An Evolving God

Welcome, dear friends, to another exciting journey of spiritual exploration. Today, we are diving into the profound concept of an evolving God, inspired by the works of visionary Ilia Delio and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.
Picture this: the early 20th century, a time of discovery and change. During that period of thought transformation was Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a Jesuit priest passionate about uncovering the universe's secrets. Teilhard was not your typical priest; he was a paleontologist, a cosmic detective piecing together the story of life itself. As Teilhard brushed the dust off of ancient bones, he began to see the universe not as static but as a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving physically and spiritually. He envisioned the cosmos on a grand journey towards greater consciousness and unity with the divine. Despite opposition, Teilhard's revolutionary ideas spread like wildfire, igniting imaginations worldwide. Today, we explore Teilhard's vision of an evolving God and how it transforms our understanding of ourselves and the Divine.
Ilia Delio is a Franciscan sister, theologian, and author. Her insightful work explores the intersection of science, spirituality, and cosmic evolution. Drawing on Teilhard's work, Delio integrates modern scientific insights with Christian theology, emphasizing a dynamic, evolving universe and an interactive cosmic God involved in the ongoing creation process. Delio invites us to embrace a new spirituality grounded in the evolutionary story of the universe, encouraging us to participate in the ongoing transformation of consciousness and the world.
Today's talk is titled "An Evolving God." Unity traditionally views God as an ever-present, unchanging source of love and goodness. Ilia Delio adds a thrilling twist. She asks us, "What if God evolves with us? Imagine God not as a static figure but as a dynamic force, creating and evolving alongside the universe."
Unity sees God like a calm, ever-flowing river, always there with serene support. Delio's concept of God is like an exciting, ever-changing ocean full of waves of creativity and growth. We are co-creators in this cosmic evolution, evolving in consciousness, and thus, God evolves with us.
The universe is expanding, a concept backed by scientific discoveries like the Big Bang theory and cosmic microwave background radiation. This dynamic, evolving universe suggests that everything, including God, is in a state of becoming.
Could the Divine be not a distant, unchanging being but a dynamic presence, constantly creating and recreating itself through the cosmos? This is the provocative idea we explore today. Let us dive in with open minds and hearts.
Ilia Delio proposes that God is not a static being but a dynamic becoming. God is a creative force, constantly evolving, shaping the universe, and inviting us to join this cosmic dance.
Let that sink in. God, the ultimate creator, is always in the process of becoming, just like the universe. This transforms our world from random happenings to a grand, unfolding story filled with meaning and purpose, where we are active participants and co-creators with God.
Picture a spider's web glistening in the morning sun, each dewdrop connected by delicate strands, responding to every touch. This web is a metaphor for our universe, interconnected and animated by the dynamic energy of God, constantly evolving.
Ilia Delio describes love as the very fabric of the cosmos. Love is the energy of the universe, the force that animates and connects everything. When we experience love, we tap into the divine energy that powers the universe.
We are all part of the Divine cosmic dance, contributing to the expansion and evolution of God in the universe. Our spiritual work transforms our lives and the collective consciousness, mirroring the expanding universe.
Even mundane tasks like grocery shopping are opportunities to engage in this cosmic dance. Our thoughts, feelings, and actions ripple out, impacting our world. We are co-creators with God, shaping reality through our everyday actions.
Five-Step Plan to Co-create with God
1. Awareness: Recognize that you are a divine creator, a unique expression of infinite love and wisdom.
2. Set Intentions: Set intentions to be a beacon of light and love throughout your day.
3. Practice Mindfulness: Be fully present and attuned to the world around you.
4. Make Conscious Choices: Choose your words and actions carefully, aligning them with the highest good.
5. Bless Everyone and Everything: Silently bless each person and place you encounter, contributing to peace and harmony.
Ilia Delio reminds us, "We are not just in the universe; the universe is in us. We are the universe reflecting upon itself in a unique way, in a conscious way." We are active participants in the grand cosmic story, contributing to the evolution of God's being through our choices.