I believe life is a journey of humility.The more I know the more I seem to not know. I believe faith grows as we work it out in our daily lives (that it is more than what we think or say but how we live).
I believe that we are all ok...in this sense that we are all on a journey. I believe that by seeking truth, we'll find it (when we seek it with all our hearts).
At the same time, I believe that we are all not ok... that there is a brokenness in this world, in everyone and that all things break down over time. I believe that there is a general cry for wholeness and satisfaction, for community and purpose.
I believe in Jesus' redeeming love for the whole word. I strive for his perfect kingdom to come and his will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, daily. I believe this means a right relationship again with God,my creator, and a right relationship with other people and with creation as it was meant to be in the beginning.
It's not all that I believe because I'm afraid to go to hell or that I'm trying to out weight my bad deeds with good...I want to have a growing relationship with Jesus because when I give him control of my life, trust that he is all-knowing, powerful and good, life is better- more full of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness and self control.
I am still trying to figure out a lot of things but it helps to believe in something bigger than myself, consistent and gracious. This world is a sad place and I don't know what I would do without the hope that I've found in Jesus.
Adriel
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Is God speaking today?
I am a religious person because of a spiritual experience I had in response to a prayer. I have spiritual experiences fairly often, actually.
I am not alone. The PEW forum on religion and public life reports in their June 2008 Religious Landscape Survey that 49% of the United States adult population receive definite answers to specific prayer requests at least several times a year. 34% have experienced or witnessed a divine healing, 52% experience a sense of spiritual peace or well-being at least once a week, and 79% believe that miracles still occur today.
This information directly counters the argument that God is silent, doesn't exist, or is dead. Jesus Christ said that God will teach us through the Comforter, which will give us a sense of peace:
Considering that over half of the adults in the United States feel a sense of spiritual peace or well-being at least once a week, I would argue that God is actively trying to communicate with us. The question is whether or not we are listening or recognizing what God is trying to say.
Daniel
I am not alone. The PEW forum on religion and public life reports in their June 2008 Religious Landscape Survey that 49% of the United States adult population receive definite answers to specific prayer requests at least several times a year. 34% have experienced or witnessed a divine healing, 52% experience a sense of spiritual peace or well-being at least once a week, and 79% believe that miracles still occur today.
This information directly counters the argument that God is silent, doesn't exist, or is dead. Jesus Christ said that God will teach us through the Comforter, which will give us a sense of peace:
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:26-27)
Considering that over half of the adults in the United States feel a sense of spiritual peace or well-being at least once a week, I would argue that God is actively trying to communicate with us. The question is whether or not we are listening or recognizing what God is trying to say.
Daniel
A Christian's Non-Art of Proselytizing
The subject of proselytizing, or recruiting, various people we as social workers may come into contact with has been brought up as a major concern in our discussions. If we, as members of an active faith based religion, as would might be the case in evangelicalism, are compelled to exonerate our views upon clients, how would we refrain from doing such a thing?
I can personally speak from my theology training as well as my own experience. I am a baptised Christian, an active member of a Lutheran community in Ann Arbor, having the goal of graduating from the MSW program and becoming a impassioned servant for others. Will I witness to this fact? Yes because I cannot operate my life without acknowledging my faith life. But witness and proselytizing are two distinct terms.
Based in the Greek, the Koine Greek New Testament uses the word euengellion as evangelical, meaning the "good news" or simply "good news." The word gospel comes from this word. Witness was derived from martyriew, and yes, you guessed it, martyr. Proselytize is closely related to disciple or follower, hence a pupil. Then there is the word angel which means messenger. All of these words and ideas are very closely related, but they are far from being the same. And it might explain why I would not, and have not, felt compelled to proselytized anyone, except myself.
To evangelize is to report good news in the midst of daily living. Good news is in context contradictory to bad news. It pinpoints and exercises hope for the future. It can be applied to any situation. For example,if your personality is positive and all your comments, ideas, etc are upbeat, you are said to be evangelizing just by being positive especially if your environment and the people in it with you are mostly negative. Your positive attitude becomes the gospel by which you draw on good news authority. It is on display, good or bad, for all to see and to observe for
themselves. Martyr, or witness, is a pretty strong word and it means that you will stop at nothing to maintain and share the good news. So if I am positive and upbeat, only speaking about people nicely, then I will be able to adhere to positive criticism concerning my understandings of my peers. I would have no problem making room for more positive aspects and I would tend to interject, for example, at the water cooler when a group of people are putting someone down. I would instead as a martyr add in the positive.
That gets tricky because one can fall prey to the rumor treadmill at a cost. But you will bear the consequences, though they may be extremely hurtful. I am that persons angel, as you might say, because I have brought good news about the person who was being talked of negatively and I have evangelized my gospel once again. The key here through all this word framing is to demonstrate that we impact a person's opinion of our faith everyday just by the way we act, serve or do not serve a person who comes
to us in need, without uttering a single word about God, or spirit, or whatever. All of us witness. The proselytiser is a student of a particular bend and in this case, learning more about his or her peers so that when the time comes, they can be spoken of in a positive light.
(Proselytizing also denoted physical form, as in bending over and bowing on postrate, or humbly and severely giving respect reserved for a "god." The act of it emphasizes the extreme willingness by which you will accept knowledge from a teacher).
Therefore, since I have argued that we are a witness to our faith, or non-faith, is a matter of default. We will do it without uttering one word! That is why St Paul writes about guarding the tongue and thought, and deeds, being careful of what you do because your on display 24-7. And then I do not have to go out of my way to word my faith as it is unnecessary and will happen naturally. Of course, there are bad and horrible implications to this idea because if you do verbalize your faith to a client in or out of context, whether they asked for it or not, might demonstrate a very huge contradiction. For example, if you say this and that about grace, etc and
then in the social work process fail miserably to apply it to them (your fault or not), grace will be seen as an idea, but not a reality.
Within this context I would like to conclude that no where in the Christian Bible does God ask us to convert someone. That is the business of the Holy Spirit. As I have always believed and said if Christianity is true in all its belief and writing, then the Holy Spirit would be active, correct? I mean, if Christianity is not true, then the Holy Spirit will not move in zehr word, rendering conversion impossible. Truth has a way of impacting us in ways which we have no control over.
So, if you ask me a direct question about faith an what it means to me and what I believe I will point blank tell you. I will not look for an opportunity in which to "convert" say Muslim to Christianity because I do not have to. I am already....
