Christianity is a religion. Religions are systems. Systems are inherently fallible; this is why Apple and Microsoft are always releasing updates for theirs, and why scientists never stop researching.

The truths brought back from the (millions of) near and after-death experiencers are gifts that need to be integrated into the perspectives of anyone who has the ears to hear when they encounter them. Based on the tales from these afterlife pioneers, traditional Christianity is off in its insistence on hell if you are "unbeliever," or a God who should in any way be feared, or a need for constant cleansing from imperfections. Steve Jobs' last words also allude to this, "Oh, wow."

Religions can be updated. Pope Francis is, miraculously, trying to get the ball rolling with this in Catholicland, where he is creating symposiums for listening to how real Catholics actually live (as divorced people, as birth control users, as gay partners). Rob Bell is making good strides in Evangelicalland. Oprah is bringing it to American women.

This is the future of spirituality and belief: the love is right here already, for and in everyone. The old ways of fearing, projecting our inner gold onto externals, and rule-worshipping are passing away. The new wholeness is increasing.




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