What is spiritual or religious law? What is the point of rules and regulations? Can they be kind gifts or are they harsh prisons? Can spiritual law help us develop our more human side versus living by the limits of animal instincts? Are there natural consequences to certain acts? How do laws or guides help our better side rise to heal this world? What is the evolution of religion in spiritual law? Why are there differences between the various faiths, in their laws and guidelines and what is the truth of their unity?

1. To Heal the Hurts of Religion’s Misnomers
GodRebels Part 3: Soul's Heaven, Souls Hell
Religious Law, Shame, "Should", Abuse, & Other Hurts

2. The Open Mind is the Greatest Healer…
O Spirit!
" My first counsel is this:
Possess a pure, kindly, and radiant heart....*"

3. Truth or Consequences-- Heaven, hell or 'thine own self' ??
Souls' Heaven, Souls' Hell
Guilt and fear, as used in scripture, may be seen as "tools"—
they seem to work for some people in walking a good path,
yet for others they can be deadly, especially in our time.

4. Religious Law, Shame, "Should", Abuse, & Other Hurts
Ours is an age that has seen much in the way of abuse.
From our own parents, sometimes, or to bosses and those in power.
Authority, in short, for many and in many ways, has made a mess of things.
With religion it has been no different-- and may be even worse.
If religious teachings are for healing and humanity’s best education (as they were
meant to be) then let us advance into new understandings.
To begin with coercion or the “you should" tool – its been overused and not the way of
Spirit, as told even in the Holy books of time.

5. Though using shame and words like should and must may work for some must be
strongly tempered with wisdom and kindly love as in the ways of Prophets – or else it
should be abandoned entirely!
It is up to us to become more able to see and counter the misuse
and abuses of authorities of power. It is then that things will begin to change.

6. A true Heart will surely show the way…
Our Highest Good and our Higher Power (it is said)
is generous, loving and kind, as the Prophets and the holy Ones.
Spirit to us is kind, as we must be with Ourselves as well if we wish to heal this world.
To Judge another (or one’s self as well) is a right to be the Super – Wise ,and that is
surely not me or anyone I know!
Too often, the right to judge another is assigned to clergy and “authorities” outside
of any choice of ours. The gift of independent thinking is affecting change in this, for
many, in our time are not buying into the old ways.

7. "Law", Spirit, and Truth-- A Brighter View
"Spirits' Law" is the commandments and guidance brought by Prophets and scripture.
It can be likened to Natural Law, which is like an ocean surrounding and shaping our lives.
A Prophet or "Divine Master" informs us of these realities to help us in this life.

8. Spiritual Law, A Gift of Knowing
Just as with the natural law of gravity (for one example), we are affected by all
truths of life and Spirit, whether we know of them or not.
Spirit's Law tells us there are natural consequences to certain acts.
Our lives, our spirits, /or our community may suffer when we violate the spiritual "laws"
just as when we transgress a natural or human- made law.
For example, if a person jumps out a window expecting to fly gravity will not excuse
him or make and exception for his or her not knowing—
That person will still fall!

9. Spirit's Law is the enunciation of the truth that there are natural consequences to our acts.
Spirit, in the form of laws and guidelines is informing us of these most vital verities of life.
"Law": A "Recipe For Living" ?
Law: Restriction or Freedom ?
By limiting certain freedoms, other freedoms may be enhanced.

10. Laws for the One versus Laws for the Community of Humanity
Some spiritual laws seem to serve the protection of the individual, while others may
address the good of an entire community or world. Here, the needs of the group take
precedence over the need of a single individual.

11. Moving On and Trusting that Spirit will Suffice...
A friend of mine, a heavy drinker had hit the wall with alcohol. She wanted to stop, but
thought life would be just awful without her booze. At long last on stopping, she was amazed
at how much her life had improved. She said she'd never have believed Just how tightly the
booze had her in its grip of lies and chains of having to always have her drink.
We never know, you see,’ til we walk in a new pair of shoes, just what they will really feel like!

12. The Prison Of Self
Our Attachment to "natural" ("animal") comforts and our personal desires can become
like a prison to us.
As an "addict" or “near- addict” one is caught in his or her desire, acting as one
"enchanted" by his or her overblown or perceived need. Unaware of the extent of his
attachment and the negative results, such a person is the last to know just how much the call
of self is truly burdening their life.
Filling the "hole" that can't be filled except by Spirit—
is the core of attachment and (perhaps) the “disease” of our times.
Spirit fills this void, if we would only turn to it.

13. Because Spirit has the power to fill and soothe us,
spirituality is a part and often forms a solid basis of successful addiction recovery programs.
"Animal Nature" = concern with present Comfort
It is easy and instinctual, but the human has an added nature.
"Spiritual Nature" can rise above desire or self for a future or Greater Goal
that may require effort or self-sacrifice, with resultant personal growth and virtue.

14. The Human Choice
The animal has no recourse over pain or fate, but the human being who practices Spiritual
attitudes makes his or her lot in life infinitely better through strength of character and the
practice of Love, Tolerance, Detachment, Patience and the like. Choosing Spirit over animal
desire, such a person will become spiritually prepared for the trials of life by developing the
virtues and qualities that some say are as the "eyes" and "ears" that will be needed in the
spirit world that is spoken of as heaven, hell or the life that’s yet to come.

