Hugo

Hi Jonny, First, I think discussing Christian Practice is very important. Buddhism is all about a practice - both individually (meditation) and in a group (sangha). A Christian practice at least structurally is no different. Buddhists seek to be awake and present to Reality - so do Progressive Christians. We can utilize our tradition of indepth study, singing, metaphoricdal translation of scripture, and an honest sharing among friends - all in a group setting. We also profit from individual meditation, prayer, silence, etc. We should utilize Buddhist meditation techniques. I am sure there are some powerful contemplative Spirit traditions that were developed by historic Christians in Ireland. At any rate, a small Christian group (we call it a Christian Resurgence Circle) is about being present to life, to Reality, to the issues of our time, and not about reinforcing a set of beliefs. The best way to organize such a group is to invite people that you know have a similar interest to an initial gathering and discuss the idea of trying such a group by meeting weekly for three months. You can find some more ideas at Realisticliving.org. These are some ideas. The Next Chrsitianity is about experimenting with new forms. Peace, HHM

Yes, I think this approach is part of a broad house church movement but it does not come from the "emerging church" groups. When I was involved with the ecumenical institute in the 60's and 70's we used the term house church. The structure I described is an evolution of some of this institute's work. The basic approach is that a serious Christian particdipates in a regular small group and also maintains a solitary practice of some sort - which could be prayer, reading, Buddhist meditation etc. Ciao, Houston

Greetings, I am a new member but an old (40+ years) advocate and practitioner of a new Christianity. For the last 10 years I've been working with a group - Realistic Living - ( RealisticLiving.org ) which has been experimenting with a meaningful approach to small group Christian practice - Christian Resurgence Circles. We advocate that small groups of progressive Christians (6 to 12 persons) gather weekly to study, sing, meditate, share, and discuss. The leadership in these groups is shared. Circles can meet in homes or a room at a local church or anywhere. We have developed a meeting outline for such a group. A Christian Resurgence Circle is not intended to reinforce or teach a set of religious beliefs. It is rather about practicing thoughtful, joyful and response-able living in the here and now. My wife and I are now trying to organize such a circle here in Portland. We did organize such a group when we lived in Colorado. What do you think about this form and experiment in a New Christian Practice? Grace and Peace, Houston

My name is Houston and I have been promoting and pursuing progressive Christianity since 1968 when I began a theological education with the Ecumenical Institute. I now live in Portland, OR and am clear that Christiandom is ending and we must now create the Next Christianity. The Next Christianity is a Christianity without beliefs (to use Buddhist Stephen Batchelor's phrase) and will entail ongoing small groups who sing, study, meditate, discuss and generally equip themselves and their communities to respond to the challenges of the 21st Century. Ciao, Houston