20 Spiritual Questions to Ponder

In the documentary ONE: The Movie filmmakers asked well-known spiritual teachers and everyday people philosophical questions that explore the meaning of life. I haven't watched this movie yet but I have come across the 20 questions on another blog and they sent my head spinning. What do I believe? Some answers came easily but others required much more reflection. It's interesting to ponder how my beliefs have changed over the years and consider how they will continue to evolve in the future. I wonder how different the world would be if people took time on a regular basis to explore these ideas and contemplate their faith.

1. Why is there poverty and suffering in the world?
Because "evil" does exist and the majority of us that could do something about these issues are too far removed from the problem to really care. Mass poverty and suffering are mirrors exposing the culmination of our individual ignorance and apathy.They are the result of us versus them thinking.

2. What is the relationship between science and religion?
Science is a limited religion.

3. Why are so many people depressed?
They have forgotten to look at life from both sides.

4. What are we all so afraid of?
Being criticized, abandoned, forgotten, alone. That death is the end.

5. When is war justifiable?
I don't know.

6. How would God want us to respond to aggression and terrorism?
With prayer.

7. How does one obtain true peace?
By surrendering.

8. What does it mean to live in the present moment?
To act without an attachment to the results, let go of the past and stop trying to control the future.

9. What is our greatest distraction?
The illusion of a limitless void. That more (money, stuff, power, recognition, serenity, travel, friends, prayer...) will make us happier.

10. Is current religion serving its purpose?
Sometimes.

11. What happens to you after you die?
I think the experience differs depending on the needs/expectations of the individual. I'm pretty confident that our spirit separates from our physical body and based on accounts from near-death experiencers I think it is possible that we are guided by angels and participate in a life review. I believe we continue our education while in the spiritual realms, perhaps as a prisoner in purgatory or we may return to earth in another incarnation if necessary. I believe hell does exist and some souls go to hell because they have made a conscious decision to reject God. I also believe some people require no further lessons and enter into communion with God (heaven).

12. Describe heaven and how to get there.
Heaven is communion with God. It is experienced when we have developed a Christlike spirit.

13. What is the meaning of life?
To encounter and transcend adversity. To experience the physical realm, practice free will, embrace life and learn to love.

14. Describe God.
God is a paradox. God is the sentient life force that exists in all living things and watches over us at the same time. God is a part of and separate from; intrinsic and transcendent. God is the creator and the creation.

15. What is the greatest quality humans posses?
The capacity to love that which seems unloveable.

16. What is it that prevents people from living to their full potential?
Fear.

17. Non-verbally, by motion or gesture only, act out what you believe to be the current condition of the world.


18. What is your one wish for the world?
That everyone will feel safe and loved.

19. What is wisdom and how do we gain it?
Wisdom is the ability to see the big picture and learn from the past.

20. Are we all One?
We are, but we don't know it.