Unitarian-Universalist, New Thought, etc. DU Group

[Maat]

PROPOSED MISSION STATEMENT (SUBMITTED FOR YOUR APPROVAL):


"The Unitarian-Universalist, New-Thought Churches (e.g. Church of Religious Science, Unity) and Seekers Group is for those who wish to hold respectful discussions about religions/belief-systems that honor each individual’s unique path to God or Human Interconnectness (as long as it does not harm someone else). Examples of faiths that honor this principle are the Unitarian-Universalist churches and the Religious Science Churches. A new thought church is one that believes, 'As you have a new thought, you have a new experience (focusing on the power of human interconnectedness and the human mind).' We welcome discussion of inclusive, progressive faiths.

The Unitarian-Universalist Church (www.uua.org) refers to UU’s 'message of love and acceptance.' The Church of Religious Science (www.religiousscience.org) refers to “global heart vision.” Both seek to create a warm, welcoming environment for the congregant or visitor, and for all couples.

Information about Unitarian-Universalist beliefs and congregations may be found at www.uua.org. Information about the new thought church, the Church of Religious Science may be found at either www.ucrs.org OR www.rsintl.org OR www.relgiousscience.org.

Participants in this discussion group need not be practicing members of a particular church, but should show tolerance for participation in these inclusive faiths (preferably avoiding terms such as ‘superstition’ or ‘cult.')."

SHOULD WE INCLUDE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IN THE TITLE, OR WOULD UCCers BE MORE COMFORTABLE WITH A LIBERAL CHRISTIAN GROUP? DO YOU WANT 'SEEKERS' IN THE TITLE (THAT WOULD BE GREAT WITH ME). SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE.

[blue sky at night]

1. As a member of the UCC....

I think it would be nice, as I think the leadership of the UCC is on the forefront of the "Religious Left" if you will. Seekers is a term that goes way back......nice touch.

[davidinalameda]

2. no

UCC is a Christian Church while the UU is not

I wouldnt' include the MCC or other liberal Christian denominations

[Maat]

4. Thanks. Point well-taken.

Am going to PM you (or was going to). Please approve of the mission statement, with your previous point well-taken.

[Az]

3. Suggestion re more inclusive statement

A path to god is not the only philosophical path some walk. There are those of us that seek understanding of human nature and society as well as the interconnected web of life without believing it leads to a god.

[papau]

5. I think UU - and not UCC or Episcopal - is more "seeker" in the sense you

want of an understanding of human nature and society as well as the interconnected web of life without believing it leads to a god - although UU does allow for those Folks that believe in a God.

Good Luck, AZ

:-)

[Az]

8. The spirit of UU

seems to be the thread that is being aimed for here. And being a 15 year UU member I do have some insite to the spirit of UU churches. Merely adding that to the mix.

I am not sure how much familiarity with UU churches the thread creator has. But it is difficult mixing it with more god centric denominations. Particularly the more organised ones.

UUs are often excluded from interdenominational groups because they are seen as being too inclusive. The problem is that UUism tends to embrace change and progress. Major taboos for organisations that try to promote tradition and stability.

I suspect there may be some confusion as to exactly what this org we are trying to start is supposed to focus on. Perhaps if we spelled it out a bit more clearly we could move on it a bit more efficiently.

[Maat]

6. Hi! Was going to PM you.

Should I add something like 'Belief in a deity is not required.' When we have it ironed out ... we can all approve it. I'll put approved version at the end. How's that?

[wildflower]

7. Maat, thanks for doing this. My thoughts:

First, re: your last paragraph:

I don't think you need to put UCC in the title, especially if this is a group that above all embraces all faiths and paths. Those UCC people who would feel comfortable with the open-minded atmosphere toward all faiths could come to the group if they wanted, IMO.

Second, does the title seem cumbersome? What if it were "Unitarian, New-Thought and Seekers Group"? Does UU fall under New Thought? If it does, maybe you could shorten the title to "New-Thought and Seekers Group"?

