1. The problem

 

2. The solution (this solution):

We have stated what we see as the problem in step 1, and we now offer for your consideration what we consider to be the solution (we say "this" solution because surely there are other solutions, too).

First, please consider some brief historical information (realize that this is very abbreviated). In many past cultures, belief systems were imposed on people of a region by the political rulers of that region, and sub-groups with other beliefs operated in secret and were persecuted if found out. The Protestant Reformation in Europe resulted in successive de-constructions of the one Christian church (catholic) to many different factions with many different beliefs. There was suppression of the various factions to some extent, until a breaking point was reached where religious toleration finally became the policy (speaking generally of England and America). There are still strains of intolerance, but now, speaking of America anyway, public policy is that religious differences are to be tolerated and protected.

Now consider also that in understanding the meaning of the word religion, it is a very broad term, and in one of the most liberal definitions, means: 2 : a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices ... 4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith (Webster's online).

Yes, Bunky, if you have beliefs that you hold to with ardor, even if it is only you with these beliefs, you have "religion." And, yes, these beliefs are yours, they are inviolate and you are protected legally (in America, at least) in your right to hold these beliefs and practice your unique form of religious life (as long as they do not violate some precious common and civil laws, like human sacrifice, etc.). We seek to join with like-minded seekers of the truth, wisdom and functional principled practices in life to create the glorious community that man can enjoy to the fullest. Often, though, we do not use the term religious to refer to ourselves to avoid the association with some strange and fanatical groups who are "religious."

Many religions have struggled to be able to exercise their particular practices and have, in the long term won their rights to follow their beliefs. For example, the Quakers don't believe in killing others in war, and are not forced to serve in the military; the Amish believe in supporting their own community in their old age and are not forced to participate in the US's Social Security system. We offer a table of these interesting practices and information about their struggles to support their rights - there were persecutions, court cases and lawyers involved in many of these battles, and, in fact now the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) of the United States is involved in supporting religious groups' rights in the employment arena. In other words, they have to, sometimes reluctantly, keep other agressive agencies off the religious peoples' backs.

Some wonder that if they are a member of a religious sect or order, do they have to dress strangely (Amish), wear funny hats (old Quakers) or have practices that set them apart from the other people around them (Southern Baptists: no dancing; Jews/Islamic: no pork; Catholics: no meat on Friday, etc.)? The answer is "of course not", that is, not unless they want to. We see already that there are people in the world that have a set of beliefs, maybe not of any particular established religion and they look and act just like you and me. We only seek to bring together people of our beliefs into a functioning community to promote and defend our beliefs and our way of life. We seek an even greater, yes higher awareness of our selves and our spiritual life experience through our community of fellow seekers.

We see that many have actively left or tacitly given up the religion of their parents and are adrift, but they use many functional practices in their daily lives. They are and we are in the mainstream of life (in America, at least). We who have chosen to join together for our quest are a varied community, but we have some common beliefs. We are very open to all approaches to implement these beliefs in our lives, but we have chosen generally to follow a set of practices. We ask you to review these beliefs and practices, and, if you are in general agreement, please consider joining us. If you are in substantial disagreement, then we may not be for you. If we are close, but you have minor disagreements with us, we hope you will open the discussion with us and we think you will find a comforting and eager group of fellow seekers that you may want to become a regular communicant (one that communicates).