Just a thought
Dani Lugo
I can personally speak from my theology training as well as my own experience. I am a baptised Christian, an active member of a Lutheran community in Ann Arbor, having the goal of graduating from the MSW program and becoming a impassioned servant for others. Will I witness to this fact? Yes because I cannot operate my life without acknowledging my faith life. But witness and proselytizing are two distinct terms.
Based in the Greek, the Koine Greek New Testament uses the word euengellion as evangelical, meaning the "good news" or simply "good news." The word gospel comes from this word. Witness was derived from martyriew, and yes, you guessed it, martyr. Proselytize is closely related to disciple or follower, hence a pupil. Then there is the word angel which means messenger. All of these words and ideas are very closely related, but they are far from being the same. And it might explain why I would not, and have not, felt compelled to proselytized anyone, except myself.
To evangelize is to report good news in the midst of daily living. Good news is in context contradictory to bad news. It pinpoints and exercises hope for the future. It can be applied to any situation. For example,if your personality is positive and all your comments, ideas, etc are upbeat, you are said to be evangelizing just by being positive especially if your environment and the people in it with you are mostly negative. Your positive attitude becomes the gospel by which you draw on good news authority. It is on display, good or bad, for all to see and to observe for
themselves. Martyr, or witness, is a pretty strong word and it means that you will stop at nothing to maintain and share the good news. So if I am positive and upbeat, only speaking about people nicely, then I will be able to adhere to positive criticism concerning my understandings of my peers. I would have no problem making room for more positive aspects and I would tend to interject, for example, at the water cooler when a group of people are putting someone down. I would instead as a martyr add in the positive.
That gets tricky because one can fall prey to the rumor treadmill at a cost. But you will bear the consequences, though they may be extremely hurtful. I am that persons angel, as you might say, because I have brought good news about the person who was being talked of negatively and I have evangelized my gospel once again. The key here through all this word framing is to demonstrate that we impact a person's opinion of our faith everyday just by the way we act, serve or do not serve a person who comes
to us in need, without uttering a single word about God, or spirit, or whatever. All of us witness. The proselytiser is a student of a particular bend and in this case, learning more about his or her peers so that when the time comes, they can be spoken of in a positive light.
(Proselytizing also denoted physical form, as in bending over and bowing on postrate, or humbly and severely giving respect reserved for a "god." The act of it emphasizes the extreme willingness by which you will accept knowledge from a teacher).
Therefore, since I have argued that we are a witness to our faith, or non-faith, is a matter of default. We will do it without uttering one word! That is why St Paul writes about guarding the tongue and thought, and deeds, being careful of what you do because your on display 24-7. And then I do not have to go out of my way to word my faith as it is unnecessary and will happen naturally. Of course, there are bad and horrible implications to this idea because if you do verbalize your faith to a client in or out of context, whether they asked for it or not, might demonstrate a very huge contradiction. For example, if you say this and that about grace, etc and
then in the social work process fail miserably to apply it to them (your fault or not), grace will be seen as an idea, but not a reality.
Within this context I would like to conclude that no where in the Christian Bible does God ask us to convert someone. That is the business of the Holy Spirit. As I have always believed and said if Christianity is true in all its belief and writing, then the Holy Spirit would be active, correct? I mean, if Christianity is not true, then the Holy Spirit will not move in zehr word, rendering conversion impossible. Truth has a way of impacting us in ways which we have no control over.
So, if you ask me a direct question about faith an what it means to me and what I believe I will point blank tell you. I will not look for an opportunity in which to "convert" say Muslim to Christianity because I do not have to. I am already....
Just a thought
Dani Lugo
Monday, November 9, 2009
Religion and Me
I liked some things about being a fundamentalist Christian. I liked, probably most of all, the camaraderie that you get when you are a member of a close-knit group of fellow travelers, like how you might feel toward other Americans when you're in some remote location abroad. "You're from the States? Where?" "Texas." "Texas! I'm from Wyoming!" "Wyoming! Alright!" Like that makes you practically cousins. That's how it is, sometimes, when you are among fellow believers, in a world hostile to the Gospel. And then, being a Bible-believing Christian as the end of the world nears, and thinking about what's going to happen when all the believers are raptured. That was pretty exciting stuff. And the hymns at Christmas, and the feeling that I had a Friend, and the special meanings in everything. There were a lot of things to like.
On the other hand, I disliked some things about being a fundamentalist Christian. I disliked the feeling of obligation to save souls - to harass people about Jesus, in effect, when I knew they had absolutely no interest in hearing it. I disliked the confusion that I experienced, and that I certainly saw in the lives of others around me, as we tried to reconcile our hope that God was on our side with the reality that, too often, things were just not working out as advertised. After all the allowances for God's superior wisdom and so forth, the uncomfortable fact remained that we were forever inventing ad hoc justifications on his behalf, as if he were an abusive father for whom we needed to make excuses, lest the outside world find out what a cluster our family life actually was.
I especially disliked the dishonesty of trying to portray the Bible as being consistent when it was weaving around like a drunk sailor, and as being a source of guidance when it was obviously wrong and even dangerous. I disliked that my religion seemed, historically, to have been on the negative side of everything, as if God wanted us to be dragging our feet and giving people a hard time whenever they wanted to dance, drink, and play bingo. It was as if God did not want us to acknowledge equal rights for women, or to reject slavery even if St. Paul did condone it, or to understand dinosaur bones, or to inform kids about sex - and so on, ad nauseum. I disliked the fact that Christians of the sixth century cut off the ears of Christians who disagreed with them, and that Christians of the twelfth century found it important to take Jerusalem from the people who lived there, and that Christian faith seemed to provide an important fault line underlying innumerable other wars and atrocities - dividing Byzantine from Roman Christendom, and Roman Catholics from Protestants, and Presbyterian Protestants from Lutheran Protestants, and Missouri Synod Lutheran Protestants from Wisconsin Synod Lutheran Protestants, and so forth. I definitely disliked seeing how Christians avoided taking responsibility for the assumption of superiority that keeps being used to justify such behavior, century after century.
Lots of Christians would tell me, right off, that their religious practices and beliefs are not like that. And that's the nature of religion: keep moving. Keep 'em guessing. If something has been publicly rejected as one of the worst aspects of your faith, make sure that you join everyone else in condemning it, and redefine your religion as something that would never behave in such a way. It's just commonsense marketing.
