David_F

came up as a Unitarian Universalist... interesting...

So true, and in a way so sad. Our church in South Africa, had a focus on doing in the greater community and service, but we did not appeal to the younger generation and numbers dwindled for many reasons, emmigration and changing demographics, (South Afirica is a complex place), but the older generations didn't see their lack of appeal to younger folk, who drifted away either to other churches or out of the church, where they seem quite happy to live without religion. Then we had the Spong lecture and life changed a lot for me. I found there were others who had similar concerns that I had about "Christianity" and the regular church. What is/was/should be the purpose of a Church? At this stage I too have drifted off (a bit further than most into a new country) and have no desire to join a church, yet... And my children who came with us, 21 and 23 now, have likewise drifted off. The younger was initially very focused on finding himself a church home here, he's also distanced himself, "the congregation was so old," he was one of the only young single person there... I appreciate the framework that the church gave me during my childhood and my childrens upbringing, feel I should add to others, but somehow... A photo I took of Whitby Abbey in November, is probably how I feel at the moment. (Can't work out how to place a picture), it is my avatar at the moment.

Hi, Thanks for the warm response. Derek, My use of "seeing" might be incorrect, I just don't get where he is going.. So you're probably right, its no longer the destination, its the journey that needs focus. Ron, good to hear your response. As for difficult, well, I guess its a bit of both, actually putting down in writing that one rejects what once gave comfort is rather final and personally as a fairly private person, putting oneself out in public is not easy. Strange, my work life revolves around evaluating uncertainty and making recomendations often in the absence of data, now having rejected the "perceived knowns of Christianity", I need to embrace uncertainty in life. David

Good Day Been lurking around this site for a while now, but recently registered and thought it respectful to place an introduction. I stand in awe of many of your insights, and hope to learn much in my visits here. I was introduced to Bishops Spongs writings when he visited our church in Parkview, Johannesburg, South Africa a few years back and was bowled over by his "Sins of the Scriptures", rocked by his Jesus for the Non Religeous, and now lost in his "Eternal Life: A New Vision." So much of his writing resonates so clearly to my concerns, and my journey from literalist belief to disbelief. Bishops Spongs books are extremely difficult to read, hard to accept one has to pack ones "cherished" beliefs away as they no longer fit the world we live in. I have been challenged and yet thankful to find one is not alone in ones thinking, yet I don't see what the "new christianity" is that he proposes. I am now settled in Vancouver, BC, work as a geological consultant, coming from a statistical/scientific background. A difficult post... I look forward to learing more. Regards David