15. Spirit's Law-- Test for the Truth- Seeker
In scripture, “Eternal Law” is the Spiritual "Guidelines" that are never "outdated"...
Yet “Social Laws” change from age to age with the capacity and needs of the people.
For example in the Law of Moses:
" An eye for an eye, A tooth for a tooth"-- was needed in a lawless age:
Prohibitions on eating pork, which we now know often had parasites, are the types of laws
that can be vital to life and health in their times, yet may not be not so for a different age.**

16. The Changing of the Sabbath, the calendar and long- held rituals as given in each age by the
new Prophet are often big tests for would- be seekers and may in part serve that very spiritual
purpose, to help us learn to see with our own eyes and not follow our ways blindly.
Ritual is merely the outer form and not the essence of faith. It is a challenge to detach from
what we have grown to love or be accustomed to. Yet those who remain attached to the old
form instead of its inner Light or essence will miss the new developments and gifts of new and
vital teachings of a new Prophet and the new ways of worship.
May I detach from the mere symbol of truth so that I may see the truth for what it is.

17. Here’s another possibility of a soul reaction to matters of import.
Its only an idea, and will likely not apply in certain or even many cases, especially for those
who truly do not know what’s true or what is good for them.
Do you believe that ... Our Soul craves Truth & Knows the Truth of Spirit … in an Instant?
Do you believe that...
If an important truth is denied, this would hinder spiritual development,
and our soul will surely know it.

18. In a far-fetched example:
Could the soul’s inner knowing work like this?
For example, if a true Manifestation of God or Prophet had appeared (there are a small
handful of claimants) our soul could recognize it and may instantly blaze out In Love for that
holiness and that great Master.
If we were then to turn away-- especially for a trivial reason, our soul would grieve,
like a child without words, our soul may "kick & scream", creating chaos and tests in our lives
to draw out our attention in the attempt to "bring us home to Spirit and to
Truth, the greatest Healer ever.

19. Our Souls seek Reunion with the Greater Power, for it could mean hope and the Source of
our own and our worlds' salvation. The Fullness of Life, a sense of home, guidance in a chaotic
age, and answers for our world as well are what our soul seeks reunion with. The soul will do
what it needs to do for these things in spite of any stubborn or unyielding self or country.
With all its power, the persistent Soul always seeks for ways to get us home to what is true
and good for us.

20. _________________________________________________
"Heaven is reunion with God, hell is thine own self." -- Baha'u'llah
Virtue is its own reward. – Proverb, Source unknown
There is much more to Spirit’s truth and to all these stories
than what we think we know. *See Notes
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21. The Purpose of these Pages…
is that all should come as close as they can to the Great Source of Spirit.
To reach to the highest of our potential, the power closest to that Universal Force,
that place of soul and heart wherein the greatest power may be tapped.
It is this work that can free us as a world and bring us home to justice, peace, and to our
oneness as a people.
The open heart will bring us home to truth, the worker of miracles on earth and
our greatest Healing Source.

22. Spirit opens us to the most beautiful of gardens.
However little or however much our lives are touched, may all receive a measure of Peace.
As for my withholds, wants, fears, opinions and so on.
My part is to be humble and as teachable as I can be, in keeping with the truth of who I am--
Finite, Fallible, and "Human", graced with the power of Reason and hopefully
an open mind, trusting Spirit, and believing that there are healthy, reasonable answers
to all our questions and withholds.

23. Learn More …
Spirit Journeys By Lucky Joy Wells
To Heal the Hurts of Religions' Misnomers
Part One: Science, Religion, Unity of Faith and Peace
Part Two: Words, Sexism, Religious Talk and Language
Part Three: Soul's Heaven, Hell, Religious Law, Shame, Judgment, More

24. Links & Notes…
Author’s Pages for Unity and Spirit at UnityandSoul.com
GodRebels.com SpiritTop.com
Blog at LuckyWells.com
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25. Notes:
* There are understandings of Spirit that may touch our lives on earth as well as in what may be a life "hereafter"
Just as in the womb we must develop the faculties that equip us for life in this world, so also may we
Develop on this Earth the qualities that we will need In a Greater life... – Baha'i writings
* *Jesus the Christ, in a later age, eased the dietary laws and said to "Love Thy neighbor as Thyself", teachings said to be suited to the
higher social development of the people... As to the law of Moses, today we know to avoid worms by cooking pork well some now choose to
abandon this precaution. But Mohammed prohibited the eating of pork as well, which was something needed in His time and place…
* Much in these pages is inspired by the teachings of Baha'u'llah*, For more, click here . Baha'i official pages are at Bahai.org
This is a Baha'i- inspired document Read Lucky’s Baha'i – related articles: A New Light & Divine Charisma-- for Today?
• Disclaimer In many ways this page draws on the teachings of the Baha'i, yet these are solely understandings and opinions drawn by this
author, and do not claim to represent the Baha'i Faith in any way. Baha'i official pages at : Bahai.org
* Unattributed quotes from Baha'i writings.
Copyright 2016

26. Read more at UnityandSoul.com
For Unity, Spirit, Ourselves and our World
Blog with Lucky Joy Wells