Well hi there!

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

I guess I'll post first! I hope this is working. I consider myself to be an open-minded Christian. That means I don't proselytize to other people and I am not arrogant about thinking my way is the only way.

In fact, I have studied Buddhism (casually) for the last seven years and quite like it. I find it to be a very peaceful, sane belief system.

I am going to start attending a UU (Universal Unitarian) church soon, after a few years of being turned off by organized religion. I am officially a Methodist, but don't really consider myself as much anymore. There are very liberal Methodist churches and the creed itself is quite nice and liberal, but I often found the people in the church seem to have forgotten what Jesus' teachings were all about.

I like UU because they are open to all faiths and no faith (atheists). I am very respectful of other faiths, including atheists. Some of my dearest friends are atheists and agnostics.

Instead of preaching to other people or judging other people, I prefer to live my life in such a way that brings peace to the world.

I pray each morning, for God's will for my life, and for peace in the world. I pray for my enemies and for my family and friends. I meditate, as well, up to thirty minutes (but that's still kind of hard for me). I find meditation to be very relaxing.

I feel like I am rambling. Sorry if I have misunderstood the intent of this forum (was I supposed to mention a particular prayer?) but I just wanted to post here.

Thanks. There are Democrats and liberals who are spiritual (I prefer spiritual to religious) and the hard thing is we can't compete with the right wing religious people because I think we tend to be more private about our beliefs and don't feel the need to go around reminding everyone all the time about it.

Just my .02 cents.

[Gryffindor_Bookworm]

1. Hello

I have not posted on DU in a long time. A lot of the acrimony in recent months scared me off. But I love the new forums idea, and I would like to participate here.

I am not exactly a Christian, but not exactly not a Christian. I only know that God IS, and talking to God is an important part of my life.

Shall we pray for the healing of everyone here at DU, where so many of us are hurting and angry over the election results?

[Lilli]

3. I think thats a great intention.

We have been doing circles for the past 2 days concentrating on a small list of things including a peaceful resolution to the election, the truth of our leadership revaled etc. I'll post a couple links to what we have been doing and then we can all talk about how we'd like to proceed.

[Gryffindor_Bookworm]

5. Cool. I will start a new thread for that. nt

[Lilli]

2. Hi there!

I am a mixed bag of spiritual practices. :)

I pray, meditate and also include study and practice of a wide variety of other less conventional spiritual disciplines and non-western theology.

The plan here is for us to set up a "prayer" circle on a daily basis and for everyone to sit in as they can. The hope is that through combining our prayers and energy we can make a difference.

Glad to see you here!

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. Hello from another former Methodist

My parents went from the Methodist Church to the Unitarian for a while, after I had grown up and moved away. I found my path in universal Sufism, which says all paths lead to God. One of my practices is to lead the Dances of Universal Peace as well as to do daily prayers and practices. You can find out more at http://www.churchofall.us, if you're interested, including links to the Dance Center website.

[Lilli]

6. Thanks for sharing the link. Sufism is one

path I havent studied yet. I'm looking forward to checking it out :)

[Sugarbleus]

7. I like your attitude =o)

I'm a disillusioned former fundie. I have no affiliation with any "spiritual" group at this time. I'm leaning towards agnosticism...I haven't thrown out belief in a God or a faith altogether just yet.

I'm questioning so many things. Be that as it may, I still feel a "need" for community in these matters. I like your approach; it speaks to my dilema. :)

I agree with your premise: that it is better to seek spirituality than "religion".

I haven't "prayed" formerly in a long while; though I still find myself whispering (to "God") hopes and blessings for myself and others every so often...almost without thinking about it.

I hope this group takes off....it could/can be very helpful..especially during these difficult times.

Thank you for letting me have my say. Best to all, SB

[Cheswick2.0]

9. Seems like God might be whispering back at cha

I haven't "prayed" formerly in a long while; though I still find myself whispering (to "God") hopes and blessings for myself and others every so often...almost without thinking about it.


Maybe it will all seem clearer soon and you will find what you are seeking.

[Sugarbleus]

11. Thanks Cheswick...I needed that. =o) n/t

[pagerbear]

8. Hi Moonbeam!

:hi:

[blondeatlast]

10. I'm a christian who occasionally attends UU services, but mostly

practices alone.

I have ample reason to still believe. Let me put it this way: it's hard to NOT believe I was blessed with a miracle in my life. When I was very young, I was in a deep coma for three days from undiagnosed diabetes. I was NOT expected to live, and my Catholic next door neighbors had even arranged for the last rites.

I didn't need them; I came completely out of it in the course of three hours. It's inexplicable, but it happened. The docs were nothing short of astonished.

Since then, I managed to beat the odds again by having a beautiful son; something I was told would NEVER happen.

I had my bouts with Eastern religion, atheism, etc. I don't think Christianity is the only way, but it works for me. I'm married to a lapsed Hindu, even!

I don't know why I was chosen, I certainly don't see why I'm worthy, but here I am.

And I am NOT going to get into the God wars anymore! OOOOOOOOOOOUuuuuch!

[Lilli]

12. Happy to see you here with us!

I should have been dead twice now, but here I am. We must have work to do :)