Pondercentral

“Doubt in the realistic efficacy of prayer is prevalent these days, for several reasons – one of which is religion itself. Perhaps the most common reason for this disbelief is the simple fact that all of us have had prayers that have gone unanswered. This, in fact, is an errant assumption. But coupled with a belief in a vengeful and arbitrary God, it is easy to imagine that we are the victims of a merciless God – tormenting us because we do not live up to His unrealistically high standards, and arbitrarily dishing out rewards. We are, after all, only human.

This is a primitive way of thinking that has long since lost any practical appeal to all except those who still seek to control and dominate by playing on our primal fears, and our need to find favor in the eyes of God. This need to find favor is so strong, in fact, that our focus is drawn away from God and directed toward those humans who are actually the ones issuing the edicts of religion and society. We fail to realize that we are actually seeking the approval of humans who say they speak for a god we can not see or hear. Whose judgment are we actually submitting ourselves to, anyway? Are we to continue to pretend that we are unworthy, so that a few can experience feeling powerful or righteous – or both?”

Pete Koerner in “The Belief Formula”

For more information about this book visit Amazon.

Jeff Maziarek, author of Spirituality Simplified and Codi’s Journey, launched Pondercentral.com in April 2007 as a Web-based forum for “PONDER on THIS,” a series of weekday inspirational email messages he began sending to subscribers in March 1999. A FREE service since its inception, “PONDER on THIS” provides subscribers with meaningful content to assist them on their individual paths of spiritual growth. In addition, it benefits subscribers, authors, and publishers by including links to Amazon.com where subscribers can learn more about the book being quoted, and also purchase it.

“You don’t have to believe in anything in particular, nor do you have to subscribe to any particular religious sect; the powers you have were with us long before we created religions. We need only believe that we are worthy of any gift God would choose to give us – including the power of creation.  What better way to show your appreciation for such a wonderful gift than to use it?

Why pray? Why not pray? Call it whatever you want to call it, but your life is shaped by your thoughts; and when you put time and energy into shaping your thoughts, it is reflected in your life. This is a plain and simple fact. Mindful thinking and living will produce positive results in your life; meditation will produce results, prayer will produce results, and so will many other practices. If it works, is it not of benefit? If it is, was it not created in the same manner which you were created? If all things are possible, why not open up your heart and mind to the infinite possibilities your belief will bring? You have free will; you have choice. You also have a life to live and, believe it or not, you can live it any way you’d like.”

Pete Koerner, in “The Belief Formula”

For more information about this book visit Amazon.

Jeff Maziarek, author of Spirituality Simplified and Codi’s Journey, launched Pondercentral.com in April 2007 as a Web-based forum for “PONDER on THIS,” a series of weekday inspirational email messages he began sending to subscribers in March 1999. A FREE service since its inception, “PONDER on THIS” provides subscribers with meaningful content to assist them on their individual paths of spiritual growth. In addition, it benefits subscribers, authors, and publishers by including links to Amazon.com where subscribers can learn more about the book being quoted, and also purchase it.