Liberal Christianity was my case in point: it freed me from much of the heavy baggage of my fundamentalism. As a liberal Christian, I could have a much more educated sense of superiority, there in my nice clean clothes on Sunday morning, surrounded by all those other nice-smelling middle-class suburban white people. It wasn't about the Bible anymore, per se; it was about the undeniable importance of compassion and giving. These, I think, were the kinds of Christians to whom Bertrand Russell would have been referring, in Britain in 1927, when he wrote these words:
Liberal Christian belief and Unitarianism, with which I flirted after some years away from religion altogether, gave me company in my mild, patronizing scorn for the fundamentalists among whom I had counted myself previously. Actually, it gave me company, period, as I socialized with other religiously indifferent but socially concerned individuals. But then, alas, the socializing gave way to subgrouping, gossip, and misunderstanding, and I understood that his would probably always be one of the defining features of the Body of Christ.
I couldn't have said for sure what I was supposed to be believing during this phase. I do remember that, during a visit to a Unity church, I was struck by the many references to "the Christ in you." Those references reminded me of the advertisement I was hearing on the radio at about the same time: "I like the Sprite in you." Neither, I surmise, was intended on a literal level; but in what figurative sense I should construe such sentiments, I cannot say. In any event, I sensed that my days as a liberal Christian were numbered when I found myself thinking, during a visit to a new church, that it was a pretty cool place, except for all the talk about Jesus and such.
I never got around to becoming Jewish, except to the extent of being married to a Jewish person whose religion consisted of lighting the candles and singing the prayer, and then dissolving into laughter halfway through because that was all she remembered. But I picked up a fair amount during my dozen years in New York, half of which I spent at a school where, it was said, the three major religions were equally represented: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reformed.
As far as I can tell, Judaism is more or less like Christianity, on a smaller scale. You have your extreme fundamentalist conservatives, who make things miserable for themselves and everyone else. You have your totally assimilated liberals, who don't much know or care what their putative religion is about. In the middle, you have people who occasionally become overbearingly self-righteous about some particular issue, or who otherwise have a somewhat identifiable culture of their own, but who generally seem like they get along better and are happier to the extent that they can control their religion, rather than having it control them.
Other religions seem, to me, to follow relatively similar lines of thinking. There are the Brahmins at the top in India, and the upper-class Muslims in various nations, and I imagine I would find, if I looked into it, that there were social classes among the Incas as well; and in all cases, no doubt, the lower-income people are expected to fight and die to defend the upper-income people of their religion - even if they actually have more in common with the lower-income infidels they're shooting at.
Nowadays, I've begun to think that may be the nature of the difference between religion and spirituality. If you're religious, you'll pick up that gun and shoot that person - your former neighbor, perhaps - because of the religion s/he belongs to. Or, to put it differently, you probably wouldn't be shooting him/her if s/he were of your own religion. You may think you would never do that, but then the social pressure and the law and the fear kick in, and after a couple of months of military training, you become like all the others, before you, who said and then did exactly the same things.
It's somewhat different with atheists, who never seem to have armies of their own. For them, the righteous zeal tends to come out in other ways - in, for instance, the racist e-mails I get from some atheist intellectuals, educating me about the stupidity of Bible-belt rednecks. This literature is ironically reminiscent of the sacred spam I get from my few remaining Bible-thumper friends.
Spirituality, I think, is not a matter of imagining that your elevated feelings of a "higher" reality are anything more than funky chemicals in your skull. It's also not a question of whether God exists. His existence or nonexistence does not make anyone spiritual. I think, much to the contrary, that it may be more spiritual to simply admit that you don't have privileged knowledge about Truth. Spirituality, in my working hypothesis, begins with daily renunciation of transcendentalist hubris - with, if you will, the recognition that, if the gods had wanted us to know more, they would not have played games with us; they would have told us plainly.
On the other hand, I disliked some things about being a fundamentalist Christian. I disliked the feeling of obligation to save souls - to harass people about Jesus, in effect, when I knew they had absolutely no interest in hearing it. I disliked the confusion that I experienced, and that I certainly saw in the lives of others around me, as we tried to reconcile our hope that God was on our side with the reality that, too often, things were just not working out as advertised. After all the allowances for God's superior wisdom and so forth, the uncomfortable fact remained that we were forever inventing ad hoc justifications on his behalf, as if he were an abusive father for whom we needed to make excuses, lest the outside world find out what a cluster our family life actually was.
I especially disliked the dishonesty of trying to portray the Bible as being consistent when it was weaving around like a drunk sailor, and as being a source of guidance when it was obviously wrong and even dangerous. I disliked that my religion seemed, historically, to have been on the negative side of everything, as if God wanted us to be dragging our feet and giving people a hard time whenever they wanted to dance, drink, and play bingo. It was as if God did not want us to acknowledge equal rights for women, or to reject slavery even if St. Paul did condone it, or to understand dinosaur bones, or to inform kids about sex - and so on, ad nauseum. I disliked the fact that Christians of the sixth century cut off the ears of Christians who disagreed with them, and that Christians of the twelfth century found it important to take Jerusalem from the people who lived there, and that Christian faith seemed to provide an important fault line underlying innumerable other wars and atrocities - dividing Byzantine from Roman Christendom, and Roman Catholics from Protestants, and Presbyterian Protestants from Lutheran Protestants, and Missouri Synod Lutheran Protestants from Wisconsin Synod Lutheran Protestants, and so forth. I definitely disliked seeing how Christians avoided taking responsibility for the assumption of superiority that keeps being used to justify such behavior, century after century.
Lots of Christians would tell me, right off, that their religious practices and beliefs are not like that. And that's the nature of religion: keep moving. Keep 'em guessing. If something has been publicly rejected as one of the worst aspects of your faith, make sure that you join everyone else in condemning it, and redefine your religion as something that would never behave in such a way. It's just commonsense marketing.
Liberal Christianity was my case in point: it freed me from much of the heavy baggage of my fundamentalism. As a liberal Christian, I could have a much more educated sense of superiority, there in my nice clean clothes on Sunday morning, surrounded by all those other nice-smelling middle-class suburban white people. It wasn't about the Bible anymore, per se; it was about the undeniable importance of compassion and giving. These, I think, were the kinds of Christians to whom Bertrand Russell would have been referring, in Britain in 1927, when he wrote these words:
There is another point which I consider excellent. You will remember that Christ said, "Judge not lest ye be judged." That principle I do not think you would find was popular in the law courts of Christian countries. I have known in my time quite a number of judges who were very earnest Christians and none
of them felt that they were acting contrary to Christian principles in what
they did.
