Imagine a Religion

Imagine a Religion

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• religion
• theism
• deism
• agnosticism
• atheism

[CapnOrdinary]

Would this religion still rest on the false premise of a higher power?

[DayfallKat]

I agree that only the probability of knowing the truth should be claimed, and that is proportional to failed counter proofs. I don't see how anything spiritual can be declared in a UUA church. It must be a utopia of churches, if I understand correctly.

[MikeSarno]

"You can't join a UUA member congregation until you're 14, as a junior member (can't vote in congregation matters)."

Mea culpa, this is NOT factually correct. Each congregation deals with this matter as it seems fit, and even our congregation doesn't follow this rule. Junior members (age 13-17) in our congregation can vote, just not on financial matters and on the decision to dismiss a minister.

[DayfallKat]

Then that all sounds good to me.

[MikeSarno]

"I don't see how anything spiritual can be declared in a UUA church. It must be a utopia of churches, if I understand correctly."

In our congregation, the services tend to be humanistic.

[MikeSarno]

"When you say the kids 'explore', do you mean taught or apply? I know of christian churches that teach about other religions but never say they are as valid."

I taught the first lesson this year, and I explicitly stated that the students should try to understand the cultural aspects of each holiday, but that the validity of the spiritual aspects were up to each student to evaluate and decide for him/herself.

[DayfallKat]

I agree that faith with no evidence should be shunned. I can't imagine that being enforced in a religion.

When you say the kids "explore", do you mean taught or apply? I know of christian churches that teach about other religions but never say they are as valid.

[MikeSarno]

"But what about beliefs? Is it required to respect something on which a person has FAITH?"

The UUA cites a number of sources from which we draw our beliefs. Among them are "Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit." So, if you're using the term "faith" tp mean something believed for which there is no evidence, I'd think that was an idolatry. Does that answer your question?

[MikeSarno]

"So, truth is secondary. Would pointing out flaws in belief in specific miracles be hindering peoples spiritual growth?"

I wouldn't say truth is secondary, just that you can't encourage a free search if YOU claim to already KNOW the truth. Pointing out flaws is a necessary part of that search.

[MikeSarno]

"I am not concerned with a child joining a congregation. I am talking about times like the child might play with a ouija board with his friends or pray toward Mecca when his friends pray."

I say, let the kids explore. As a point of interest, this year our congregation's youth religious education program explores different holidays and holy days from various faiths and cultures.

[DayfallKat]

"respecting THEIR choices"

But what about beliefs? Is it required to respect something on which a person has FAITH?