By Robert Atkinson, PhD,
Every spiritual epoch has its own Ten Commandments, or Beatitudes, that characterize the spirit of that age, or the essence of spiritual truth for that time. The distinguishing principle, central theme, and incontrovertible truth of our time is that humanity is one family.
All the world’s religious and spiritual traditions share the vision of peace on Earth. This will be the culmination of many centuries of the evolution of consciousness guiding us toward unity, interdependence, and wholeness. Principles that can direct a universal effort toward this vision are coming into clearer focus. Upon this foundation of unity and wholeness must be added a framework consisting of:
- equality between women and men;
- balance between wealth and poverty;
- harmony between science and spirituality;
- freedom from all forms of prejudice;
- justice that is unitive, not punitive;
- truth that is independently discovered;
- education that is universal; and,
- nature that is protected as a divine trust.
These unifying principles are so interconnected that the realization of one depends upon the realization of all the others. Each one is also a prerequisite for humanity to live as one family. When these principles are lived out in our lives, when we see all things with the eye of oneness, we will fulfill the age-old vision of peace on Earth.
We can bring this vision into being, complete the process of global transformation already underway, and solve the most challenging issues of our time, all by applying the spiritual principle most closely aligned with a particular social need.
Unity of purpose is central to the evolutionary impulse; its fulfillment depends upon what is going on inside our minds. As Pierre Teilhard de Chardin reminded us, “Unity grows... only if it is supported by an increase of consciousness, of vision.” The goal is unity within the diversity that will always exist everywhere. The evolution of human consciousness will reach its fullest extent when humanity reflects the perfect unity, wholeness, and harmony that already exists in all the diversity of Creation.
Excerpted from Our Moment of Choice: Evolutionary Visions and Hope for the Future (Simon & Schuster, September 1, 2020), which features chapters by 43 thought leaders. Click here to learn more and to order.
Robert Atkinson, PhD, developmental psychologist, is the author or editor of nine books, including, Our Moment of Choice: Evolutionary Visions and Hope for the Future (2020); the 2017 Nautilus Book Award winner The Story of Our Time: From Duality to Interconnectedness to Oneness; Year of Living Deeply: A Memoir of 1969 (2019); Mystic Journey: Getting to the Heart of Your Soul’s Story (2012), and The Gift of Stories (1995). He is professor emeritus at the University of Southern Maine, an internationally recognized authority on life story interviewing and personal mythmaking, a board member of the Abbey of Hope, a member of the Evolutionary Leaders, and founder of One Planet Peace Forum. www.robertatkinson.net