Liberal Christian belief and Unitarianism, with which I flirted after some years away from religion altogether, gave me company in my mild, patronizing scorn for the fundamentalists among whom I had counted myself previously. Actually, it gave me company, period, as I socialized with other religiously indifferent but socially concerned individuals. But then, alas, the socializing gave way to subgrouping, gossip, and misunderstanding, and I understood that his would probably always be one of the defining features of the Body of Christ.
I couldn't have said for sure what I was supposed to be believing during this phase. I do remember that, during a visit to a Unity church, I was struck by the many references to "the Christ in you." Those references reminded me of the advertisement I was hearing on the radio at about the same time: "I like the Sprite in you." Neither, I surmise, was intended on a literal level; but in what figurative sense I should construe such sentiments, I cannot say. In any event, I sensed that my days as a liberal Christian were numbered when I found myself thinking, during a visit to a new church, that it was a pretty cool place, except for all the talk about Jesus and such.
I never got around to becoming Jewish, except to the extent of being married to a Jewish person whose religion consisted of lighting the candles and singing the prayer, and then dissolving into laughter halfway through because that was all she remembered. But I picked up a fair amount during my dozen years in New York, half of which I spent at a school where, it was said, the three major religions were equally represented: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reformed.
As far as I can tell, Judaism is more or less like Christianity, on a smaller scale. You have your extreme fundamentalist conservatives, who make things miserable for themselves and everyone else. You have your totally assimilated liberals, who don't much know or care what their putative religion is about. In the middle, you have people who occasionally become overbearingly self-righteous about some particular issue, or who otherwise have a somewhat identifiable culture of their own, but who generally seem like they get along better and are happier to the extent that they can control their religion, rather than having it control them.
Other religions seem, to me, to follow relatively similar lines of thinking. There are the Brahmins at the top in India, and the upper-class Muslims in various nations, and I imagine I would find, if I looked into it, that there were social classes among the Incas as well; and in all cases, no doubt, the lower-income people are expected to fight and die to defend the upper-income people of their religion - even if they actually have more in common with the lower-income infidels they're shooting at.
Nowadays, I've begun to think that may be the nature of the difference between religion and spirituality. If you're religious, you'll pick up that gun and shoot that person - your former neighbor, perhaps - because of the religion s/he belongs to. Or, to put it differently, you probably wouldn't be shooting him/her if s/he were of your own religion. You may think you would never do that, but then the social pressure and the law and the fear kick in, and after a couple of months of military training, you become like all the others, before you, who said and then did exactly the same things.
It's somewhat different with atheists, who never seem to have armies of their own. For them, the righteous zeal tends to come out in other ways - in, for instance, the racist e-mails I get from some atheist intellectuals, educating me about the stupidity of Bible-belt rednecks. This literature is ironically reminiscent of the sacred spam I get from my few remaining Bible-thumper friends.
Spirituality, I think, is not a matter of imagining that your elevated feelings of a "higher" reality are anything more than funky chemicals in your skull. It's also not a question of whether God exists. His existence or nonexistence does not make anyone spiritual. I think, much to the contrary, that it may be more spiritual to simply admit that you don't have privileged knowledge about Truth. Spirituality, in my working hypothesis, begins with daily renunciation of transcendentalist hubris - with, if you will, the recognition that, if the gods had wanted us to know more, they would not have played games with us; they would have told us plainly.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Faith Activity
Yesterday we had an interfaith discussion on faith where several different perspectives were represented. We ended up talking about lots of insteresting aspects of faith. For some people, faith was more of a cultural identity than necessarily having anything to do with God or belief in a set of specific doctrines. Others thought of faith as knowledge of things that aren't seen but are true. Topics of conversation ranged from the question of how do Christians balance their desire/commandment to proselyte or evangelize and practicing or learning in a secular setting. We also touched on a range of topics from Kosher laws, the difference between the term "Latter-day Saint" and "Mormon", and someone's personal journey from a more conservative Lutheran denomonation to a more liberal one. It was an excellent discussion (at least in my view) and I learned a lot. I'm sure the others there would say the same and I would be interested in hearing what they thought of the activity.
We would like to continue having events like this and we would like your input on how to make them better. What topics do you think would be interesting to discuss in an interfaith discussion? What questions have you wanted to ask someone of a different faith that you haven't been able to? What would motivate you to go to an interfaith discussion (food, schedule, topics, format, or otherwise)?
We would especially like to hear from people who may have felt like the last topic wasn't relevant or interesting to them. What types of topics would motivate you to attend an interfaith discussion?
Let us know by commenting on this post or e-mailing swinterfaithalliance@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at our next discussion!
Daniel Curtis
President of the Social Work Interfaith Alliance
We would like to continue having events like this and we would like your input on how to make them better. What topics do you think would be interesting to discuss in an interfaith discussion? What questions have you wanted to ask someone of a different faith that you haven't been able to? What would motivate you to go to an interfaith discussion (food, schedule, topics, format, or otherwise)?
We would especially like to hear from people who may have felt like the last topic wasn't relevant or interesting to them. What types of topics would motivate you to attend an interfaith discussion?
Let us know by commenting on this post or e-mailing swinterfaithalliance@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at our next discussion!
Daniel Curtis
President of the Social Work Interfaith Alliance
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Post on faith
I have not always had faith. In high school, I was an atheist for a while. My parents raised me culturally christian, but chose not to impose any kind of religious belief on me as a child.
I converted to Catholicism as a teen and have wavered in my allegiance to the Church. Right now, knowing that the Church has opened its doors to the homophobic wing of the Anglican church makes me question how long I can continue to support this institution. My social convictions, which are based on liberation theology, and my multiple identities lead me to sharply disagree with some of the social positions that the Church has taken. I believe in change from within and this is why I stick with the Church...but I wonder if my conscience will overtake my desire to be part of this religion.
On a more metaphysical level, I adore Catholicism. The devotion to Mary, the rich lives of the saints, the holy trinity, the belief in transubstantiation (yeah, that wafer is actually a piece of god), heaven, the scriptures...all of it feeds my soul. There are also important movements within the Church that have inspired me, such as liberation theology, Catholics for Choice, the Catholic LGBT organizations, the Catholic Worker movement, Pax Christi, and all of the social justice work done by the Church. These are the things that tie me to the Church, that stop me from converting to something else...
Faith has helped me throughout my adult life, nourishing my desire for social justice, providing a sense of peace during Mass, and helping me cope with the loss of my grandfather.
I struggle with the contradictions involved in my faith.
