Tag: Reimagining Christian symbols

Part 1 of Beyond the Cross

Imagine this: for generations, we’ve been handed an image of Jesus, or Yeshua, on the cross, suffering and sacrificing for humanity. Many of us grew up with this as the core of his story—a symbol of his ultimate love and commitment, yes, but also a deep reminder of suffering and redemption through pain. And yet, what if we’ve only been seeing part of the picture?

What if Yeshua’s life—his way of being, his wisdom—wasn’t about encouraging us to suffer or look outside ourselves for salvation? What if, instead, his message pointed us back to something profoundly empowering within ourselves?

Suffering as a Construct: Yeshua’s True Message

Part 2 of Beyond the Cross

Opening Up the Narrative Around Suffering

If we think about it, the traditional story of Yeshua often places suffering at its heart—his passion, his crucifixion, and the profound pain he endured. Over time, this has become a cornerstone for many believers, embedding the idea that suffering is necessary for redemption or spiritual growth. But what if this view only scratches the surface of his true message? What if Yeshua’s life, rather than glorifying suffering, was actually showing us a path beyond it?

The Cross as Symbol: Moving Beyond Martyrdom and Embracing Divine Unity

Part 3 of Beyond the Cross

The Cross as a Symbol of Heaven and Earth United

Imagine the cross, not as a burden, but as a powerful symbol of unity—the meeting point of heaven and earth, where the divine and human come together. In this light, the cross becomes more than a reminder of suffering; it’s a symbol of integration. The vertical line represents the divine reaching into human experience, while the horizontal line extends outward, encompassing all of earthly life.

Living Abundantly: A Shift in Perspective

Part 4 of Beyond the Cross

Embracing Abundance as Part of the Spiritual Journey

One of the most misunderstood aspects of Yeshua’s teachings is his relationship with abundance. Over the centuries, many traditions have portrayed him as someone who renounced material wealth, suggesting that true spirituality requires poverty or humility expressed through lack. But what if that’s not quite what he meant? What if Yeshua was pointing to a different understanding of abundance—one rooted in a sense of inner fulfillment and harmony, where abundance naturally flows as a reflection of our connection to the Kingdom within?

Forgiveness and Self-Compassion: Receiving Forgiveness from the Divine Self

Part 5 of Beyond the Cross

Opening to the Gift of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is often framed as something we grant to ourselves or others, but what if it’s actually something we receive? When we carry regret, self-judgment, or shame, these burdens can feel too heavy for the human self to release on its own. The idea of simply “forgiving ourselves” can feel impossible, especially when we’ve been conditioned to believe in our shortcomings or mistakes. But perhaps forgiveness is not something we need to achieve; instead, it’s a gift we can receive from our own divine self, our soul.

Reimagining Service: From Sacrifice to Self-Realization

Part 6 of Beyond the Cross

Service as an Expression of Wholeness, Not Sacrifice

For centuries, service has often been tied to self-sacrifice—giving without regard for personal well-being, putting others’ needs first, or even enduring hardship to be of “higher” service. This idea of self-sacrifice has been deeply ingrained, especially in spiritual contexts, where it’s sometimes seen as the ultimate expression of love. But Yeshua’s life and teachings offer a different perspective, one rooted not in depletion but in fullness.

Beyond the Cross: The Return to Inner Mastery