Bro. Hex

AMEN! AMEN!

Liberty, definitely.

Amen, Brother Kaman !

I really liked this part of Pete's response: "I guess it depends on the Christianity" My particular Christianity doesn't involve "believing" anything...in particular !

He is not "gone": Joe, he may not be, any longer, "in-the-flesh", but he touched many lives. He lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. So long as there is one person among us who remembers him fondly, he is "with us". And when the last of those who remember him have gone, then WE will have all joined HIM. Carl Jung was very close to describing the nature of the human heart/mind/soul... perhaps as close as it is humanly possible to dissern. We are ALL somehow joined together, in an unknowable mystical way. Call it the universal collective unconscious, as Jung did, or leave it "unnamed"... we live in, and through each other. Peace be with you, my friend.

I think, rev Patty, that you would be very comfortable in a UU congregation (Unitarian-Universalist), IF you want some religious movement to affiliate with, or just a place to meet like-minded friends. .....IF

I like that explanation, Songster.

Another (small) observation: A number of Christians, particularly among the Fundamentalists, do not believe in the Trinity. So, it seems to me that there could be a number of "Christian Universalists" that might not be comfortable being described as Trinitarian. On the other hand, I don't expect that very many Fundamentalists would self-identify as Universalists, in the first place... (so maybe I am being too picky!). However, I do agree with Rev Rattler that Fundamentalism is not "the opposite of" Universalism... they are just likely to be "uncomfortable bedfellows".

Hello John, Just a few observations and/or questions: (1) As you have named your organization Wiregrass Universal Life Church (nice name!), I am asking this: Have you registered this organization with Modesto? It is one thing to be ordained by ULC-Modesto, it is another matter to be operating a church (and offering ordinations). You really should register your organization with Andre, and have it recognized by our HQ in order to be "in communion with" same. (2) Re doing that which is right since 2010... I would suggest using quotation marks (as follows) in order to indicate the significance of those words: Doing "that which is right" since 2010 That's all, for now.!

Thank you, RabbiO, for this book recommendation. -at-FrJohnG... I agree. Paul and Jesus had different messages.

QUOTE: " this thread was SUPPOSED to be our feelings about The Bible vs. Nature... " UNQUOTE Where did this topic say "anything" about "our feelings" ?? I didn't understand that to be the case. Feelings are fine, but so are other aspects.

I prefer Awe to "worship".... I think it comes more naturally.

Everyone needs an Alpaca that "has his back" Thanks, Fawz' ! !

At the center of the Universe Dwells The Great Spirit, and that center is everywhere. It is within each of us. (Black Elk) Count = 21

Happy Ishtar !!

Please be mindful that Peter is talking about what THE HEBREW text says (in literal translation). Not (yet) what those literal Hebrew words "were intended to convey". When speaking of "just one interpretation among seventy", Fawzo, I believe you are thinking about "The Bible"... which is NOT, I think, what RabbiO was alluding to..

It is odd, though, that the voting Cardinals had to go all the way to Argentina to find an ITALIAN who was acceptable to the majority!

It gets a bit "murkier" They also say this: Note: If you have applied for ordination through these following websites,ulchq.com, ulc.net or ulcseminary.orgplease do not apply for ordination through this website. Ordination requests from these websites are forwarded to the Church Headquarters in Modesto and applying again through multiple sites causes extra work for our already busy friends at headquarters. Thank you.

"Counterfeit" CAN BE a legal charge, but lawyers and judges are not the only practitioners who are free to use this term. Poets and essayists, and common folk have a right to the word as well. Even theologians speak of the counterfeit spirit, and do so without countenancing a law suit.

It may be just my opinion, but the deliberate co-opting of Kirby J Hensley strikes ME as counterfeit . If they aren't PART of us, how is it honest for them to lay claim to the Hensleys?

Amen to that, Fawzo ! P.S. This is a great thread.... thanks guys!

Pleased to meet you Brother Earl. Yours was a most interesting and insightful self-introduction. I enjoyed reading it, and thank you for sharing your views with us all. Bro. Hex

QUOTE: 3. (A) "If we presume --as some, that there is no afterlife, then why are we (most) clinging to life? " 3. (B) "If we go with that theory is it not easier and better to end it sooner or later?" This reasoning strikes me as counter-intuitive. If I presume that there is no afterlife, then I would most certainly cling to this life....It's all I have!

I am very happy for both of you.