I converted to Catholicism as a teen and have wavered in my allegiance to the Church. Right now, knowing that the Church has opened its doors to the homophobic wing of the Anglican church makes me question how long I can continue to support this institution. My social convictions, which are based on liberation theology, and my multiple identities lead me to sharply disagree with some of the social positions that the Church has taken. I believe in change from within and this is why I stick with the Church...but I wonder if my conscience will overtake my desire to be part of this religion.
On a more metaphysical level, I adore Catholicism. The devotion to Mary, the rich lives of the saints, the holy trinity, the belief in transubstantiation (yeah, that wafer is actually a piece of god), heaven, the scriptures...all of it feeds my soul. There are also important movements within the Church that have inspired me, such as liberation theology, Catholics for Choice, the Catholic LGBT organizations, the Catholic Worker movement, Pax Christi, and all of the social justice work done by the Church. These are the things that tie me to the Church, that stop me from converting to something else...
Faith has helped me throughout my adult life, nourishing my desire for social justice, providing a sense of peace during Mass, and helping me cope with the loss of my grandfather.
I struggle with the contradictions involved in my faith.
United to Heal activity
There were lots of people at the United to Heal service activity (most weren't from our group). If you missed this activity, they sort medical supplies there most Sundays. You can go whichever week you want. Just check out the website: united2heal.org
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
What faith means to me
Faith is knowledge of things that are not seen but that are true. For example, if I have faith that the sun will rise tomorrow (something I haven't seen) I will live my life accordingly. I may plant a seed or plan on spending time outside. Likewise, if I have faith in the existence of God I will act with the knowledge that he exists even though I have never seen him.
Faith grows as we act on it. If we don't act on our faith it will die (see James 2:14-20 in the Bible).
I have faith in Jesus Christ: that he died and then conquered death. I have faith that because of Jesus Christ I will live again after I die and that I can live with my Heavenly Father. I have faith that God communicates with us though a living prophet, through scriptures like the Bible and The Book of Mormon, and through our prayers.
Because I have faith in these things I try to live my life in a way that shows I know they are true. I don't always succeed, but I do the best I can. I feel my faith grow the more I try.
Faith grows as we act on it. If we don't act on our faith it will die (see James 2:14-20 in the Bible).
I have faith in Jesus Christ: that he died and then conquered death. I have faith that because of Jesus Christ I will live again after I die and that I can live with my Heavenly Father. I have faith that God communicates with us though a living prophet, through scriptures like the Bible and The Book of Mormon, and through our prayers.
Because I have faith in these things I try to live my life in a way that shows I know they are true. I don't always succeed, but I do the best I can. I feel my faith grow the more I try.
Faith Activity
On November 6 from 12:30-2pm in room 2752 we will be having a discussion on what faith means to the ssw students. The goal is to get perspectives on the concept of faith from students of different belief systems. Hopefully we can get representatives from several different religions and beliefs to participate because it will make for a more interesting dialogue.
I want to encourage you to send in your thoughts on faith to swinterfaithalliance@gmail.com so that they can be posted on a powerpoint for the activity. I will take any idenitfying information off of the e-mails before I put them on the powerpoint. If you would also like me to post your thoughts on the blog, please let me know.
If you prefer you can also write your thoughts directly onto one of the posters for the activity down by the student mailboxes.
By contributing your comments early, you give us a starting point for our discussion and it is a way to participate for those who might not be otherwise able to.
By the way, there will also be treats at the activity. Don't miss out.
I want to encourage you to send in your thoughts on faith to swinterfaithalliance@gmail.com so that they can be posted on a powerpoint for the activity. I will take any idenitfying information off of the e-mails before I put them on the powerpoint. If you would also like me to post your thoughts on the blog, please let me know.
If you prefer you can also write your thoughts directly onto one of the posters for the activity down by the student mailboxes.
By contributing your comments early, you give us a starting point for our discussion and it is a way to participate for those who might not be otherwise able to.
By the way, there will also be treats at the activity. Don't miss out.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
United to Heal’s Interfaith Sorting Day
My name is Nargis Rashid and I am a representative of United to Heal’s Outreach Committee. We are an interfaith humanitarian aid organization on campus that works to send donated medical supplies from local hospitals to countries that need them, and in order to do this we have to sort and inventory the supplies at our warehouse on south State St.
I’m writing to invite your organization to collaborate with us on an event that we have coming up on Sunday, October 25th from 12-3: Interfaith Sorting Day! The event will begin with normal sorting (we’ll explain everything at the warehouse!) and end with half an hour to an hour of interfaith discussion, which your group can choose to participate in or not (we’ll be providing rides to and from the warehouse, and if necessary we can send a car back at 2).
Sorting is a great way to enjoy some community service with other members of your group and (if anyone’s pre-med) a fantastic opportunity to get some hands-on experience with medical supplies that will soon be put to use in under-resourced hospitals in Ghana.
Please let me know if you have any questions. If this date doesn’t work for you, we also sort every other Sunday and would love to have you at our warehouse whenever you’re available! Also, be sure to check out our website (www.united2heal.org) for more information.
Sincerely,
Nargis Rashid
U2H Outreach Rep
I’m writing to invite your organization to collaborate with us on an event that we have coming up on Sunday, October 25th from 12-3: Interfaith Sorting Day! The event will begin with normal sorting (we’ll explain everything at the warehouse!) and end with half an hour to an hour of interfaith discussion, which your group can choose to participate in or not (we’ll be providing rides to and from the warehouse, and if necessary we can send a car back at 2).
Sorting is a great way to enjoy some community service with other members of your group and (if anyone’s pre-med) a fantastic opportunity to get some hands-on experience with medical supplies that will soon be put to use in under-resourced hospitals in Ghana.
Please let me know if you have any questions. If this date doesn’t work for you, we also sort every other Sunday and would love to have you at our warehouse whenever you’re available! Also, be sure to check out our website (www.united2heal.org) for more information.
Sincerely,
Nargis Rashid
U2H Outreach Rep
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
My Faith as Process
Much like the previous writer's journey from doubt to conviction, or reaffirmation, I sincerely believe that spirituality is both a gift and a responsibility. A gift in the face of adversity, prone and bent on destroying that which we were lead to believe as truth, that can lead us through weakness and times of hardship. Responsibility due because it's up to us, as individuals who carry the faith, to test, question and look closer into this dynamic,to have honest answers to tough questions. We need to own our faith; that which our "fathers" passed down to us is wasteful and detrimental to us unless we are willing to own it. For if we have not
struggled, wrestled or otherwise tossed about thinking and contemplating, sweating and reflecting what our faith is then how do we expect to have a positive dialog with our brothers and sisters? There's no pulse in a rote regurgitation of what we have been led to believe and even less of a chance of defending that faith when confronted or questioned. And God is BIG enough to handle a prayer that confesses doubt in spiritual matters. God will answer that prayer according to each's needs. Proof that God exists? For me, most certainly! And it's me, after all, that needs to know if God really exists.
