Ep 22: Why Non-Dualistic Thinking Changes Everything (Part 2 Good and Evil)

Jer, Kirk and Jack revisit their conversation on non-dualistic
thinking (episode 18) with a focus on the problem of good and
evil. A problem that exposes the depth of the concept
they are wrestling with, and why they are truly out of their
depth. It is their hope that this wresting enhances your
journey into non-dualistic thinking. 


Jer opens with a statement he wrote which becomes the jumping off
point: Here is a transcript:


"As I delve deeper into the concept of non-dualistic thinking, I
find myself conflicted. 


The problem I have with non-dualistic thinking-not the problem
with non-dualistic thinking- is that it doesn’t sit neatly or
tidily with my desire for certainty.  And, I have trouble
differentiating between healthy discernment and what is a hollow
morality, or vagueness, apathy or passivity. There are certain
things in the bible that seem clear...it is written multiple
times as a conditionality that if one loves God he must hate
evil.  Good and evil are is an awkward dissonance to me when
looked at through the lens of non-dualistic thinking.  Where
does discernment come into play? Where does righteousness, truth
or morality fit into non-dualistic thinking?  Or more
poignantly, what are their values within non-dualistic
thinking? 


I believe Jesus was primarily a non-dualistic thinker, while at
the same time he was called The Truth. This implies that from Him
could come no falsehood, or confusion, or misgivings. He
frequently confronted others with a proposed higher or better way
to live.  If there was no better or higher, and all that
existed was simple different, then any style of living belongs or
is morally equivalent and  he would wasted his breath and
His life. 


The very notion of non-dualistic thinking seems to me a self
defeating abstraction. If there is no ‘either or’ only ‘both
and’, then dualistic thinking is no more relevant or beneficial
than non-dualistic thinking and should be encouraged similarly.
Unless it is a subjective posture, then, as most things it is
more pertinent when beneficial.  My difficulty with this
concept lies in the tension or balance between living a life that
is morally upright and following in the way of Truth or Jesus,
while also not putting myself in the judgement seat, which also
biblically has clear ramifications."


~ Jeremy Byrne