Seekers’ On Unique Paths Spirituale (S.O.U.P.S.) Group (E.g. UU's, C.R.S)

[Maat]

Here is a second proposed mission statement for our DU Group. I'm trying to differentiate us from the Atheists/Agnostics Group - and the Orthodox Christian Group. We're in the middle, and I must have at least 10 people say 'yeah' to the question, 'Will you be a forming member of this group, and do you approve of the mission statement?' So, if you can, say that - and here goes:

“The Seekers’ On Unique Paths Spirituale (S.O.U.P.S.) Group is for those who wish to hold respectful discussions about religions/belief systems that honor each individual's unique path or journey to God, a better world, or human interconnectedness as long as it does not harm someone else (focusing on the power of human interconnectedness and on utilization of the power of the human mind.). We welcome discussion and inclusive, progressive thoughts.

In forming this group, we used the teachings of certain inclusive, progressive churches, such as the Unitarian-Universalist Church (www.uua.org), New Thought Churches (e.g. Church of Religious Science – www.rsintl.org). We welcome the participation of other inclusive, progressive faiths, such as United Church of Christ (www.ucc.org), and will seek to explore spiritual principles ‘outside of the traditional box.’


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."

If this doesn't work, I give up.

Thanks,

Ma'at

[intheflow]

1. This works for me.

But you know, I have a dumb question. How does one get into "groups" here on DU? I've always confused "groups" with "forums" I think. How do I participate in a group?

[Maat]

4. You go down on the left-hand side to 'DU Groups,' then

you pick our group (when it is there), and then I suggest that you hit the 'add to my forums' button, and then it will show up on your left-hand side of choices.

[intheflow]

23. Thanks, Ma'at.

Now I have found a level of DU addition. Been playing in various groups for hours. Yikes! :freak:

[silverlib]

2. Excellent!

You have done a great job.

[indigobusiness]

3. Never give up.

Good work!

[papau]

5. I like the idea - but please note I am a card carrying Christian, albeit

of the Roman Catholic, Episcopal Catholic, Orthodox Christian Catholic, with a bit of Jew, persuasion!

:toast:

:-)

Good Luck!

:-)

[Az]

6. Ideas as tools

There are numerous belief systems in this world. Some of them are even extremely opposed in definitions of what is true. But most of them carry with them insite and ideas that lend their followers some wisdom. These ideas are tools that anyone can use. Whether it comes from a belief they share or not.

It is the harvesting of these ideas that we share in this life. This journey. In this way we build stronger communities and societies. Just because you hold to one particular belief does not mean that you cannot share your ideas or benefit from others ideas.

[papau]

12. true :-)

:-)

[Maat]

13. I'm still going to list you as one of the supporters.

Thanks. If anyone lives life in the Unitarian spirit, it's you. That's quite a great mix. Oh well, maybe you will ponder life, the universe and everything with us.

[papau]

22. sounds reasonable - and I would like to know the meaning of 42!

:-)

[Az]

26. Well its the answer to the question

I mean you know. The question of life .... the universe... and ... er everything. You know ... the question.

[papau]

28. :-)

:-)

[wildflower]

7. Ma'at, thank you!

I just have 2 minor nitpicks in the title: the apostrophe after "Seekers" and (2) I don't think you need the word "Spirituale" - I love your S.O.U.P. acronym, it's excellent! Because that's what I see this group as - a delightful soup of spiritual beliefs, the individual ingredients blending and floating.

But whatever you decide to do with the title, I accept it and your mission statement. Thanks for all your great work! :toast:

-wildflower

[clydefrand]

10. Wildflower, I will have to agree with you again.

I think the name S.O.U.P. is wonderful! Without the apostrophe on Seekers and leaving off the "Spirituale". I like that, but it has the right "flavor" without it.

Furthermore, it's one less word this feeble mind has to remember!

Ma'at, you did a wonderful job. Soooooooooo talented. I'm envious.

When do we get started? I know it needs to be approved by the moderators, but will you let us know or do we just look to see if anyone has posted?

I'm excited! I've always wanted to be in a discussion group on religion, but "my" questions and comments are too far out for those I've tried to engage.

