The doctrine of the inner light formed the heart of the Quaker movement which was started by George Fox [1624-1691]. A cobbler who abandoned his job to embark on a spiritual quest to find God. He found as he wander from one religion to another, from one church to another; God grew more distant when he took part in outward rituals. Until he experienced the light of Jesus in his own heart he had been assuage with doubts. He would start a group called the Quakers based on this inner light available to all.
Where is God? The Quakers responded, look within.
Others would follow similar truths both in the knowledge of history, science, law, architecture music and mathematics that would help illuminate the scriptures. Studying was a religious vocation for a nun who took the name Juana Ines de la Cruz. Her approach was from the bottom up; secular learning led to holy understanding. She studies while continuing a life of prayer and devotion. She was forced to give up her scholarship when the church frowned upon her.
Where is God? Pick up a book-any book-and read.
There would be others who would discover the Light beyond reason and this light would brighten through unfolding experiences. Methodists refer to this spiritual process as sanctification or growing in a life of holiness. John Wesley [1703-17910 was a founder of this disciplined way of life. He like others before him and even today difficulty with authority. The light of liberty would strengthen the fight against slavery.
Where is God? In the transformed heart of those born again.
President Jefferson would see religion as a major grounding for, or instrument of, virtue and morality. He believed that the Christian religion "divested of the rags in which the clergy have enveloped it, is a religion of all others most friendly to liberty, science and the freest expansion of the human mind." He turned away from the doctrine of the Trinity, Jesus's divinity and the miracles and focused instead of those part of the Bible which he considered to withstand the light of reason. This I understand is the basis of the Unitarian Church.
Where is God? The deists answered, in a life of reason and good works.
In 1836 Ralph Waldo Emerson published an article titled "Nature" positing the idea that human beings could discover God in unity with nature. This would contradict eighteenth century Christianity thinking that God was found in orderliness and harmonies. Did God not walk with Adam and Eve in the garden? Where is the sense of the poetic? Transcendentalists would begin a free-flowing community of free thinkers that would include poets, novelists, popular writers and social activists.
Where is God? The transcendentalists answered, in the subjective unity of the self with nature.
As a nineteenth-century theologian Horace Bushnell [1802-1876] contends that all forms of Christian faith contain partial truth that need to be seen as equally true. Bushnell believed that "embracing the opposite" would revel wisdom and holiness through faith-filled unity. He depicted universal truth as harmony that allow everyone a voice.
Where is God? The light can be found in comprehending the harmonies of the whole.
Even when we sees ourselves as doubters there is a compelling sense of the person of Jesus worthy of both our love and our obedience to his teachings.
Where is God? The doubters answered: Who knows? Bust this is what makes belief an art.
These quotes are from "A People's History of Christianity" by Diana Butler.
Take time to be holy and healthy and happy as you find your light!
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