When you ask a question be prepared to accept the answer.
Dani Lugo
struggled, wrestled or otherwise tossed about thinking and contemplating, sweating and reflecting what our faith is then how do we expect to have a positive dialog with our brothers and sisters? There's no pulse in a rote regurgitation of what we have been led to believe and even less of a chance of defending that faith when confronted or questioned. And God is BIG enough to handle a prayer that confesses doubt in spiritual matters. God will answer that prayer according to each's needs. Proof that God exists? For me, most certainly! And it's me, after all, that needs to know if God really exists.
When you ask a question be prepared to accept the answer.
Dani Lugo
Monday, October 12, 2009
Answer to prayer
I grew up in a religious household and my faith wasn't really challenged until I got to middle school. In middle school I had a friend who was extremely intelligent and really enjoyed debating. When my friend learned that I was a person of faith, he started to debate with me about the existence of God and an afterlife. I tried to debate back, but he was a lot better at arguing than I was.
For a couple of days I felt that my friend was probably right. The more I thought about it, the more meaningless life seemed to me and the more hopeless I felt. Eventually, I came to the point that I needed to know, without any doubt, whether or not God exists and whether or not there is a life after this one.
I decided to say a prayer and ask God whether he was there and if I would exist after I died. As I started praying, a sudden feeling of peace, hope, and comfort rushed into me. All the hopelessness and despair I had been feeling before vanished.
I didn't see any angels or have any visions, but after that prayer I knew that God existed and that life does not end at death. The feeling of hope that I felt was a direct answer to my prayer. I am very grateful that God answered when I asked.
That experience has always been very sacred to me and is a large part of who I am. It is impossible to describe everything I have thought or felt about it since, but I know that I would be a very different person than I am now had I not experienced it.
For a couple of days I felt that my friend was probably right. The more I thought about it, the more meaningless life seemed to me and the more hopeless I felt. Eventually, I came to the point that I needed to know, without any doubt, whether or not God exists and whether or not there is a life after this one.
I decided to say a prayer and ask God whether he was there and if I would exist after I died. As I started praying, a sudden feeling of peace, hope, and comfort rushed into me. All the hopelessness and despair I had been feeling before vanished.
I didn't see any angels or have any visions, but after that prayer I knew that God existed and that life does not end at death. The feeling of hope that I felt was a direct answer to my prayer. I am very grateful that God answered when I asked.
That experience has always been very sacred to me and is a large part of who I am. It is impossible to describe everything I have thought or felt about it since, but I know that I would be a very different person than I am now had I not experienced it.
Spiritual Journey
A lot of people have many misconceptions about the Christian faith. Christianity involves a triad based belief, called the Holy Trinity. I involves three different avenues towards its foundational faith system: The Father (God), The Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. You have to find Jesus to get through God. However, there are several way to find Jesus.
The information above is what I have been taught, and you could probably find a lot of this stuff if you google Christianity. However, I feel the best way to understand my faith is to see it from my point of view. I was 'raised in the church', as many people say. I can remember church being a part of my life since I was able to form memories. My family moved around to different denomination, Methodists, Baptist, non-denominational, until my dad was led to pastor his own church, ultimately non-denominational. So yes, I am a PK = preacher's kid. Throughout my childhood I believe in God and in Jesus Christ, however, until I got to college was my faith truly challenged, reborn and developed into who I am trying to be today.
The biggest thing I have learned about my faith is that it's a relationship. Many people focus on the acts in their life that makes them a good christian, and become somewhat 'functional', but are still immature or carnal in their spiritual walk with God. Christian mean to be 'Christ like', meaning that your life should mimic the live Jesus led. I'm not saying people should go into the wilderness and fast, eating nothing but fruits and berries for 40 days. I'm saying that because Jesus was 1) listened and talked to God 2) walked in love during his life and 3) and was selfless.
Believing that God and Jesus are real is is the first step in Christianity. When you do that one starts developing their faith life. The next step is to study the word (Bible), pray and listen from God's word, and begin to develop a relationship with God. All of this can include going to church, bible study or what have you. This is critical, because as one studies the bible and prays to God, they will strengthen their spiritual walk and become sensitive to what God has to say to them. I can personally say that as I have redeveloped my faith, I have began experiencing this. It might sound crazy that I'm 'hearing from God' but I look at it like this. I wake up everyday knowing that 1) I am loved no matter what with a love that surpasses anything that I will truly understand and it brings me peace. 2) God has my back. Jeremiah 29:11-13 says "for I know the plans I have for you," declares the lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." This is one of my favorite scriptures because it tells me that despite what I may go through, despite what people say, and despite what my mind may tell me, God is here to make sure I am okay, successful, happy, fulfilled, and that he loves me.
Everyday I wake up, I have thoughts constantly running in my mind about how I can incorporate the word into my daily life. I ask myself am I truly making God top priority in my life? Am I examining my life daily to see if it lines up? These are some of the things I have learned are a must in Christianity in order to grow and connect with God on deeper and deeper levels.There is no limit to this depth.
Now I can't speak for all Christians and say that experience this, or even truly understand of believe this as Christianity. However, guidance from my church members back home, through reading the word, and through praying, listening, trusting, and submitting to God, I have been to experience these things and have found Joy, Peace, Comfort, and happiness in them.
One thing I should add to this. When someone decides to become a Christian and begins their spiritual walk, many don't understand that persecution comes along with this walk. Yes, God has always been there in your life protecting you and watching over you, and waiting for you to seek him out. Now that you have decided to start listening to him, you must understand that this road may sometimes be a difficult journey to becoming stronger in him and receiving the blessings he has for you. Persecution is defined as "the systematic mistreatment of an individual or group by another group." This means to be that some people will hold it against me that I am a Christian.
John 15: 18-21 states "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the wolds I spoke to you: 'no servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me." This means that when you accept God, not everyone will accept you. However, though these trials may come to pass, God is still there protecting me, watching over me and being their for me through this growth process. Isaiah 43:2 "when you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you [meaning you will not drift away or be drowned]. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." This scripture tells me that God will be there for me and won't let me get burned WHEN I go through hard times. It might get hot, but I won't burn up.
I can probably approach this in several different ways and talk about my love for Christ and to live by his teachings for a pretty long time, but I hope that I was able to give you a glimpse to how I live my daily life.
