Coming into Citizenship in a Heavenly Kingdom

What we try to mend depends a good deal on what we perceive to be torn. The search for religious experience often originates in a sense of being alienated, separated, torn from the divine, the truth, the great community of the universe to which we yearn to belong. The religious experience itself often begins with a conversion (literally a ‘turning towards’), an experience of what might be called ‘disalienation,’ a coming into citizenship in a heavenly kingdom, an acceptance of membership in a divine community. Disillusionment with the hypocrisies and inadequacies of the existing order, whether political or religious, often turns people to seek for something within themselves.”

— Kenneth E. Boulding, 1986 (source)
Quaker economist, academic, and poet

Seek something within yourself as a balm for the ways you are disillusioned with the existing order.

What have you or those you admire sacrificed for a better world?

What is your duty to Spirit, others, and yourself?

Share your response!

Banner art by Maggie Fiori

Author

  • Kenneth E. Boulding

    Kenneth Ewart Boulding (January 18, 1910 – March 18, 1993) was an English-born American Quaker economist, educator, peace activist, and interdisciplinary philosopher. He was married to Quaker sociologist Elise M. Boulding.

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