I don't think you have described a church when you say you 'wanted a casual space where people could gather to think and talk about the big, deep topics, things like forgiveness, community, or suffering.' Not without some form of spooky non-existent-entity worship stuff, and the dictum to not question but obey. That's a church. What you describe is something more useful.
I find it hard... no...impossible... to have any idea what a spiritual life, or the spirit, might be. One definition I found on-line is: 'The spirit is the immaterial part of humans that has the capacity to relate to God. Outside of Christ, a person is spiritually dead.' I'm sure that makes sense to Christians, but it makes no sense to me. And how would people of other religions feel about that as a definition?
Of course it could be argued that it's because I have no religion that I have no sense of spirituality, but there, honeybuns, we are in the realm of tautology.
So relatable. We are debating going to church this weekend (we are technically members of a local Episcopalian church, but haven’t been in a year) but I don’t know if we will. I miss Eucharist and the group singing most.
We did a Christmas sing along at a local pub last year and it was a mix of carols and beer songs and I cried the whole time 😆
I like the practice of keeping spaces holy - this is probably why I shy away from Megachurches and prefer old Episcopal buildings frequented by octagenians.
Now isn't there a saying in the West: 'It's good to be born inside a church but not die in one?' I think the church or a temple lays down the foundation-- it's the crutch we all need to grow up.
But slowly we must dive deep within in solitude and feel His Presence inside our souls, guiding us in silent whispers.
And then we bring that peace and stillness outside in our daily interactions.
We begin to feel His touch, his Presence everywhere.
Have you looked into the Unitarian church? They have no doctrine, and there are no prescribed beliefs. The point is the questions and the search for meaning; people are free to come to their own conclusions. They explore the big questions that you mention. I'm sure individual congregations vary, but the Unitarian church in my area also gets involved in community and social justice issues.
"I’ve accepted that happiness is a byproduct of building a good life, not its main purpose." I really love this line.
I don't think you have described a church when you say you 'wanted a casual space where people could gather to think and talk about the big, deep topics, things like forgiveness, community, or suffering.' Not without some form of spooky non-existent-entity worship stuff, and the dictum to not question but obey. That's a church. What you describe is something more useful.
I find it hard... no...impossible... to have any idea what a spiritual life, or the spirit, might be. One definition I found on-line is: 'The spirit is the immaterial part of humans that has the capacity to relate to God. Outside of Christ, a person is spiritually dead.' I'm sure that makes sense to Christians, but it makes no sense to me. And how would people of other religions feel about that as a definition?
Of course it could be argued that it's because I have no religion that I have no sense of spirituality, but there, honeybuns, we are in the realm of tautology.
Keep up the excellent work.
So relatable. We are debating going to church this weekend (we are technically members of a local Episcopalian church, but haven’t been in a year) but I don’t know if we will. I miss Eucharist and the group singing most.
We did a Christmas sing along at a local pub last year and it was a mix of carols and beer songs and I cried the whole time 😆
Congratulations on inventing Church! lol.
I like the practice of keeping spaces holy - this is probably why I shy away from Megachurches and prefer old Episcopal buildings frequented by octagenians.
Again a lovely thoughtful piece.
Now isn't there a saying in the West: 'It's good to be born inside a church but not die in one?' I think the church or a temple lays down the foundation-- it's the crutch we all need to grow up.
But slowly we must dive deep within in solitude and feel His Presence inside our souls, guiding us in silent whispers.
And then we bring that peace and stillness outside in our daily interactions.
We begin to feel His touch, his Presence everywhere.
Split a piece of wood and I am there
Lift a stone and you will find me.
Have you looked into the Unitarian church? They have no doctrine, and there are no prescribed beliefs. The point is the questions and the search for meaning; people are free to come to their own conclusions. They explore the big questions that you mention. I'm sure individual congregations vary, but the Unitarian church in my area also gets involved in community and social justice issues.