What are the implications of creating a Universal Catechism?
A Universal Catechism is a document that would lead practitioners through stages of development with respect to their religious traditions.
How might such a document be created? Are there universal stages through which each tradition progresses? What are the deep structures underlying the surface features? What are the ethical implications and imperatives, and what skillful means should be employed in creating and using such a document?
A Universal Catechism would not be inherently dogmatic, but would treat ones relationship to dogma. Doctrine must become an icon instead of a idol. In this case, I am referring to an idol as an object of worship, an object of self. When a doctrine becomes that by which I distinguish myself from others, defining me and my God; making me a believer and you an unbeliever; then my faith is in that which I believe, rather than in that which or whom my belief points to. This is idolatry. Idolatry is a stage of development, we all go through. Tier 2 is when doctrine ceases to be mine, my doctrine, and when doctrine becomes more a shared vehicle to or an icon to the experience of God, or the ultimate rather than a mere means of defining God. Doctrine is no longer a mere formula for salvation but a vehicle to a transformative relationship with the Ultimate, whom I call God. Then the Good News of the gospel becomes the Kingdom that is closer to our breath, for whoever has breath; not just those who "get it right" doctrinally.
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Universal Catechism
Posted November 11th, 2010 by ClaySkardaA Universal Catechism would not be inherently dogmatic, but would treat ones relationship to dogma. Doctrine must become an icon instead of a idol. In this case, I am referring to an idol as an object of worship, an object of self. When a doctrine becomes that by which I distinguish myself from others, defining me and my God; making me a believer and you an unbeliever; then my faith is in that which I believe, rather than in that which or whom my belief points to. This is idolatry. Idolatry is a stage of development, we all go through. Tier 2 is when doctrine ceases to be mine, my doctrine, and when doctrine becomes more a shared vehicle to or an icon to the experience of God, or the ultimate rather than a mere means of defining God. Doctrine is no longer a mere formula for salvation but a vehicle to a transformative relationship with the Ultimate, whom I call God. Then the Good News of the gospel becomes the Kingdom that is closer to our breath, for whoever has breath; not just those who "get it right" doctrinally.