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The End of Fundamentalism. Edition #110 — September 15, 2008. Worldwide we are on the verge of a great change away from fundamentalist thought and policy. In our fervor to equally deny this, there is now a global push to try to shore up against the oncoming flood of new ideas, new ways and a new world. I know this because you know it too. The evidence is everywhere. But where does this kind of thinking and governing of people and resources come from? It comes from our fear for our own survival, something basic to all lifeforms, regardless of race, color, or species. Fundamentalism offers a simplified view of the world. This in turn protects even the most vulnerable among us from facing the fear of the unknown and the dangers of navigating an ever-changing world without a compass. We can find fundamentalist thinking in all layers of society where a way of thinking is being protected — including governments, religions, and economies. After all, without such systems, there would be no way to control large populations of people from seeking their own destinies and truths. If there has ever been a time in human history when the promise of freedom and its ensuing chaos were greater, it is right now. Fundamentalism is trying to avoid this change in management. The Hard Way To A Simple Life A simple life does not justify a simple mind. Too often we allow our own fears and ignorance to put simple terms and judgments upon very complex issues. Thus we not only rob ourselves of greater personal development but also shield our lives from interacting with greater humanity and reality itself. As anyone who has set an alarm clock knows, it would be far more convenient to do things on our own time and at our own pace. Fundamentalism works like a snooze button to postpone our immersion and contact with aspects of life that make us anxious and fearful - social competition, racial, gender and economic differences, and the idea that we are all alone stuck out in the middle of a cold, heartless Universe. It is not easier then to insulate our lives within a strict set of social rules and philosophical guidelines which have at their heart the assertion that we are always right? And will not everything turn out all right as long as we simply hold our ground and do not stray from our fundamental beliefs? Apparently not. We have all witnessed how difficult such a simple approach becomes in a complex world as vibrant and dynamic as life itself. There comes a breaking point when we can no longer pretend to ourselves what has been obvious to others with whom we fear social contact. But when we are insulated we also must fight to hold our tongues to protect against the wrath of those whose lives we may rudely awaken in the process. Not upsetting this delicate balance between forced joy and denial is making a lot of people very sad, including those who are watching the process unfold. It is spiritually paralyzing to limit our lives to what we know and have always done. There is no way to avoid fear and uncertainty but to accept them as constants within our lives. As any thoughtful explorer of reality knows, there are indeed deep spiritual mysteries that abound and which belong not to one race, creed or geographical location. Love is a Universal phenomenon, and it is in our pursuit of love that we may come to a true sense of peace within, not a simple, mind numbing anesthetic of slogans and dubious worldly intelligence. Fundamentalism exists not only in religion, but in politics and the life sciences. It also invades the minds of those who claim to be most enlightened by their distance from organized religion because at its base, fundamentalism is about limiting our thoughts by keeping curiousity out. Fundamentalism is about fear, and trying to minimize our contact with agents of true "change" or events that question our own hardened beliefs. But is this the road to a more joyful, less war-hungry future? We are deciding that right now. Harmony In Action In music the basic tone of a note is called the "fundamental" but it is the harmonics which give it depth and character. Let us make life as we make music - rich with harmony and harmonics, and for the pleasure of all to experience. If love is the foundation of our life song, then we will all have a voice in this cosmic orchestra. I had prepared two newsletters but this "fundamentalism" theme pushed its way to the fore during breakfast this morning and took over the agenda. In my alternate newsletters I wanted to send out my deepest wishes for a quick recovery to all those affected by Hurricane Ike. I don't think that any Democrat in Louisiana thinks that Texans had it coming because they voted for George W. Bush. I hope that we can all learn something from this. Subscribe to free newsletter
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