Reply #94: You should explore Unitarian Universalism

[LeftHander]

This is exactly the type of discussions we have after the sermons during polylogue and over a cup of Fair Trade coffee after service.

UU is an advanced form of "organized" religion where the individual determines his or her own belief in a welcoming, supportive community. We are guided not by creed but a simple set of principles in covenent with each other:

http://www.uua.org/aboutuua/principles.html

(And even then the debate over adopting "principles" still continues.)

By removing the conformity requirement from sprituality UU's are free to explore their own personal spritual nature. We are the "seekers" so to speak.

I for one believe that it is archaic to fail to look to humanity as well as historic texts in determining ones place in the universe. I prefer to allow the conduct of great human beings to be my guide in understanding the common thread that they all possess rather than legend and mysticism. These people may be Jesus, Jefferson, Buddha, Leonardo, Martin Luther, Dr. King, Muir, Leopold, and all the others that have helped promote goodness, respect, compassion, nature and above all love. They may be religious figures, artists, writers, scientists, activists or the person sitting next to me, all influence how I utilize my life. The beauty is that I can belive this while worshipping together with a jew, christian or buddist who are also members of our congregation.

Since I became envolved at my local UU congregation my life has profoundly changed. From a narrow selfish corporate climber I changed back to the person I was in my twenties. That person who questioned, who lived to meet new people and to be kind, caring and creative. I changed back into the young person I was filled with the promise of a lifetime of experinces to come.

In doing so I also have found a community of people of all ages who continue to seek the truth, to live a rewarding life in service to others, to find comfort that the human spirit is still filled with goodness in a time when everything seems so wrong. I have realized there is so much inside of me that I have yet to give and much that I should allow to be recieved. I am starting to really live and deeply enjoy the short time I have in which experience this great universe we are part of.

Some here may believe in a god or gods or none at all. Regardless of the interpetation or name of that which connects us all, we live and grow together in peace and love.

It was not easy to open my crusty cynical heart and maybe it still slams shut from time to time, but I can at least find someone to talk with for support at my UU congregation.

I hope you find the answers you are looking for. I have found that many times that simply asking the questions is more important than finding the answers because the answers are more about your own personal "faith" than in quantified truth.

Peace.