UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

Perhaps the problem with Christianity today and why it is so hard for people to embrace it is that Jesus is thought of in terms too narrow for people to understand or accept. In the work I do I make the Living Room spiritual mental health groups available to all faiths, I present Jesus and his unconditional love as its foundation as I always have, but with a difference.

Christians see Jesus as the Son of God, Muslims look at him as a Prophet, but most recognize him as a figure to be revered. For the purpose of Living Room support, I present Jesus in the way all faiths should be able to accept.

I ask those who want to form groups to look at him as he was known by those who first experienced his presence during his three-year ministry 2000 years ago. This was before he was understood to be God, and before it was known that he would be crucified. In other words, simply Jesus—the man who showed us what God is like, apart from the religion that later developed.

Jesus, as seen in this way, would not transform a person’s faith, he would not take away from it, he would only add to it. The number one reason for including him is the unconditional love he showed for all and the healing power that knowledge can bring to those who need such love.

If Jesus is accepted in this way, people of all faiths—though different from each other—can come together under the umbrella of this unconditional love that he modelled. It is a love that can be shared with all in our community and in our wider world—no matter who we are, no matter where we come from, no matter how we worship. Jesus stands alone, free from existing religions. He stands ready to become part of all people’s spiritual lives.

marja