Manifestation

“Reverence for All Life”
— Albert Schweitzer

Albert Schweitzer was one of the most remarkable men of the century. He had four doctorates, which I have never heard of before – he was a Doctor of Theology, a Doctor of Philosophy, a Doctor of Musicology (being one of the greatest organists of Europe), and a Medical Doctor. Though these are awe-inspiring, I believe it was as a human being that he manifested his greatness.

Schweitzer’s creed was “Reverence for All Life.” The church would not respect this in him and let him serve the church in Africa; on a matter of Doctrine, they would not let him represent the church in Africa, so he became a Medical Doctor so as to serve in a useful manner. A point of Doctrine kept the church from making use of his talents, hard to believe.

What does “Reverence for Life” mean? If one takes the Albuquerque tramway to the top of the mountain, it will pass an area where the altitude has made growth very sparse. Then one suddenly sees a rock, and from this surface, so barren, a small plant grows, sticking its head up against all odds. The Life Force has such a great will to manifest that it does so under these unpromising circumstances. This is real Love, not idle talk about Love. What do we know of Divinity? Nothing except that it manifests before our eyes (and, sometimes, in our hearts). When this happens, there is gratitude to Life, we know Love. We do not have to depend on Doctrine or Dogma, things that others tell us. We believe because belief manifests in us as the plant grows on the rock.

Source: New Mexico TCC News, August 1997