CHAPTER IX
VIII. LAW OF EQUALITY
Natural equality.—Inequality of aptitudes.—Social inequality.—Economic inequality.
—Trials of wealth and poverty.—Equal rights for men and women.
—Equality in death.
Natural equality.
803. Are all human beings equal in God’s eyes?
“Yes, they all have the same goal and God’s laws are for everyone.
You often say, ‘The sun shines for everyone’ and this expression reveals
a truth that is much broader and general than you realize.”
All human beings are subjected to the same natural laws. They
are all born with the same weakness and are subject to the same
suffering. The body of a wealthy person dies like that of the
poor. God has not given anyone any natural superiority concerning
either birth or death; all are equal in God’s eyes.
Inequality of aptitudes
804. Why has God not given the same abilities and talents to all humankind?
“God has created all spirits equal, but some have lived longer and
consequently acquired more or fewer aptitudes. The difference between
them lies in their various degrees of experience, and the use
of their free will; from there some are perfected more quickly, which
gives them a wide range of skills. This mix is necessary, so that all human
beings may contribute to God’s plans within the limits of their
physical and intellectual strength. Individuals make their own contribution;
whatever one cannot do another can. In addition, as all the
worlds of the universe are connected by solidarity, beings from higher
worlds, most of which were created before yours, must come and
serve as an example for you.” (See no. 361.)
805. In passing from a higher world to a lower one, do spirits preserve the
faculties they had acquired?
“Yes, we have already told you that spirits who have progressed
cannot regress. As spirits they may choose a physical envelope that
is more insensitive, or a position that is more uncertain, but each
variation is intended to teach them a new lesson and help them to
progress.” (See no. 180.)
The diversity of human abilities is the result of the various degrees
of perfection achieved by the spirits, rather than something
intrinsic to the creation of humankind. God has not created
the inequality of human faculties. God permits spirits of
different degrees of development to be in contact with each
other, so that the more advanced may help those who lag behind,
and so that all human beings may understand the law of
charity that is destined to unite them.
Social inequality.
806. Is the inequality of social conditions a law of nature?
“No, it was created by human beings, not God.”
a) Will this inequality eventually vanish?
“Only God’s laws are eternal. Have you not noticed that it is being
steadily erased every day? Your present inequalities will vanish with the
disappearance of pride and selfishness. The only inequality that will
remain is that of merit. A day will come when the members of God’s
family will no longer view themselves as more or less pure. They will
know that it is only the spirit that is more or less pure, and that this is
in no way related to social standing.”
807. What should we think of those who abuse the superiority of their social
standing to oppress the weak for profit?
“They deserve to be condemned! Their fate will be miserable, because
they will in turn be oppressed, and they will be re-born into an
existence where they will suffer all that they have caused others to suffer.”
(See no. 684)
Economic inequality.
808. Is economic inequality a result of the inequality of faculties, which gives
some individuals more means of acquiring wealth than others?
“Yes and no. What about fraud and robbery? What do you say
about them?”
a) Is inherited wealth not the fruit of evil passions?
“How do you know that? Trace their source and you will see whether
it is pure or not. How do you know whether they were earned by
plundering or the fruit of an injustice? Regardless of their origin, do
you think that pining for wealth, even when honestly acquired, is admirable?
This is what God judges and Divine judgment is often more
severe than that of human beings.”
809. If a fortune has been obtained illegally or fraudulently, are those who
subsequently inherit it held accountable?
“They are in no way responsible for the wrong that may have been
done by others, and of which they may not even be aware. Often, fortune
is granted to specific individuals for the sole purpose of giving
them the opportunity of making amends for an injustice. If these individuals
understand this, good for them! If these individuals do it in the
name of the person who committed the injustice, the reparation will
be counted to both of them, because it is often the latter who, now in
the spiritual world, has stimulated the incarnate ones to work towards
this reparation.”
810. Without breaking the law we can dispose of our assets more or less equitably.
Are we accountable for the use we have made of it after we die?
“Every action bears fruit. The fruit of good deeds is sweet, while
that of others is always bitter. Never forget that.”
811. Is absolute economic equality possible? Has it ever existed?
“No, it is not possible. The variety of faculties and personalities
makes it impossible.”
a) There are those who believe that it is the remedy for all the problems of
society. What do you think of that?
“Anyone who believes that is either motivated by both ambition and
jealousy or is responsible for the creation of systems. They do not understand
that the equality they dream of is quickly decimated by the
circumstances of life. Fight selfishness, because that is the plague of your
society and do not chase after pipe dreams.”
