In our community, we view Truth as emergent. We define this as Truth that is recognized newly and more deeply (with fresh insight) moment to moment as we grow and interact with and through the circumstances and events of our lives. It is found experientially, relationally, and individually rather than being fixed in dogma, doctrine, teaching, or belief, although dogma, doctrine, teaching, and belief can be keystones that helps us understand our experiences and become aware of that truth as it emerges. Because God/Spirit/the Divine/Life is part of us and we are part of it, we are always connected to Spirit even when we aren’t consciously aware of it. Therefore, we are always evolving, growing, and discovering the “next” emergent truth of our lives and circumstances.
Emergent truth is revealed in our awareness and through our interactions. It may be revealed to us through our work, in our relationships, while in Nature, or during contemplation or prayer. We can experience it without needing to be in a particular location / building or engaged in a specific religious ritual. Emergent truth is always waiting for us to recognize it within ourselves and others, in the interplay between inward focus (e.g., prayer, meditation, and other expanded states of consciousness) and outward expression (e.g., through our engagement with one another and with the world itself). We are richly rewarded when we make the time and space to recognize emergent truth.
In Tzaddi, community members are encouraged to notice their capacity to experience emergent truth as it is unfolding by practicing centering/mindfulness-type practices as well as by honing their mystical/metaphysical skills and learning to safely and consciously move between ordinary and non-ordinary states of consciousness. We use our 21 Principles and our Code of Ethics as guidelines for self-examination and discernment about our own motivations.
Learn more about how we understand emergent truth, including our 2008 resolution about the relational nature of our work as clergy and of the operations of the church in society.
Learn more about mystical and metaphysical experiences and non-ordinary states of consciousness and how they support the experience of emergent truth.