“In summary,” the Elder concluded, “we souls come to TempTerra to avail ourselves of endless opportunities to recognize and enact loving choices. That’s the crux of it. And humans, if they desire a fulfilling life, should wisely choose to prioritize love with every decision. But do they?”
I hesitated, unsure if the question was rhetorical. Judging by the Elder’s expression, it seemed like he awaited a response from me. “I’ve been observing events on TempTerra, especially in America,” I ventured. “It seems that most of their major decisions tend to ignore or reject the calls of the Soul while prioritizing the demands of the Mind. Just look at the immigration policy debate as a prime example.”
“What about it?” inquired the Elder.
“Every Soul is equally valuable, as each is a creation of ALL. Similarly, every human is also equal, for the same reason. Additionally, the connection between a single Soul and a single Mortal Entity is determined by ALL. In other words, humans have no control over when or where they are born, which Soul bonds with them, or even when they stop hosting a Soul—meaning, when they physically die.”
“So are you suggesting that all humans are equal in every sense?” the Elder prompted.
“Not quite. What I’m saying is that humans shouldn’t claim credit for their position on Earth, whether it’s the country they live in, the economic class they’re born into, or the color of their skin,” I explained.
“Is there anything else?” the Elder inquired.
“Yes, that was just the foundation for this: It’s all about where you look for your salvation. When it comes to having prosperity and abundance, humanity has been reminded countless times, in many different ways, that ‘it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.’
“In simpler terms, ALL desires for every human and every Soul to have whatever they desire, and there will always be plenty to go around if individuals sow righteous seeds. A righteous life is a rewarding life.”
“Ah, ‘righteous,’ that troublesome word,” the Elder interjected. “Though, are you not returning to the fundamental issue? Soul versus Mind?”
“Yes, I believe so,” I said. “If someone listens to their Soul, they’ll naturally and easily live a righteous life. But if they ignore this path to abundance, prosperity, and contentment, and instead rely on the false god of Mind and Might, their life will be filled with constant challenges, burdens, and setbacks. They’ll approach every person, situation, and circumstance with a mentality of jealousy, fear, distrust, and defensiveness.”
“However, in the eyes of the righteous, there is no concept of Zero-Sum. Meaning, I can give to you without necessarily diminishing my own abundance,” the Elder added. “So, let us consider immigration policy in light of this.”
“Well, when it comes to this human dilemma,” I responded, “from my perspective, it boils down to where we put our trust: in ourselves or in ALL. With faith in ALL, we are assured of plentiful sustenance based on how much Love we show. I refer to this as an Attitude of Prosperity. But those who ignore their Soul’s guidance see themselves as the sole source of their survival.
“To them, life is like a Zero-Sum Game. So, if foreigners try to join their community, they push them away, afraid that what these newcomers might consume will somehow leave less for themselves.” I thought the Elder seemed to be growing impatient, so I quickly concluded with, “They live with at Attitude of Poverty.”
The Elder wished to bring the discussion to a productive yet meaningful close. “In essence, what you are suggesting is this: If someone follows their Soul and leads a righteous life, no suffering will come to them as a result of showing love and compassion to those in need, no matter whether they are strangers or a member of their community or family.”
“Yes,” I concurred, “On the flip side, when someone adopts an Attitude of Poverty – an egoistic, every-man-for-himself, dog-eat-dog, survival-of-the-fittest attitude – towards others, it simply demonstrates that he doesn’t truly believe in ALL. It’s as straightforward as that. And when these same people claim to be religious, they’re only fooling themselves.”
“They’re the hypocrites Jesus referenced in the New Testament,” the Elder added.
“There is still one more question we need to consider,” I noted. “Can we still alter America’s downhill trajectory, or is it already too late?”
“Regrettably, that seems to be an increasing possibility,” the Elder replied, his melancholy evident. “The November election looms a mere six months from now. This election, without hyperbole, will ascertain the fate of the Spiritual America Model—whether it perseveres into the future or succumbs to the historical trend where numerous world empires fell, due to the disproportionate dominance of Mind and Might over Heart and Soul.”
