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Originally Posted by ethereal  I'd be interested in learning more about how to integrate Christianity into a larger spiritual context, if anybody else has any additional insights to share on this topic. |
Despite the differences (and some bizarre beliefs and rituals) between religions, they do contain some common, essential truths. No matter which religion you may belong to, there is no reason why you cannot be spiritually fulfilled in it.
It is natural for us to want to expand our playgrounds of consciousness - creating, manifesting, playing games, trying to get more money, a better job, a loving partner, etc. That is fine and there is nothing wrong with that. But if the spiritual factor is not present, we are just doing stuff on a mental and emotional plane and ultimately, going round in circles.
Here is the danger of the ego expanding and taking over - becoming a power-mad, capricious god. Here is the great contradiction - you can become a huge, powerful being (like Zeus perhaps) and have absolutely no spirit, or you could be a small, sensitive, shy being, but have a massive spirit (Mother Teresa of Calcutta perhaps).
Abraham and Moses in the Old Testament were aware of spiritual source as an infinite, blinding light (the Holy of Holies). They could could only approach so far - up to a point where they hit a wall of non-understanding, a Cloud of Unknowing; and there they stood trembling, in Holy Fear. If they had gone any further, they would have been obliterated in a flash. Have you ever wondered why Catholics (or at least some) approach the Host in the tabernacle on the altar with such respect and reverence?
This source is scary stuff. It's not a gentle, passive, inert presence. No one can really understand or describe it.
If you meditate upon it sufficiently, you may have a momentary vision of an absolutely terrifying, awesome, cosmic explosion of infinite power, forever happening in this one, eternal moment, without beginning or end. We have to approach this with awe and reverence.
Do you remember that scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark, where the nazi guy gets a bit too close to the Ark of the Covenant for his own good? He gets blasted into oblivion.
You can't possibly approach this stuff with any semblance of pride or foolishness, thinking you can become it, merge with it or harness it. It lies completely outside of our games in consciousness, creation and manifestation.
This is what has baffled the proud, the wise, the foolish and the curious throughout the ages. They just can't get it.