Patrice French
frenchpb@gmail.com
The information above is what I have been taught, and you could probably find a lot of this stuff if you google Christianity. However, I feel the best way to understand my faith is to see it from my point of view. I was 'raised in the church', as many people say. I can remember church being a part of my life since I was able to form memories. My family moved around to different denomination, Methodists, Baptist, non-denominational, until my dad was led to pastor his own church, ultimately non-denominational. So yes, I am a PK = preacher's kid. Throughout my childhood I believe in God and in Jesus Christ, however, until I got to college was my faith truly challenged, reborn and developed into who I am trying to be today.
The biggest thing I have learned about my faith is that it's a relationship. Many people focus on the acts in their life that makes them a good christian, and become somewhat 'functional', but are still immature or carnal in their spiritual walk with God. Christian mean to be 'Christ like', meaning that your life should mimic the live Jesus led. I'm not saying people should go into the wilderness and fast, eating nothing but fruits and berries for 40 days. I'm saying that because Jesus was 1) listened and talked to God 2) walked in love during his life and 3) and was selfless.
Believing that God and Jesus are real is is the first step in Christianity. When you do that one starts developing their faith life. The next step is to study the word (Bible), pray and listen from God's word, and begin to develop a relationship with God. All of this can include going to church, bible study or what have you. This is critical, because as one studies the bible and prays to God, they will strengthen their spiritual walk and become sensitive to what God has to say to them. I can personally say that as I have redeveloped my faith, I have began experiencing this. It might sound crazy that I'm 'hearing from God' but I look at it like this. I wake up everyday knowing that 1) I am loved no matter what with a love that surpasses anything that I will truly understand and it brings me peace. 2) God has my back. Jeremiah 29:11-13 says "for I know the plans I have for you," declares the lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." This is one of my favorite scriptures because it tells me that despite what I may go through, despite what people say, and despite what my mind may tell me, God is here to make sure I am okay, successful, happy, fulfilled, and that he loves me.
Everyday I wake up, I have thoughts constantly running in my mind about how I can incorporate the word into my daily life. I ask myself am I truly making God top priority in my life? Am I examining my life daily to see if it lines up? These are some of the things I have learned are a must in Christianity in order to grow and connect with God on deeper and deeper levels.There is no limit to this depth.
Now I can't speak for all Christians and say that experience this, or even truly understand of believe this as Christianity. However, guidance from my church members back home, through reading the word, and through praying, listening, trusting, and submitting to God, I have been to experience these things and have found Joy, Peace, Comfort, and happiness in them.
One thing I should add to this. When someone decides to become a Christian and begins their spiritual walk, many don't understand that persecution comes along with this walk. Yes, God has always been there in your life protecting you and watching over you, and waiting for you to seek him out. Now that you have decided to start listening to him, you must understand that this road may sometimes be a difficult journey to becoming stronger in him and receiving the blessings he has for you. Persecution is defined as "the systematic mistreatment of an individual or group by another group." This means to be that some people will hold it against me that I am a Christian.
John 15: 18-21 states "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the wolds I spoke to you: 'no servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me." This means that when you accept God, not everyone will accept you. However, though these trials may come to pass, God is still there protecting me, watching over me and being their for me through this growth process. Isaiah 43:2 "when you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you [meaning you will not drift away or be drowned]. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." This scripture tells me that God will be there for me and won't let me get burned WHEN I go through hard times. It might get hot, but I won't burn up.
I can probably approach this in several different ways and talk about my love for Christ and to live by his teachings for a pretty long time, but I hope that I was able to give you a glimpse to how I live my daily life.
Patrice French
frenchpb@gmail.com
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Spiritual Journey
I am fairly new to my current spiritual journey. I had no religion in my life as a child growing up and it wasn't until I was battling a dangerous and life threatening illness that I began to embrace christianity. I cannot say that I know everything about Christianity, or know much at all, but I do believe. I rely on God now and I try to pray as much as possible. It is rare, if not impossible, to feel the unconditional and unwavering love that God has for me and for all who have faith in Him and his word. The journey I am currently undertaking is exciting, new, and often times somewhat scary. But, I am loving it and I am loving God.
I am not a bigot and I do not preach about my beliefs. I am very open to all of the different interpretations of religion, spirituality, and faith. I am fascinated by all of these things. I look forward to reading other posts and learning more about others' beliefs.
Kendra Heeder
I am not a bigot and I do not preach about my beliefs. I am very open to all of the different interpretations of religion, spirituality, and faith. I am fascinated by all of these things. I look forward to reading other posts and learning more about others' beliefs.
Kendra Heeder
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Latter-day Saint Stereotypes
In the spirit of opening up the blog to counter misperceptions and stereotypes, I would like to counter a couple of stereotypes I heard about my religion (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) the other day on NPR.
Talking about the conservative commentator Glenn Beck, one caller mentioned that he (Glenn Beck) is Mormon and, since African Americans could not hold the priesthood in the Mormon Church until 1978, is racist.
This caller presented two stereotypes I often confront as a Latter-day Saint: That we are ultra-conservative and that we are racists.
The ultra-conservative stereotype is false. While prominent political conservatives like Glenn Beck and Mitt Romney are Latter-day Saints, so are prominent Democrats. For example Harry Reid, the Democratic Senate Majority leader, is also a Latter-day Saint. There are also both Democrats and Republicans among the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The racist stereotype is also false. While there are racists in any church, the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is clearly not rascist. The Book of Mormon says: "...he [Christ] invited all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile." (2 Nephi 26:33)
Regarding the problem of racism, Gordon B Hinckley, a former prophet of the Church said, "Now I am told that racial slurs and denigrating remarks are sometimes heard among us. I remind you that no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church of Christ." (The Need for Greater Kindness, Liahona Magazine, May 2006)
I hope this post can help clear up some of the misperceptions that are out there. If you have questions leave a comment and I will try my best to answer it. If you would prefer to contact me privately, you can e-mail me at dawacu@umich.edu or call me at (801)309-3892
Talking about the conservative commentator Glenn Beck, one caller mentioned that he (Glenn Beck) is Mormon and, since African Americans could not hold the priesthood in the Mormon Church until 1978, is racist.
This caller presented two stereotypes I often confront as a Latter-day Saint: That we are ultra-conservative and that we are racists.
