PUT ME IN A BOX » Uncategorized

Unitarian

Anne — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 20:55:37 +0000

Judith and I met for a weekend trip, We were sad that Rosemary wasn’t able to join us. Saturday night, Judith was looking at a newspaper and saw church listings. Originally, we had discussed our lack of interest in attending a church service during our time together. The ad blurb for the Unitarian church caught our attention. Even with a typo in the newspaper, we found their website.

There is freedom in exploring different churches while traveling. There is little chance of seeing these people again. Of course, reality was slightly different for us. Judith saw a former university professor. I saw a familiar face from my job at the university library.

I enjoyed our hour or so with the Unitarian Congregation. It was a small group, which can be uncomfortable for visitors. There is no crowd to hide in. I was a bit hesitant when I went to open the door, but I am so glad I went in. They were quick to greet us and include us wholeheartedly. The conversation seemed to eerily mesh with discussions Judith and I had the previous evening. There was no grand conclusion of the discussion, no perfect answer to our struggles. It was openness and discussion–most importantly community.

Good or Evil?

Anne — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 14:09:57 +0000

Are we evil from birth? Do we come into this world wretched sinful beings? Although it can seem like a dark, depressing idea, it is a common theological belief in Christianity. What is your opinion?

Coming Soon…another Frank Schaeffer book review

Anne — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:54:41 +0000

Patience with God: Faith for People Who Don’t Like Religion (or Atheism) by Frank Schaeffer

I ordered this book from amazon today. I am eager to receive it. I joined a book club. I thought it would take me beyond my typical reading, which has proven true. I have already read our February book, so I am ready to read some of my own choosing.

Here I come religion and biographies–True Compass by Ted Kennedy is waiting to be finished as well.

Deal with the Devil

Anne — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 03:57:01 +0000

“They were under the heel of the French. You know, Napoleon III, or whatever. And they got together and swore a pact to the devil. They said, we will serve you if you’ll get us free from the French. True story. And so, the devil said, okay it’s a deal.” Pat Robertson

Must we imply that if there is hardship, poverty, war, illness–God must not be there. Are all the wealthy, successful people finding favor with God? Do earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding mean Satan is attacking?

Superstition rules and Science is out. It must be the Devil.

Lost My Way

Anne — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 04:02:29 +0000

My doubt through the Christmas season was strong. I felt so much doubt, I meet with my Sunday School Teacher to talk about it over coffee. He was not surprised, I had alluded to some of my questioning in class. The odd thing about me is that I LOVE church and have no interest in leaving. It is pretty amazing since I doubt so much of the time. In my December struggle, I was given this perspective which gave me comfort.

Faith always includes uncertainty or else it is not faith. Unbelief itself is a long-standing perspective. See the works of Robert N. Bellah and Martin Marty. Marty, a historian, has written about unbelief as a tradition within American thought. Unbelief is a kind of faith, odd at it may seem.

Child Like Faith

Anne — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:27:39 +0000

Growing up, the notion of a child like faith was often praised. I thought it was odd and irresponsible, even as a child. Those who know me would say that is so me. I have often thought and over thought much of life. I didn’t doubt faith as a child, yet I thought it was something to be studied and not taken lightly.

Oh today I long for the faith of my childhood. I wanted answers, yet I didn’t feel the answers would lead to disbelief. I felt it would lead to understanding. In my studying and struggle of adulthood, I have found more questions. Lately those questions have been clouded with the darkness of unbelief. I WANT to believe. I want the mysterious peace at passes all understanding. The loss of faith saddens me.

On this Veterans Day

Anne — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:04:44 +0000

I am thankful to live in a country where I can speak out. I can agree and disagree. I do all of these things without worry for my family’s wellbeing or my job security. I know I don’t appreciate these freedoms enough. I have been fortunate to be born into a great life. I am humbled.

This I do know

Anne — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:39:57 +0000

I admit to knowing very little about God. At times, I wonder if this overshadows what I do know.

In my doubt, I have always known God. I believe in a God that has never left me. In the darkness of my faith struggles God remained.

Odd Shopping Event

Anne — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 03:19:21 +0000

Today I was in Pier 1 with a friend. I commented on the cute UNICEF Christmas cards to my friend. Another shopper said, “Too bad they kill babies.” I smiled, but didn’t say anything to her. The sale’s clerk told me how the money each box of cards helps provide clean water for over a hundred children. The previous lady started in on killing babies again–keep in mind she was not apart of our conversation in any way. I looked at my friend and told her all that commotion about it made me want to buy cards.

Guess who was listening? Same lady, she went on yelling at my friend and I about it was her right to say what she wanted to say. My friend, who is very outspoken, kept it together. We never engaged this woman at all. Although, she returned with another friend both yelling through the store that UNICEF kills babies and that abortion is wrong.

I was looking at cards. I think it would have been less odd to feel compelled to tell a stranger–Hey I think UNICEF supports some things I don’t agree with, like abortion. It let’s me know her point of view and she let’s her feelings be known. I would have smiled and moved on with my shopping. This turn of events of yelling without any dialogue from the other side was odd. The poor sales clerk was very shaken up over the whole thing. She kept apologizing to us. When we walked out of the store, I expected to be greeted by those women with more information.

I am very tolerant of other’s opinions. Let them be known, tell me what you think. I don’t mind hearing things I don’t necessarily agree with, but this whole shopping experience left me baffled.

Practicing Christian

Anne — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:26:14 +0000

While listening to NPR this afternoon, I heard an interview with Harvey Cox. I was awed by him. He discussed many things I love all in one interview on the Diane Rehm Show–Education, Religion, and Doubt. What really struck me was when asked about his own faith. He described himself as a practicing Christian, but not always a believing one. Oh how I relate to this. This sums up many years of struggle. I love faith, I love church and tradition. Somehow along the way, my belief has ebbed.