“Why does this election matter more than any before?” I asked.
“There is so much more at stake,” the Elder answered. “The original vote in the Philadelphia State House back in 1789 was undoubtedly of paramount significance. However, while that vote determined the establishment of a fully representative democracy, the forthcoming election in 2024 will decide whether The People will abandon the concept.”
“Abandon it? I thought it was just about picking representatives based on their party and policies. Is there more to it than that?”
“You see, in all previous elections, Nephesh, candidates may have differed on policies, personal characteristics, and priorities regarding pressing issues. However, in this election cycle, all too many candidates openly question the fundamental integrity of the electoral process itself. They are flagrantly and defiantly pledging to undermine the will of the electorate if the election outcome does not align with their preferences.
“If they took office, they could alter the Constitution, undermining representative democracy. This might start with changing the electoral process that has worked for nearly 250 years,” The Elder explained, pausing before concluding, “In essence, The People would relinquish their governing authority.”
“Could it work the other way around?” I inquired. “If all those who oppose democracy were removed from power, would that ensure democracy’s survival? If all of the election deniers were to be sent packing, would America be saved from itself?”
“The certainty of that is doubtful,” the Elder responded. “In recent decades, elected officials have shown blatant self-serving behavior, favoring party loyalty over national welfare and personal benefit over party allegiance. They have enriched themselves through bribes from special interests, preserving a system that maintains a divided society.”
“Yeah, like how the wealthiest one percent controls more than half of America’s total wealth. The gap between the rich and the poor just keeps widening,” I remarked.
“The trend of the powerful growing stronger persists, as they use their existing authority to tighten their grip on governance,” the Elder added. “Things will not improve in this unacceptable situation if elected officials are allowed to continue suppressing dissenting voices with their power,” I noted.
“I concur, as do the other members of the SAM Elders Council. Presently, it seems that American politicians perceive the primary purpose of holding elected office as being to simply maintain their positions,” expressed the Elder.
“In other words,” I interrupted, “they are still representatives. They just represent a constituency of one, themselves!”
The Elder chuckled softly. “Let us not forget their supporters! Their quest for wealth and influence has eroded their dedication to the Constitution. Their main goal is to protect and extend their self-serving positions.
“And so Nephesh, it remains to be seen whether you and your Team can preserve the Spiritual America Model, even if voters oust all anti-democracy figures in the next election.”
“But if they aren’t stopped, and these election deniers take control of state and federal government, it’s curtains for the Spiritual America Model,” I remarked.
“Therefore, we must urgently convey this message to The People, especially those who will be voting in just a few months,” emphasized the Elder.
“If I could distill the entire critical message down to a single thought, it would be this: The Soul of Humanity is America. And, the Soul of America are the collective Souls of Americans.” I paused. “It’s that simple, really.”
Leaning back in his chair, he said, “That was an excellent discussion. It confirms you are indeed well-suited to lead the Spiritual America Ministry.”
After a short, uneasy silence, the Elder added, “You carry on the esteemed legacy of past Protective Souls on the Peace Council. I am confident that you will embody the very essence of America’s soul, a spirit that Humanity desperately needs in this challenging period.”
From next to him, the Senior Elder picked up a bunch of papers that I had been casting sneaking glances at throughout our meeting. As he passed them over to me, he remarked, “Alright, let’s get started. The first order of business is to devise a Way Forward.”
“Sir,” I replied as I superficially leafed through the papers, “where do you suggest we begin?”
“Why Nephesh, that decision lies entirely in your hands,” the Elder remarked, observing the surprise on my face.
“As Senior Angelic Minister, you possess full authority and autonomy to proceed with the Spiritual America Ministry as you deem appropriate, in your sole discretion. The only constraints are those imposed by the Immutable Laws. Be especially mindful of those related to Protective Souls. I am eager to see what your team will come up with.” And with that concluding remark, the meeting adjourned.
