What Does it Mean to Be a
Human Being?
A Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Ray Silverman
Editor’s note: This was the sixth in a series of seven sermons in
the Bryn Athyn Cathedral in October and November accompanying
the Journey campaign, The Seven Practices of Peace. Many New
Church groups throughout the world also participated in the
latter part of the year; others are doing so in the new year.
“And God created man in His own image” – Genesis 1:27
T
oday’s focus is on the sixth day of creation. It is the day when God created
animals and human beings. Our question is: “What does it mean to be a
human being?”
First, though, we should review the previous five days, all of which
represent specific stages in our spiritual development.
On the first day, or in the first stage of our new birth, God says, “Let
there be light.” This is about our initial awakening to spiritual reality. It begins
to dawn on us that there is something higher than mere natural life. There’s
something more to life than eating, sleeping and satisfying sensual desires.
This is the light of the first day. And God saw that it was good.
On the second day of our spiritual rebirth we begin to distinguish
between what is higher and what is lower. This distinction is represented by
the waters above – these are our nobler thoughts and feelings – and the waters
below, which are the thoughts and feelings mostly concerned with satisfying
the needs of our lower self. And God saw that it was good.
On the third day, though, things begin to change. Not only do we begin to
distinguish between what is higher and what is lower in us, but we also begin
the work of spiritual cultivation, weeding out ignoble desires by shunning
them, and strengthening good desires by acting on them. These are the tender
herbs and grasses that now begin to sprout forth. And God saw that it was good.
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