First I wish to thank RADAR PANGEAN (as he calls himself) for the clarification of matters in your recent blog regarding what you perceive as the MARTYDOM role which some “Christian” ministers assume here at the ULCM. I always find the things you post to be straightforward, honest, reasonable and readable. No hidden agendas.
Since you did indeed ask for examples of specific "persecution" or "intolerance" I submit to you and other readers for your consideration the following statements I have seen more than once (at least once a week) since joining this network two years ago;
“ Why are there Christians here?”
“Stop posting your scripture. I have read the Bible and I don’t believe in it.”
“ If Christians believe that Jesus saves then why are they here with people that don’t believe in him? “
In each case these statements are not asking about or pointing out a mere disagreement. They are pointing out the PRESENCE OF A BELIEF SYSTEM. They are questioning why Christians (and in some cases Jews) are even on the Network. Yes, I did recently see someone ask, “ Why are Jews allowed here?” That would be the equivalent of saying “ Why are Wiccans here?” OR “ Why are Muslims here?” OR “Why are atheists here if this is a CHURCH?”
I have also noticed that many who are not Christian or “no longer Christian” often speak of the hurt they have experienced or dissatisfaction with Christian traditional dogma, theology and hypocrisy. A closer, more intense look at the writings of those who still identify here as “Christian” to some degree just might reveal that we all share that IN COMMON, yes?
For true acceptance of beliefs we do, I AGREE, have to get beyond the mere noting that we “agree to disagree”. To have a deeper understanding why a “Christian” would be here in the first place, perhaps it would be good to re-read all the entries thousands of persons have posted which say they have a “Christian” base to their beliefs but that they experienced “persecution” and “intolerance” in traditional churches due to the Interreligious/eclectic nature of their beliefs. I have not yet met ONE minister/member here who has not stated that they are here because a traditional CHRISTIAN church was intolerant of their beliefs and/or lifestyle or even their mixed ethnic heritage.
JUST A SIMPLE REMINDER TO ALL that the reason our “beliefs” differ is because our experiences (and hence our logic and outlook) differ. WE ARE PIECES OF A PUZZLE. Perhaps listening a little closer will help us all to see the WHOLE TRUTH of why ULC Monastery was attractive to us in the first place or at least the CONCEPT was. And if THE MONASTERY is indeed to become a living, breathing reality, then ALL of us will have to learn to be more tolerant and accepting of each one’s unique beliefs AND experiences which led us here to this SANCTUARY from persecution and intolerance. Will we TOO become INTOLERANT by also trying to CHANGE what others think and believe?
THE ULCM does not, after all, have any creed other than DO NOT HARM and DO WHAT IS RIGHT. WE ARE AN EVOLVING BODY. Each time a NEW minister comes to this site we should CELEBRATE THE CHANGE. See the WHOLE picture as a FLUID BEING, constantly changing. What could be more right than ACCEPTANCE AND LISTENING?! Let’s all try a lot harder to be better at that than the TRADITIONAL religious bodies and communities we left behind. WE have a point to prove. Are we doing that?
AFTER ALL we are ALL martyrs here for daring to challenge traditional religious practice. Can we focus on the SPIRIT of that REVOLUTION as our COMMON GROUND? Let's keep trying...I think, for one, that we are getting there, slow but sure.
Respectfully submitted,
MOM NANHI
Christian/Jewish/Native American Eclectic Psychic & Empath Counselor
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