ON EDIT: Reading the above replies, maybe even just "Seekers' Group" would do the trick.

Finally, in the orginal thread, there was mention made of how some UUs accept even agnostics and atheists. I would include something in the mission statement about agnostics, so that those who are on the fence, or just not sure, are comfortable in the group. It seems to me the purpose is to eschew dogma and encourage exploration, even of agnosticism or atheism. Does that sound right?

ON EDIT: I saw your reply suggesting "Belief in a deity is not required." That sounds good. Framing it as a seekers' group, you could also phrase it as inclusive of those on all points of the spectrum of faith.

Thanks again so much for putting this together.

-wildflower

[clydefrand]

10. I like your suggestions, Wildflower.

Particulary the name...Seekers' Group. And I like "Belief in a deity is not required" because some people like me are still trying to figure out if they want to or can believe in a deity.

And Maat thanks so much for all your work on this. I'm looking forward to learning and possibly adding a thought or two once in a while.

[Az]

9. The question isn't whether we should include these others

As the idea is one of inclusiveness. It is whether they can find comfort in our diversity and want to be part of it. \

Think of it as a group of peopel on a journey. We each walk our own path and call out to each other and let the others know how our journey is. There is no one correct path. We are there for each other should our journey prove dangerous. But we are not there to tell the others which is the right path. All paths have their own beauty.

[clydefrand]

11. Good ideas. Thanks, Az.

[Maat]

12. Good ideas, all.

One thing that I am trying not to do is duplicate the Agnostics and Atheists Group. They either don't believe in a deity altogether - absolutely - or they have a doubt about whether 'God' exists.

Is there a way we could be a different kind of group - maybe discussing a belief in a deity or an inner force of some kind - but be inclusive at the same time (something to differentiate us from the above group)?

Ideas?

I'm going to leave this up for about 1 day and see what we come up with.

Perhaps it should be a 'seeker and progressive inclusive religions/belief-systems' group or whatever. Just wanted a group in which we could discuss our various beliefs about human interconnectness, the One-Energy, whatever exploration you are on.

The problem is that there are some of us that don't fit in one of the following groups: 1) liberal Christians, 2) Agnostics and Atheists, or 3) Pagans. What kind of group could we create to explore our spirituality (or ideas about it or lack thereof)?

No need to hurry. And HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

[Maat]

13. And any other links to websites you want me to include,

let me know.

I know that some UCC-ers will post, and I would welcome that. I seek a group that is not into typical organized religion, and it is my understanding that even some UCC members view Christ as more of a consciousness, if you will. It would be a general exploration of spirituality group.

[Ranec]

14. I like the title the way you have it here.

This mission statement sounds good to me. I second the idea of including a "no deity required" clause.

:grouphug:

I think including the UU and New-Thought church in the title describes the specific structure/ working philosophy of the group.

[Maat]

15. Thanks.

n/t

[silverlib]

16. Here's my thought

"The Seekers Group is for those who wish to hold respectful discussions about religions/belief systems that honor each individual's unique path to God, a better world, or human interconnectedness as long as it does not harm someone else, believing that "As you have a new thought, you have a new experience, (focusing on the power of human interconnectedness and the human mind.)" We welcome discussion and inclusive, progressive thoughts.

Participants in this discussion group need not be practicing members of a particular church, but should show tolerance for different faiths and paths encompassed in creating a better world. Terms such as superstition or cult should be avoided."

With just the elimination of a few words, we won't be connected to any specific denominations, but will not be a spin off of agnostic/atheist groups, although any thoughts that members of such groups have on creating a better world would be more than welcome in this inclusive group.

[WarNoMore]

17. I just now read you pm, Maat.

I think everyone here has pretty much the same general thought, an exploration of various paths to human connectedness. I too like the idea of stating that a belief in a diety is not required. I think that we are all seekers of spirituality.