My church welcomed its new rector last night.

[JAbuchan08]

I suppose its a little odd that I have "a church" considering I'm an absolutely, totally and entirely convinced and commited agnostic, but it was actually a great time. There's really few things that compares in terms of the love and support that are present in a liberal church. Although it is "my" church I don't attend very often, but even so folks that I had never met or had not spoken to in an incredibly long time seemed to be over-joyed to just sit and chat.
I think this is absolutely what the progressive movement needs most - not religion per say - but the sort of loving spiritual community that (some) religious groups are capable of providing. I guess I just want to shout to the mountaintops that community is what will keep us strong and that we should embrace it wherever we find it.
BTW - do you think that "convinced and commmited agnostic" is a contradiction in terms?

[Devlzown]

1. It's kind of funny.

Sort of like calling yourself a fervent agnostic. Maybe devout agnostic is more the term you're looking for.

[DrBB]

2. Funny coincidence

The new rector of mine just arrived last night, too.

I was raised Roman Catholic, was agnostic/atheist for a long time. Episcopal church was the first time I encountered a faith that didn't punish you for having doubts or coerce you into pasting a smile on your face or else go to hell. Makes a difference.

What you say about community is central, and no joke theologically. Matter and consciousness are the medium--there is no other. We need each other to make positive memes take hold and work. It's okay to experience that and need it without theologizing it.

[Cleita]

3. I agree about that need for community. I don't think it has to

be a church though. We really do need to create communities or clubs of like minded people to get together with a common goal.

[petrock2004]

4. how about the UU's

(unitarian universalists)

sort of wacky, but they also base a lot of their sermons and such on thoreau, civil disobedience, etc.

well, at least the ones in my neck of the woods.

just an interesting idea