A METHODone nation>differ qualified < for to enter Paradise ) On the day of judgement God will ''NOT'' judge humanity bases on Sunni Muslim sect VS Shia Muslim sect ''NOR'' by Muslim VS non-Muslim >but< Doer of Goods VS Doer of Evils. '' YOUR " birth in the Muslim's family is NOT a > qualification < for to enter the Paradise. '' YOUR " religion / sect / foot long beard is NOT a > qualification < for to enter the Paradise. The > qualification < to enter Paradise is > Faith in God and Good Work

[@Ohr-Ein-Sof]

The problem is christianity says Jesus is the only way to God… which i find it untrue and somewhat narcissistic.

[@Aquaticphilosophia]

St Maximus. St ephram the Syrian

[@alondraacosta-mora6504]

what he means by "God"

[@viatrufka]

universal consciousness

[@spelunkerofbutts6136]

Whatever is seeing these words right now

[@paulmetdebbie447]

@@spelunkerofbutts6136 ❤️🙏

[@condorianeverdormentailast9703]

how do get away from that s3kf owned trace thought if not alone by surrendering to God the most highest desire to be a reasonable existent trait and so there in is God's true EXISTENCE GIVEN TO THE IDOL TEMPERMENT and so therein. Well off is rude but bold is prude and so therein direct relation to God is holding God as and at True until the END of own core root has been lived and so then full film ment 3t3ct....

[@sugarfree1894]

Buddhism does not have a God figure, and the Self, in terms of soul, Atman, Purusha is seen, as far as I am aware, as facet of duality.

[@plumeria66]

Ultimately there is only nothingness that happens to be aware.

[@TheGuiltsOfUs]

Buddhism is nihilism

[@peterholy953]

“I call Christianity the one great curse, the one great intrinsic depravity, and the one great instinct of revenge, for which no means are venomous enough, or secret, subterranean and small enough - I call it the one immortal blemish on the human race.”

[@paulmetdebbie447]

Repeating this over and over again in this comment section doesn't make it clearer if you don't explain what Nietsche really meant by this.

[@peterholy953]

@@paulmetdebbie447 “I call Christianity the one great curse, the one great intrinsic depravity, and the one great instinct of revenge, for which no means are venomous enough, or secret, subterranean and small enough - I call it the one immortal blemish on the human race.”

[@poetsrear]

Nietsche is aging very fast and very hard during this era. Tastes bitter and fermented.

[@ristonalaimo5048]

Jesus is more than a teacher he is the savior. Jesus is more than a wise man Jesus is God. Jesus is more than a friend he is going to judge the Earth. Do not limit God, he is three in one, this is not new age philosophy nor is it some ancient deception, Jesus is part of the creation Trinity

[@zetaepsilondelta545]

God's presents? like Santa?

[@Aum_shantishantishanti111]

The real present is the presence of the present moment. May you find it .

[@deandouglas839]

Yes, just like santa! This eternal moment is a gift. That's why it's called 'The Present'.

[@vedicwarriorOriginal]

LOL... nah. Read or watch Jiddu Krishnamurthy's talks. ☮🙏🕉

[@tluton64]

what a strange dude ( and her )

[@locksand45]

The essence of Christianity? Donald Trump.

[@stevej.7926]

Haha oh nooooo