Radical Oneness »
In even months, we publish an excerpt from the vast wisdom collection of New Thought luminary, Dr. Ernest Holmes, founder of the Religious Science movement. The monthly teachings from Holmes are then summarized by Rev. Dr. David Alexander, spiritual director of Spiritual Living Center Atlanta.
You can check out his inspirational website and ministry at RevDavidAlexander.com.
Below is his February 2025 “Philosophy in Action” column:
In this month’s feature by Ernest Holmes, we uncover a remarkable gem from the Science of Mind Archives from 1950. In it, Holmes lays out the case for unity and a path for peace in our world. He calls for the elimination of prejudice and discrimination of every kind, including that based on race or creed. The formula he offers for making a more peaceful world begins with respect, grounded in an understanding of our oneness.
It is what I have often referred to as the radical implications of our philosophy (or theology or teaching, if you prefer). The radical implication of professing to adhere to the principle of oneness is that you and I are called to walk the talk of actually respecting all life and creation because you are one with it. Let that sink in for a moment.
The real work of oneness goes well beyond singing, chanting and praying affirmatively. It extends to befriending those whom we consider to be “the other.” Our spiritual principles teach that we are inextricably linked to one another, that we are all unique expressions of the one Divine Source. As such, the human family expresses in an unlimited and unique array of opinions, preferences and forms of identity.
Our oneness does not mean sameness; rather, our oneness implies diversity and therefore calls on us to celebrate, respect and lift up our uniqueness as an act of affirming our oneness in Spirit. In other words, it is because we are one in Spirit that I honor and celebrate the unique expression you are. While we may have different opinions, values and ideas, we are not different — only different expressions of the same Spirit.
Befriending “the other” becomes a daily spiritual practice and a way in which we embody our philosophy. In a very real and practical sense, my spiritual liberation and freedom of expression are tied up
in yours.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said it like this: “I cannot become what I ought to be unless you become what you ought to be. You cannot become what you ought to be unless I become what I ought to be. We are bound together in a single garment of destiny.”
