As the pendulum swings and a multitude of ideas and beliefs come marching in the door "In the spirit of being Open and Not Limiting"- I think we must be careful when we play with "not labeling ourselves." We could fall so far into ambiguity that we may end up "labeled" as something we may not want or choose to be associated with. Perhaps?
Consider the reality that we live in a world where people make assumptions and typically quick ones. Left up to the snap thought of a fast paced society that is getting faster, we may find a need to form a more clearly defined identity. This may come as a shock, but we can go so far in our own desire to be vastly accepting and open that we lose the intent and purpose.
A place of uncertainty or being unidentified can resemble insecurity about a purpose. "Church" works for me and so does "Christianity."
Often, those that have run from the "old ways of a Christian Church" may actually find new meaning and comfort in the aspects of what was good for them. Not all of it, but the parts they liked and appreciated. The community. A new message? Yes. One that works has current application and has evolved for 2012.
Unity of “Christianity” and also being the message of Positive, Practical and Progressive resonates and is actually what called me in the beginning. This message allowed me to give Christianity another opportunity. I am so grateful it did! A Happy Church with message of Love and acceptance to it's core- I'll buy that!
This view opens the door- much wider without throwing out what so many have come to honor and respect within themselves and their core beliefs.
It’s an open door and allows room for personal growth and expansion.
We move in shifts- this is clear. We evolve...I would like to think so. For the better? perhaps- that is my prayer. We can focus so much on being about a place of change and being so open that we could lose identity in the process. “Church of Christianity” seems to fit well (for me) and I’m happy to be embracing it again.
Doug,
ReplyDeleteChristianity works for me, too! I've heard some people in Unity would like to move away from that association with Christianity. That actually surprises me. With a rich tradition in Metaphysical Christianity from the Fillmores, Unity has its roots in Christianity. After studying Integral Spirituality, I also understand that that connection to Christianity can be a very important link for new membership. I seen this in action, too. Over the years, Christians have come from traditional churches to my Unity church for something different. I wonder if they would have tried Unity, if that link to Christianity had been severed? Ken Wilber also says churches have an important job in moving people up those stages of personal and spiritual development. The recognition of Unity as a Christian church, certainly helps in that process.