An excerpt from Chapter XI – “True Faith and the Three Portents” – from my book, A Glimpse of Heaven: The Philosophy of True Health…
“The purpose of this chapter is to elaborate on the principle of True Faith, particularly with regard to its strong association with the concept of the Three Portents. To be clear, in the traditions of the health and wellness arts which I teach and coach, the Three Portents can and do apply to a truly wide array of issues within our human experience – well beyond the focus herein. Even so, the theory of the Three Portents is the foundation of True Faith – well-meaning, honest, and healthful faith.
The term ‘faith’ has many applications. It can be associated with faith in oneself, in others, or in a cause and/or belief which may be greater than oneself. The principle of True Faith sets forth its essential argument: In order for one’s faith to be congruent with the notion of True Health, it must be devoid or nearly devoid of the Three Portents, e.g., Hate, Greed, and Ignorance. These portents are the most disturbing and sinister of unhealthful human characteristics – frailties which are the root of all base realization/experience and are the harbingers of all iniquitous tidings. According to this tenet, the healthful or unhealthful quality of one’s faith can be gauged by its association or lack of association with any or all of these three portents – “hate, greed, and ignorance.”
It is likely obvious to most that the terms ‘faith’ or ‘a faith’ denote belief in the efficacy of a religion, form of spiritualism, philosophy, or cause. Even so, the literal meaning of ‘faith’ is often misconstrued. In order to promote a sense of clarity and not be misunderstood, most literally faith is not faith if it is directed toward something which is based on clear absolute proven fact; to be ‘faith,’ it needs to be a belief in something which is not based on tangible undeniable truth. As Webster’s Dictionary relates, it requires “loyalty” to a “belief” – “trust in” – “a firm belief in something which there is no proof.”
Setting forth the notion that something is fact, when it is rationally unsubstantiated and/or can never be substantiated, is an effort to take the faith in it, as such, out of it. Literal interpretation of holy texts can at times set one up for taking the faith out of the belief – most particularly when objective/critical thinking is not a part of the mix. It can lead to a hateful, prejudicial mindset which is congruent with an unhealthful ‘gang mentality’ – the embodiment of ‘one-upmanship.’ Whether rooted in religion or otherwise, this way-of-being has been at the root of seemingly countless wars – not just displayed in wars in the larger world, but emotional and spiritual wars going on inside each one us, back and forth, like reflections mirroring one another.
Please note that my purpose herein is not in any fashion meant to infer that religion is a bad thing. Albeit, when religion, a denomination, or most commonly, particular individuals or groups within a religion or denomination are, for whatever reason, displaying of hate or prejudice, ignorance, and even greed, such is certainly not congruent with the spirit of dignity, decency, goodness, and grace in its early and/or fundamental teachings. Furthermore, it certainly is not consistent with emotional and spiritual health and wellbeing.” — Dr. Glen Hepker
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