So I returned to my Episcopal Church these last two Sundays...

[elshiva]

They really are family there. It is wonderful to be with people who share similar beliefs and value people. A little like DU, LOL!

Although, I believe in about 95% of what Episcopalianism teaches, I believe that the other religions are truthful in say, about 90% of what they teach. Guess I can say that because I believe that Jesus Christ both is and is not the Messiah...

blessings!

[Maat]

1. Well, it sounds like you had a great time.

I'm glad.

[elshiva]

2. Thanks. I just returned from our Church's Book Club.

We read "Under the Banner of God." Have you read it? It's about Mormonism.

[Maat]

3. No, I haven't - but someone else on DU mentioned it once.

That DUer said it was an excellent exploration of the history.

How long had it been since you attended an Episcopalian service?

[elshiva]

4. Well before June the last time I went was Easter of this year....

And that was only because I lucked out with my brother having to leave at the same time (he does not attend services but was happy to drop me off)!
Driving changes everything, thanks to God and St. Raphael!

"Under the Banner of Heaven" is the history of Mormonism. We got into a good discussion about the veracity of The Book of Mormon (I think it is authentic, but a much more scholarly woman does not and offered a much elobarated case. Still, I don't think it was simply plagarism...) and revelation. Our priest is very nonjudgemental, but some of the others were a little too stereotyping of Mormons. I only know one Mormon and she seems alright. The book concentrates a lot on sects and life in Utah, which is important, but not a complete portrait of Mormonism.

As you know, Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, is one of my ancestors. I still think he is what the book calls "a religious genius." Flawed as he maybe have been, the Book of Mormon is an amazing document. I will never be a Mormon, but I don't think it would hurt me to go to a service here in Maryland, do you?

Anyway had a little bit of a discussion about revelation and mental illness. The book has some mentally ill Mormons who kill their sister-in-law and niece because they think God told them to do it. There is some line that is crossed here. These men probably did start out with some life affirming experience from God, but somewhere it went all wrong and they thought EVERY thought and/or voice in their head was from God. Since I found out that I am pyschotic and hear voices in my head it has put some strain on my relationship with God, but I think that not all of the messages are mental. It's all mixed in soup my head. It's hard to figure out, but I know God still speaks to the mentally ill, even these criminal people.

[Maat]

5. Well, I think that attending services is good for you.

I pray for both mental and physical health, for you and my other DU friends.

All I know is that the lady that runs the office at my kid's school is the nicest, most patient, non-judmental woman in the whole world, and her comments are very affirming. She happens to be LDS, so I am going to refrain from judgment.

It sounds like an interesting account, though (the book).

Take care.

Peace and Blessings,

[elshiva]

6. Thank you, I love your avatar!

Thanks for the prayers!

[Maat]

7. Thanks - I decided to try one!

I'm calling UU church today. Is there going to be a celebration of Summer Solstice this weekend?

[elshiva]

8. Well not at the Episcopal Church! LOL!

But, there have been similar ceremonies to celebrate creation at St. John the Divine, the big Episcopal church in New York City. Sometimes our priest blesses bags of earth, but I forget in what context that is in.

This weekend is Gay Pride. I have no idea what to do for it except pray for gay rights and gay people...

[Maat]

9. That's what I am going to do.

I'm also going to go to our monthly PFLAG meeting (Parents, Family, Friends of Lesbians and Gays); I'm the secretary!

[elshiva]

10. Nice! Are you a parent of a gay child?