Blind Prophecy

I bought a new CD wallet yesterday. It’s a cool steel-cased holder that stores up to 60 CDs, so now (with the three existing wallets), all my CDs have a home and I’ve once again decluttered by getting rid of all the jewel cases.

I also bought Meet the Fockers because Walmart (I know, I know, the evil empire) had it on sale with Mystery Men for $21. I would have paid full price for MM, but didn’t particularly care if I saw Fockers or not, but since they didn’t have a $5 copy of MM anywhere, I bought the combo pack.

Last night, we had a gathering of several of the pagans from my church plus a few others from Aisling’s circle of friends. It was great. We had about 15 different homemade varieties of mead to taste and David is teaching a Mead Making class next weekend that I hope to be able to attend even though it’s on Mother’s Day. I wish Mom would find a bottle of homemade mead an appropriate gift, instead of insulting.

Anyway, between the Ministry focus group yesterday, my work on the Welcoming Congregation Workshops, the pagan gathering last night, and Rev. Sean’s (*-*-*revseandennison”>) last post, I’ve really got some UU thoughts on the brain.

It seems to me that UUism is having an identity crisis of sorts that I can see on a local congregational level and on a larger scale thanks to the virtues of the internet. There’s a general feeling that it’s time to reexamine our Principals and Purposes. Specifically, the question is being asked “are these enough?” Are these enough to inspire us in creating the diverse and tolerant society we want? Are these enough to offer spiritual guidance in a group with faiths as radically different as pagan, Christian and atheist?

I think the problem lies not so much in the Principals and Purposes, but in the way we incorporate these into our lives. I’ve been told many times since joining UU that “we do not proselytize.” That’s well and good. In a state where the dominant religion pushes their faith on others with an irritating zeal, and with the moral edict to do missionary work, I can understand why we choose not to. Besides, it flies in the face of our commitment to respect our differences to push our particular religious society as being “the right/correct/true church.”

Still, one does not need to proselytize to spread the good word. Most UU congregations are accepting of diversity, “welcoming” to newcomers and seekers. Few of them are “inviting.” Especially in Utah, where the like-minded people who might find a home in UUism carry deep wounds from less liberal faith traditions in their pasts.

I think our congregation, and UUism as a whole, have mastered the art of turning inward and examining our own beliefs, attitiudes and assumptions. Actually, I think there’s a truth in this for all socially liberal, intelligent people. Making a fundamental commitment to respect people who are different, plan for the world of tomorrow and protect our resources is something that only comes when a person is capable of soul-searching, empathy and imagination.

Principal #3: “Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.” Herein lies one of the problems. Does our affirmation to encourage spiritual growth really end at the door to our church? Should we not be encouraging spiritual growth in our communities, among our leaders, and wherever it might benefit society as a whole?

To be clear, I’m not talking about the kind of spiritual growth that requires you to give over your reason and blindly believe what someone else tells you to beleive. I’m talking about soul-searching, self-reliant, ask-the-hard-questions and test-the-limits-of-your-faith/attitudes/assumptions spiritual growth. The kind of spiritual growth that can find common truths among many faith traditions. The kind of spiritual growth that inspires people to be more loving, not more judgemental. The kind of spiritual growth that develops empathy, kindness, and self-esteem.

In short, all the things that UUs have mastered amongst themselves.

In some religions, missionary work and social activism are moral imperatives. That would never work for UUism. Instead, we should be inspired to invite others to our congregations because we feel a deep and true pride in them – we need more than elevator speeches to tell people that they would find a home in UUism, we need to show them. We should similarly be inspired to social activism not because of promises of a reward in heaven or to exert power and influence – but simply because it’s the right thing to do.

Some days, I wonder if I would be happy as a minister instead of a journalist/activist/writer. Maybe I could be all four.

ETA: I forgot to mention that as part of yesterday’s pagan gathering, we had a semi-traditional passover feast including lamb, geflilte fish, and Matzah ball soup. I skipped the lamb, but tried the fish and Matzah ball soup. David told the story of Passover. So, to summarize: pagans celebrating Jewish holiday and customs. I love my life.

Filed under: livejournal by Jere Keys