Seeing Through the Lens of Materialism

The lens of materialism gives us the least accurate view of the world, because through it we see consciousness as merely an accidental by-product of brain chemistry, and the powers of the mind as a myth. To equate the deepest reality with inert atoms colliding with each other in the dead cold of outer space denies all that sustains life and makes it worth living: Beauty, truth, art, love, morality, community, discovery, curiosity, inner growth, and higher consciousness.

What do all these qualities have in common? They depend on intuition. There is no objective proof that love is beautiful, or that truth can set you free. Rather, you must come to these realizations through your own inner experience.

Is God a mere add-on to physical existence, or at the very root of existence? This isn’t an easy choice to make, because the evidence is seriously out of balance. Most of us have extensive personal knowledge of the material world, but scant personal knowledge of God. God has a lot of proving to do. He must prove that he’s present and dependable, the same way a rock or a tree is. If we want to claim that God sustains life, he must sustain it as viably as air, water, and food do.

To realize God is no small thing. It may take a lifetime–if you’re lucky.

Adapted from Why Is God Laughing? The Path to Joy and Spiritual Optimism, by Deepak Chopra (Harmony Books, 2008).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Past Member .

10:57PM PST on Mar 1, 2012

Gabby, your comments are awesome!

send a green star

10:55PM PST on Mar 1, 2012

Dot A.

8:28AM PST on Mar 1, 2012

constant
change
* and thank goodness!

the renewal process - infinite intelligence

11:12PM PST on Feb 29, 2012

I expect the planet will be here for quite awhile yet.
Elephants, rhinos, the big cats, humans, gorillas etc. etc.....
maybe not.
More than 99% of the species that have lived on this planet are now extinct.
One way or another, that's just the way it goes.

11:07PM PST on Feb 29, 2012

Material is also sacred.

The way out is the way through.

11:05PM PST on Feb 29, 2012

The "me and mine" consciousness must yield to the "we and our" consciousness.

This alone will save our planet. It's a critical time in our evolution.

Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me.

12:54PM PST on Feb 27, 2012

ever interesting debate over linguistics actually,
not concepts
but choice of vocabulary

it's alive in the heart of all matter

and love is always the answer

for the destruction of the alternative leaves naught

heather g.

1:40AM PST on Feb 26, 2012

I enjoyed the level-headed comments by Gaby D.

People who leave angry, senseless comments are to be pitied. When they lash out at others, it is really about the turmoil they live in. Talking about "lenses" some commentators appear to need some cleaning liquid for their lenses .........

Gaby D.

12:48AM PST on Feb 26, 2012

continued apologize for the many repeats last try to post:
We in our individualized, materialistic 'society' are the real kind, are the real poor. So yes, Jane looking through my filter at the same 'story tells me that "God" is more present in the slums than in the palaces of the 'filthy rich' as you call them. And yes, we can change the 'story' by switching filters and making the 'truth as we see it' known to others! Many people do already, the countless volunteers, projects and actions taken, for example right here on Care2. So, hey .....I'm with the past member who quoted Einstein: Either you think nothing is a miracle or you think everything is a miracle! I invite you to join me, and the millions of others to 'be the change and make miracles Jane! Or in other words, realizing 'God' ;-)
and
P.S. Jane, I am a convinced 'agnostic' I do not adhere to any 'proclaimed' religion or faith. I do however, believe that it all is a miracle!:-) And that we and everything is part and parcel of the ALL THAT IS! What we do to the poor, the sick, the weak, and downtrodden we do to ourselves....whether that is good or bad!
Your passion is such a wonderful force for the all 'good' that can and needs to be accomplished! To me that is realizing "God". Namaste Jane!