A GOOD CHRISTIAN CABALA
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A GOOD CHRISTIAN CABALA
by JAMES A. MARPLES
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I have read numerous articles in the news about faith, worship, and even the senseless and tragic violence committed around places of worship in recent weeks and months. Religion is meant to heal us, inspire us in our walk with Almighty God. Kind words and avoidance of parsing words goes a long way in individual worship.
It’s a pity that our English language has been corrupted and even hijacked. For example, in the 1920’s the word “gay” meant “lively” or “happy” or “free-spirited”. A century later, people hear the word “gay” and think solely “homosexual” or “same-sex”. A similar distortion are the two similarly-spelled, but very distinct words of “Cabala” versus “Kabbalah”.
Granted, an ancient Jewish sect practiced Kabbalah, which in itself is simply a search for seeking the nature of God, the universe, and humanity’s place within it. Sadly, celebrities such as Madonna wore red string bracelets and distorted that even further. But, I do not wish to dwell on that due to word-limits.
Yes, there is a “Christian Cabala”. It was developed during the Renaissance, with the aim of harmonizing Jewish traditions by comparing Christian dogma as a tool for missionary work. Anybody who has ever taken a “Bible Study” or spiritual retreat such as a Walk-to-Emmaus (I have done both) has experienced this type of principle. It isn’t sinister. It is a person doing self-examination to strengthen their piety to Almighty God, The Father. Jesus is the Messiah and the Holy Spirit, are the second and third components of the triune God.
Pope Paul IV (1555-1559) authorized the printing of the Zohar, which is translated as “Light” or “Splendor”, (unknown to most people today) simply for academic study. While the Kabbalah is not compatible with mainstream Christianity; the term “Cabala” is. Saint John Fisher (1469-1535) was the first to use the English-usage term “Cabala”. Symbols, words, and allegory are not devious: Think “the Cross”. Think the word “Amen”. Think “the Sermon on the Mount”. All, are Biblically-anchored within the Christian context.
In 1917, Paul N. Davey gave a talk in which he told people that Almighty God gave humans brains and intellect. He cited the anagrams “SILENT” and “LISTEN”. Same letters, re-arranged.. yet same meanings. Before people cast stones, they would be wise to think and reflect upon true meanings which can have honorable roots, when placed in proper context.
As humans, we need to focus on ways to draw ourselves deeper to God’s Holy Word and live the Commandments ourselves, instead of looking over other peoples’ shoulders to critique them.
Even Webster’s dictionary defines the word “religion” as: A) The service and worship of God or the supernatural; or B) belief in, or devotion to, religious faith or observance; or C) the state of a person in the religious life. Similarly, the word “mystic” is not a dirty word either. It can refer to something that generates awe or wonder; something supernatural; also it may be someone whose study has given them a closer view or appreciation for Divine Truths.
People get confused when they try to get “too technical”. In my viewpoint, it is fruitless to quibble over esoteric (meaning, knowledge that may be comprehended by a select few who diligently try to walk-the-walk) VERSUS something exoteric, which is simply open to public view without regard to level of involvement. Some people carry a Holy Bible, yet they don’t practice what its pages say. Some people attend Church or Synagogue on their sabbath-day, yet a few do it simply by rote or routine. It should be regarded as “The Lord’s Day”.
In bygone years, many stores and shops were closed on Sundays (or sabbath days). Today, we live in a 24/7 culture. Some people who attend Church rush right out to their neighborhood restaurant. I don’t begrudge that. But, it is slightly bewildering when people hear a pastor preaching about “fasting” and “inward prayer or contemplation”, and then members of his congregation partake of Sunday-afternoon gluttony. I like sports as much as the next-guy; yet why does it have to be a Sunday-afternoon football-watching boozefest? I like visiting about neighborhood and world happenings; yet why does it have to be a Sunday-afternoon session of vile, mean gossip that doesn’t have any redemptive use? It’s almost as if Sermons and Homilies fall quickly on deaf-ears.
I’m not against fun or joy. However, I do see a level of pompous hypocrisy. People invent spooky rumors without the least academic appreciation of linguistics, knowledge or context in which something is said. As a Society, we can (and should) do better. I am a firm believer that Almighty God watches over us at all times. Let us strive to govern ourselves accordingly with the aim of peace and harmony for us and those around us —and beyond.
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