Early stage consciousness or "God-concepts" are not wide enough for our modern world. As our world gains complexity, diversity and technology, weightier questions bubble up from our experience in life.

As we pose these big questions to institutions and leaders from earlier stages, we find ourselves increasingly dissatisfied with the answers that satisfied our parents. As a result new institutions and leaders with wider perspectives begin to take root.  Some see this as the end of the world, while others see this as the hope of a new world. Then the rhetoric begins.

Earlier stages fight and argue about what they see as unarguable standards. What comes across like apathy is really a later stage that is tired of the infighting or one who can see the light on both sides of the isle and would rather engage in a conversation or a dialogue. The non-committal disposition often believes that even if we differ in our ultimate conclusions, at least we may find some peace and unity through our shared humanity.

Religious institutions have morphed from a liturgist in a gown, to a casual two way candle light conversation. Like all stages, those in the "Connect-o-meter" (postmodern mindset) are faced with so many choices and voices that they struggle with the ability to explore something and find its meaning within it. In their attempt not to diminish one perspective they actually diminish their own depth by not following any one of them far or deep enough.

The connect-o-meter is far wider than it is deep, even though it is very open to depth.

When you think about it, being able to contemplate our own consciousness is an amazing privilege. It comes because so many of our other needs are met and our survival isn't even questioned. This gives off the air of entitlement and a lack of appreciation to those who have had to fight long and hard for a particular position. Even if that position was early stage, it has a maturity to it that may not be found in a later stage consciousness.

So by now you should have a fairly solid lens through which to see that these stages are not just the progress of religion in general, but they are the progress of YOUR RELIGION in particular.

Yes, YOUR religion. We all have one. It was inspired at one point, derailed at another point, and redirected at another. We all met someone who influenced our thinking with their consciousness and we either went deeper or avoided. Our spiritual progress is either intentional or relegated to the sidelines of life. ​But it still exists.

I believe this levels the playing field for us all, and becomes the bedrock of something to which we are all called to participate in creating. There is another stage, but I will leave it to you if you would like to discover it. I can tell you that it is a way of governing our consciousness (a kingdom perhaps) that has a counterintuitive set of rules where great diversity and unity come together for a greater purpose. It's not far off in one-day land, it is right here among us, even within us.

Have an awesome week.