812. If economic equality is not possible, is equal well-being also impossible?
“No, but well-being is relative, and every one can enjoy it if people
can reach a good understanding among themselves. True well-being
entails dedicating your time according to you passion, not work that
you dislike and for which you have no talent. Everyone has different
abilities and talents, so that no worthwhile work is left undone. Equilibrium
exists in everything, but the human race disturbs it.”
a) Is it possible for human beings to reach a mutual understanding?
“They will arrive at it when they practice the law of justice.”
813. There are those who fall into poverty and misery through no fault other
than their own. Is society responsible in such cases?
“Yes, we have already said that society is often the primary cause
of such failures. Besides, society is responsible for providing the moral
education of all its members. Society often warps its judgment through
poor education, instead of correcting their malicious inclinations.”
(See no. 685.)
Trials of wealth and poverty.
814. Why has God given wealth and power to some, and poverty to others?
“To try them in different ways. What is more, as you know, it is the
spirits themselves who select those trials, which they often fail.”
815. What trials should human beings dread the most, wealth or poverty?
“They are equally dangerous. Poverty inspires complaints against
Providence, while wealth stimulates all kinds of excesses.”
816. While rich people have more temptations to do evil, do they also have
more means of doing good?
“That is precisely what they do not always do. They often become
selfish, proud, and greedy. Their wants increase with their fortunes,
and they never think they have enough, even for themselves."
Elevation in this world and authority over our fellow beings are
trials that are just as difficult as those of misfortune are. The
richer and more powerful we are, the more obligations we have
to fulfill, and the greater our means of doing both good and
evil. God tries poor people by submission, and the rich by the
use they make of their wealth and power.
Wealth and power breed all the passions that bind us to matter,
and keep us from reaching spiritual perfection. This is why
Jesus said: “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a
needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”(See no. 266.)
Equal rights for men and women.
817. Are men and women equals in God’s eyes and do they have the same rights?
“Has God not given them both the knowledge of good and evil,
and the ability to advance?”
818. Where does the moral inferiority of women in some countries originate?
“In the cruel and unjust authority that man has seized over them.
This is a result of social institutions and the abusive exercise of strength
over weakness. Among morally inferior men, might makes right.”
819. Why women are physically weaker than men are?
“So that she may be assigned special functions. Men are built for
rough work as they are stronger, while women are built for lighter
work. Both may help each other through the trials of a bitter life.”
820. Does a woman’s physical weakness make her naturally dependent on
a man?
“God has given strength to some to protect the weak, but not to
reduce them to slavery and suppression.”
God has created the physical makeup of each being for the
role it has to carry out. God has given less physical strength to
women, however, they were made more sensitive, in harmony
with their maternal functions and the weakness of the beings
confided to her care.
821. Is a woman’s natural role as important as that given to man?
“Yes, even more so because she gives him his first notions of life.”
822. As all human beings are equals according to God’s law, should they also
be such according to human made law?
“This is the cornerstone of justice. Do unto others what you want
others to do unto you.”
a) In order to be perfectly just, should legislation establish the equality of
rights between men and women?
“Equality of rights, yes, but with respect to functions it should
be noted that while there are many similarities between the sexes
there are also distinct differences. Each sex should be encouraged
to develop according to their special abilities and strengths. Human
made law, to be just, should establish equal rights for men and women.
Any privilege granted to either sex conflicts with justice. Women’s
rights and freedom are in line with the progress of civilization as her oppression
is a condition of barbarism. In addition, gender only exists
through the physical makeup. Since spirits can assume that of either
sex, there is no difference between them in this respect, and they
should enjoy the same rights.”
Equality in death
823. Where does the desire of immortalizing one’s memory through funeral
monuments originate?
“It is the last act of pride.”
a) Is the extravagance of funeral monuments more commonly due to relatives
who want to honor the memory of their deceased loved ones, than to the
desire of the deceased themselves?
“It is an act of pride on the part of relatives who want to glorify
themselves. These demonstrations are not always for the deceased
rather they gratify their own vanity by making an impression on others
and displaying wealth. Do you think that the memory of their loved
ones is less strong in the hearts of the poor, because they can only
place a single flower to lie upon their graves? Do you think that marble
can save the name of a person who has led a useless life on Earth
from oblivion?”
824. Is funeral pomp and circumstance reprehensible under all circumstances?
“No, it is fair when honoring the life of dignified individuals, and
it conveys a good example.”
The grave is the inevitable end of all human distinctions and
the destiny of all human beings. Erecting ostentatious monuments
is a vain attempt by wealthy individuals to immortalize
the memory of their lives. Time will destroy these monuments
as surely as it will destroy their bodies. The memories of their
deeds, whether good or bad, are more resistant than their
tombs. The pomp of their funerals will neither wash away their
immoral actions nor raise them a single step on the ladder of
the spirit hierarchy. (See no. 320 et seq.)