True spiritual authority comes from the radiance of a leader's inner character, not from a special degree, title, or religious costume.

 

The 16th century Contemplative Spirituals understood that the letter of scripture must conform itself to the living scripture of the heart, not the other way around.  "The letter kills, but the Spirit brings life," they declared, echoing St. Paul.  For them, the Inner Light rather than the literal word was of utmost importance. Accordingly, they also understood that true spiritual authority comes from the radiance of a leader's inner character, not from a special degree, title, or religious costume.  

If a person is a true spiritual leader, the Spirituals were convinced, other people will naturally recognize this fact.  External titles, degrees or special religious costumes only serve to confuse the matter.  Unfortunately, our current society tends to look more at the external than the internal. Institutions once again hold sway in our lives.  However, as Thoreau exclaimed: ""As a snowdrift is formed where there is a lull in the wind, so, one would say, where there is a lull of truth, an institution springs up." 

Perhaps it is time once again for a new Counterculture to rise up and rebel against "The Establishment," thereby returning us to the values that really matter - those that originate in a transformed heart and mind.

Photos: (Top) Alpenglow on the Nokhu Crags, Colorado State Forest State Park, CO, November 6, 2014; (Middle) Alpenglow on the Diamond Peaks, Cameron Pass, CO, November 6, 2014; (Bottom) Engelmann Spruce trees and a snowy landscape, Colorado State Forest State Park, CO, November 6, 2014