Thursday, June 19, 2008

Repentance

"Repent"

I've noticed over the years that many Christians are confused about the meaning of repentance. They think it means to feel really, really guilty about what they've done wong and to make constant resolutions not to do those things again. To repent, however, means to turn around. I particularly like this explanation:

When Jesus said, 'Repent,' to his first disciples, he was calling them to change the direction in which they were looking for happiness. 'Repent' is an invitation to grow up and become a fully mature human being who integrates the biological needs with the rational level of consciousness. The rational level of consciousness is the door that swings into higher states — the intuitive and unitive levels of consciousness. They open us to the experience of God's presence, which restores the sense of happiness. We can then take possession of everything that was good in our early life while leaving the distortions behind.

-- Thomas Keating

No comments:

Post a Comment

New policy: Anonymous posts must be signed or they will be deleted. Pick a name, any name (it could be Paperclip or Doorknob), but identify yourself in some way. Thank you.