[JPace]

8. This sounds good....

but I would like you to look at post 16 & 17 of your other thread just to make sure that you have covered any potential problems with potential non believing antagonizers. Other than that I am ready to join.

[rainbow4321]

9. I'll be there :> n/t

[housewolf]

30. Your icon

Rainbow4321,

I love your avatar icon - it's elegant and powerful. Did you design it yourself?

[Ranec]

11. Looks good. I approve.

I think this will be an interesting group.

[Maat]

14. Thank you all so much, for the suggestions and kind words.

I'm correcting things. We'll get it going on!

Where did that apostrophe come from (my bad)? I had been up since 3 in the morning, because I participated in the World Peace Vigil at my Church (New Thought/Church of Religious Science). Everyone was supposed to be praying at the same time, high noon London time. Napped, but still very groggy.

So, if hostilities in Iraq cease today, you'll have to give ol' Ma'at credit!! We prayed ('affirmative-thoughted' - just kidding) our hearts out!

[Maat]

15. Admins ... I think we've got it.

I counted ten approvals, including the final. Maybe I can get a few backups/extras.

Here is our final mission statement:

“The Seekers On Unique Paths (S.O.U.P.) Group is for those who wish to hold respectful discussions about religions/belief systems that honor each individual's unique path or journey to God, a better world, or human interconnectedness as long as it does not harm someone else (focusing on the power of human interconnectedness and on utilization of the power of the human mind.). We welcome discussion and inclusive, progressive thoughts, and do not require belief in a deity per se.

In forming this group, we used the teachings of certain inclusive, progressive churches, such as the Unitarian-Universalist Church (www.uua.org), New Thought Churches (e.g. Church of Religious Science – www.rsintl.org) for beginning inspiration. We welcome the participation of other inclusive, progressive faiths, such as United Church of Christ (www.ucc.org), and will seek to explore spiritual principles ‘outside of the traditional box.’

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."

[WarNoMore]

16. I'm a little late here

(my middle name.) Sounds good to me.

[Maat]

17. Thanks for showing up.

This is not exactly a convenient time for me to be doing this (and I'm supposed to be doing my law homework) ...

but ...

Happy New Year 2005!!!

I love your name. That's where I am at philosophically re War. I agree with my Quaker friends there (another progressive faith).

Feel pity for me. I'm about to go to the neighbors' party .. and they are .. pro-Bushies!

[lady lib]

18. I'm in

and agree about dropping the apostrophe from Seekers. What a nice idea!! O8)

[momzno1]

19. Hey, I like this too!!!

great idea, Count me in!

[gorbal]

20. I'll only be able to read

sadly, I won't be able to be any sort of 'donor' for a while. (sniff)

[Pacifist Patriot]

21. Looks good to me.

[Dead_Parrot]

24. Sounds good to me...

(belated "hell, yeah"!)

[supernova]

25. I would love a group like this

I've love the idea of exploring for quite some time now, and would love the chance to discuss it, in an open and honest way, with someone.

[ixion]

27. works for me... I like S.O.U.P.S!

feel free to list me as a supporter.



Nice work, Ma'at

[housewolf]

29. Approve - I LOVE it!

Ma'at,

You have done a fabulous job of discerning out an appropriate statement. Thanks so much for all your efforts re. this group. I think we'll have a good forum for discussion here.

[kslib]

31. Ma'at, What a wonderful idea!

I can't afford to get a star yet and participate, but I look forward to reading the discussions! Good Luck!

[davidinalameda]

32. sounds fine

[kwassa]

33. Fits me just fine ....

Since I was born into the Unitarian church, and spent considerable time in the C.R.S., and now masquerade as an Episcopalian, among other spiritual pursuits ....

this sounds great to polyreligious me!

[wildflower]

34. The group is now up...

I just thought I'd let you & everyone here know, since this thread is still active. The group is here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=292

A big thank you to Ma'at for getting it started!

-wildflower

[blue sky at night]

35. Sorry I am not paying attention...

This is great and thanks so much for doing it.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

36. sounds good to me

as a Sufi initiate in a universalist Sufi Order (all paths lead to God), I feel quite comfortable with your statement.