Should we change the name of the group?

[wildflower]

Poll question: Should we change the name of the group?

Well it looks like people don't want to merge, so I said I'd post another poll to see if people wanted a name change (and if so, to what).

At this point my feeling is that if we don't change the name then we can try to do other things to increase posts, so the group isn't shut down.

Such options could include (a) mentioning the group's posts in Religion/Theology, (b) (possibly) putting the group in our sigs, (c) maybe someday, being able to see posts from this group on our Latest pages (that will be up to the admins), and (d) trying to post more ourselves (for example, articles, sermons, polls, daily thoughts and prayers, sound/video clips, Web sites, and other topics for discussion).

The main reason for a name change would be to clarify the group for the UUs and others out there who see the name in the DU Groups list and pass it by, not realizing it's a good group for them.

-wildflower

P.S. If you like an option but don't like it in the plural, can you vote for it and then post your preference for the singular?

[Maat]

1. I can participate in all of the above efforts.

Don't be mad at me for confusing things, Wildflower!

I loved the suggestion, 'Universalists and Spiritual Independents Group.' Really liked it.

Thanks for this poll!

I'm spreading the word and changing my signature line!

I'm going to be watching poll closely - it'll be my favorite thread.

[wildflower]

2. That was your suggestion, Ma'at!

Or did you know that and I misread the above...

I wonder if we should clear the sig lines idea with Skinner?

I don't know, I guess as long as we're not evangelizing. (Trying to imagine what such a sig would look like. :))

-wildflower

[wildflower]

5. Just checked with Skinner and sigs are okay.

(With the caveat of not prosyletizing, I assume.)

-wildflower

[Maat]

8. Yeah, you're right - I think I'm safe.

Looks like the group stays the same. But our activity has picked up! Yahoo!

[mandyky]

3. While I selected option #1

I can also deal with option #2 or #3, in other words I like the SOUP part LOL

[wildflower]

4. I understand. I was just saying to Ma'at...

that maybe if there isn't any agreement (I'm sure I'm not helping by giving so many choices) we'll just keep it the way it is. Or we could tack on "Universalists" to one of the ends, as in 2 or 3, like you said.

-wildflower

[housewolf]

6. While I'm not a regular poster here...

I am a casual visitor and Ma'at asked for my vote so here I am...

I've read the various posts about combining with the other group vs. a name change and given it all a bit of thought. I'm not a UU so I don't have a lot of energy on incorporating "Univeralist" into the title. While not attending any church right now (or for quite a while, actually), I have found myself more at home in the several Churches of Religious Science that I have attended than any other. So I voted to leave the name as it is.

I understand the desire to change the name stems from wanting to increase the traffic and posts to the group. If the UU'ers are predominant here and think that promoting the group as a "UU & others) group, then I prefer the option of adding "Univeralist" to the title as reflected in options 1 & 2.

I am opposed to the use of the word "faith" in the title. Unfortunately, the Religious Right has co-opted the use of that term and and I, also unfortunately, find myself running from the word. I am sorry that they've co-opted it, I am sorry I have that reaction to it, but right now in my life, while I like and respect "people of faith," to me it's garnered the connotation of evangelizing and I run from it. I don't believe that this group is about evangelizing so, in my mind, the word "faith" doesn't fit for this group.

I think that one great way of increasing traffic here would be by participating more in other groups and referring people over here, possibly by mentioning discussions here and linking to threads here, or by doing little "summary of SOUP" posts every couple of days or so to other groups, telling them about what sort of discussions are going on here and inviting other groups to participate here.

Good luck, I know that a group like this has it's place here at DU and can provide a source of good support to DU'ers.

[Maat]

9. Thanks for the post!

Church of Religious Science is neato, isn't it? I'm taking SOM 101 - and it is fun - we're essentially reading Holmes' book, and studying some of the great philosphers (Emerson, Thoreau, Troward).

Each person completes 101 items on the following list: "Things I want to do, have, or become."

I have a Master's in Psych, and was a social worker for 7 years. This is just good cognitive psychology (or maybe a little of cognitive-behavioral).

Anyway, I love the lessons about meditation and affirmative prayer (which has a lot of creative visualization in there).

Having fun (every Tuesday night, from 6:30-9).

I like visiting my UU church (I found a neat, positive-thinking-type one) about once per month or so. I like their social activism.

So far, no worries.

On edit:
Yep, I understand your feelings. I always refer to myself as a 'person of faith' for the best of reasons: (1) it drives certain fundie relatives nuts, and (2) people usually leave me alone when I say 'I'm a devoted Religious Scientist.' HeHeHe!

I'm developing my own spiritual path.

Fun for a 46-year-old.

On double edit:
Yep, when we started this group (and I put in some effort), I was a Religious Scientist then, and sort of visualized the group as comprised of 'spiritual independents.' I certainly feel that 'Religious Scientists' (members of Church of Religious Science) are spiritual independents.

Take care! Peace and Blessings!

[elshiva]

10. Keep SOUP alive!!

[Maat]

12. We'll do it!

n/t

[housewolf]

14. I loved the Church of Religious Science I used to go to

It was so positive and nurturing. The SOM teachings and writings of Ernest Holmes are Sooooo empowering... I found it all to be just really, really, really good stuff. I loved that they referred to their services as "celebrations." I was often moved to tears by the cumulative expression of love generated and expressed by the congregation, ministers, staff, musicians and everyone. I always walked out of there in an expanded, more loving space than when I walked in.

I toyed with the idea of becoming a Religious Science minister back 10 - 12 years ago, but life took me in a different direction and I went and lived in the woods with a pack of wolves for four years instead.

I am glad that you are finding your experiences with CRS and UU so rich and fulfilling - certainly in "my eyes" you've chosen a wonderful, loving and empowering path to help fill some of those needs for comradship, spiritual connection and activism.

Maybe you'll inspire me to get my big butt out of bed one of these Sunday mornings, get out of the house and go make the drive to visit a CRS here one of these weeks! I've been playing hermit for a long time now ...

Hope you have a wonderful Sunday,

[hvn_nbr_2]

7. I voted for #1

I voted for #1, keep SOUP. I was thinking that I also liked # 5, Progressive Faiths Group, but after reading housewolf's comments in reply #6 about the word "faith," I can see that point.

Then I thought of new names Progressive Paths or Progressive Spiritual Paths but I don't really want to start talking about yet more possible names unless we deadlock or gridlock with the ones we're already looking at.

[Maat]

11. Maybe we should just keep it the same and ..

elaborate either (1) via our posts, (2) our mission statement, or (3) via our signature lines (for awhile).

And I like the idea of us posting to Religion and Theology and other forums every once-in-awhile.

Thanks to all!

[mandyky]

13. The Meeting Room might be good too!

I heard they are shutting down that forum eventually.