The Pageless Book

Photo above by Bruno Girin. Photo below by Falk Lademann.

Although I have this document available here at The Pageless Book and discussed its origin briefly in my “About Me” page, I am yet to address the subject of The Gated Emptiness in a complete and forthcoming way. It has been looming over me like a Gorilla these past few months and I have been carrying on as if it is perfectly normal to have this 400 pound beast sitting on my website. Truth be told, I fear the judgment of those from whom I seek friendship.

Although Unitarian Universalism is a free faith that encourages the responsible search for truth, in whatever form it may take, it would be careless of me not to recognize that I am a bit of an odd duck even among their number. I was interested in becoming a minister before deciding on becoming a UU, which makes discussion of my decision to join awkward, in the least. Over a third of UUs identify themselves as humanists; I am one of the few theists. UUism tends to favor rational empirical truths over those of a spiritual nature, yet I cannot help but feel that there is more to reality than what logic dictates. My greatest offense, however, is in taking Emerson too literally; I’ve written my own holy book.

How can I be taken seriously when I believe that God inspired these spiritual truths within me, which I have now written down to share? I have to take it on faith that people would be open minded enough to understand, yet be tolerant enough to weather the ridicule I know I will face. It all comes down to having a sense of humor, I guess. Luckily, I tend not to take myself too seriously and rarely expect others to do so.

Let me be plain as to exactly how I feel about The Gated Emptiness; I believe this to be an holy text. This text is not the only truth, nor do I believe it to be absolute truth. The holiness of any writing has more to do with the reader than what is actually written. I am not special in anyway other than in the way in which we are all special. Anyone who commits themselves to the Divine in a meaningful way can write an inspired text. Most important of all, I am not interested starting a new religion; there are far too many of them as it is.

What I do want is to promote is the movement away from institutionalized spirituality and towards an individualized spirituality. It may be pointed out that UUism and other liberal religions already are making such a movement, but the truth is that we are few and the institutions are legions. You only need to look at American politics and the recent events in the Middle East to understand the danger that these institutions pose to humanity as a whole. The Gated Emptiness warns against these institutions and serves as an example of what needs to be done.

Over the next few weeks, I will be writing about the meaning behind the Gated Emptiness as I see it. I want to do this because this will help you understand where I am coming from, and will serve as a testament to exactly what it is that I believe. In seeing my own reasoning spelled out, hopefully you will be inspired to work in favor of individualized spirituality, religious tolerance, and the dismantling of the Religious Right - the metaphorical atomic bombs of spirituality. If I do my job well, perhaps you will be inspired to write your own holy book and share it as I have. Regardless of your personal convictions or your view of The Gated Emptiness, I look forward to these next few weeks and the discussion it sparks.

Until then, Namaste.