The ultra-conservative stereotype is false. While prominent political conservatives like Glenn Beck and Mitt Romney are Latter-day Saints, so are prominent Democrats. For example Harry Reid, the Democratic Senate Majority leader, is also a Latter-day Saint. There are also both Democrats and Republicans among the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The racist stereotype is also false. While there are racists in any church, the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is clearly not rascist. The Book of Mormon says: "...he [Christ] invited all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile." (2 Nephi 26:33)
Regarding the problem of racism, Gordon B Hinckley, a former prophet of the Church said, "Now I am told that racial slurs and denigrating remarks are sometimes heard among us. I remind you that no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church of Christ." (The Need for Greater Kindness, Liahona Magazine, May 2006)
I hope this post can help clear up some of the misperceptions that are out there. If you have questions leave a comment and I will try my best to answer it. If you would prefer to contact me privately, you can e-mail me at dawacu@umich.edu or call me at (801)309-3892
Friday, October 2, 2009
Activity Plans
At yesterday's meeting we discussed activity plans and we would like everyone's ideas and comments. Especially, we want to see if anyone has suggestions that would help include a broad array of belief systems. We want to make sure that our group helps people of all belief systems express and dialogue about their convictions. Your perspective is appreciated!
We are going to do an activity designed to get social work students to share their thoughts on faith and hopefully generate some dialogue on the subject. We will do this by putting up a poster a few weeks before the activity asking students to write their thoughts about faith directly on the poster. We will also send out an e-mail asking the same thing that they can reply to. Any identifying information will be removed from the entries and there will be a disscussion about them at an actual activity as well as on the blog. We plan on giving specific invitations to other school of social work organizations to come and discuss faith with us at the activity to help insure that many viewpoints are represented. Below is a draft e-mail created by Jenn to help give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Certain specific information in the e-mail (activity date, poster location, etc.) is subject to change. Let the group know what you think!
-Daniel
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The SW Interfaith Alliance wants to know what you think about:
FAITH
What does faith mean to you?
How does faith play a role in your life?
Is faith synonymous with religion? Culture?
There is a message board in the SW Commons for your thoughts. Please make any comment you would like regarding your thoughts on faith or respond to a question above. We hope that this will allow us all to better understand each others perspectives and open channels for dialogue.
If you would prefer to email a comment to be posted anonymously, please send it to swinterfaithalliance@gmail.com.
On October 30th from 1-2pm we will be hosting a dialogue to discuss submissions. Hope to see you there!
We are going to do an activity designed to get social work students to share their thoughts on faith and hopefully generate some dialogue on the subject. We will do this by putting up a poster a few weeks before the activity asking students to write their thoughts about faith directly on the poster. We will also send out an e-mail asking the same thing that they can reply to. Any identifying information will be removed from the entries and there will be a disscussion about them at an actual activity as well as on the blog. We plan on giving specific invitations to other school of social work organizations to come and discuss faith with us at the activity to help insure that many viewpoints are represented. Below is a draft e-mail created by Jenn to help give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Certain specific information in the e-mail (activity date, poster location, etc.) is subject to change. Let the group know what you think!
-Daniel
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The SW Interfaith Alliance wants to know what you think about:
FAITH
What does faith mean to you?
How does faith play a role in your life?
Is faith synonymous with religion? Culture?
There is a message board in the SW Commons for your thoughts. Please make any comment you would like regarding your thoughts on faith or respond to a question above. We hope that this will allow us all to better understand each others perspectives and open channels for dialogue.
If you would prefer to email a comment to be posted anonymously, please send it to swinterfaithalliance@gmail.com.
On October 30th from 1-2pm we will be hosting a dialogue to discuss submissions. Hope to see you there!
Ballot
The people who applied for officer positions are as follows:
President- Daniel C.
Secretary- Adriel E.
Treasurer- Jennifer G.
Since there is only one person applying for each position these people are running unopposed.
President- Daniel C.
Secretary- Adriel E.
Treasurer- Jennifer G.
Since there is only one person applying for each position these people are running unopposed.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Meeting on Thursday
We submitted our final constitution and are waiting while it is reviewed.
In the meantime, I propose that we have a meeting to discuss the following priorities. The best time for people seems to be Thursday at 1pm. If you are in a class until 1pm, just come as soon as you can. I propose that we meet in the McGregor commons because I don't know if we can reserve a room yet.
1. Our first activity- Interest has been expressed in asking the ssw students what they believe about some theological issue (e.g. What do you believe (or not believe) about God?), removing all the identifying information, and then reading them out loud to a group. Come to the meeting or comment about this idea on this blog.
2. Election of officers- Our constitution requires three officers: a President, a secretary, and a treasurer. If you are at all interested in any of these positions, submit your name either at the meeting or as a comment to this blog post. After the meeting I will send out an e-mail ballot to everyone. Let the caucus begin!
If you have any questions e-mail swinterfaithalliance@gmail.com or make a comment.
In the meantime, I propose that we have a meeting to discuss the following priorities. The best time for people seems to be Thursday at 1pm. If you are in a class until 1pm, just come as soon as you can. I propose that we meet in the McGregor commons because I don't know if we can reserve a room yet.
1. Our first activity- Interest has been expressed in asking the ssw students what they believe about some theological issue (e.g. What do you believe (or not believe) about God?), removing all the identifying information, and then reading them out loud to a group. Come to the meeting or comment about this idea on this blog.
2. Election of officers- Our constitution requires three officers: a President, a secretary, and a treasurer. If you are at all interested in any of these positions, submit your name either at the meeting or as a comment to this blog post. After the meeting I will send out an e-mail ballot to everyone. Let the caucus begin!
If you have any questions e-mail swinterfaithalliance@gmail.com or make a comment.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Finalized Constitution next week
I would like the constitution finalized by next Friday so we can get it submitted. Please review it and post your comments or send them to swinterfaithalliance@gmail.com. I will e-mail out a final version the day before I submit it so that if there are any problems with the final product group members can tell me.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Items of buisness
There are two important final items of business to address before becoming an officially recognized organization.
#1. Someone needs to be our third authorized signer. They would be able to sign checks in case we get any funding for activities from the school. That's about the extent of their responsibilities. Adriel and I (Daniel) are the other two so far, in case you are curious.
#2. Meeting times: Adriel and I are the only ones who showed up to our first meeting. This is a problem. What meeting times work out for everyone?
#1. Someone needs to be our third authorized signer. They would be able to sign checks in case we get any funding for activities from the school. That's about the extent of their responsibilities. Adriel and I (Daniel) are the other two so far, in case you are curious.
#2. Meeting times: Adriel and I are the only ones who showed up to our first meeting. This is a problem. What meeting times work out for everyone?
Activity ideas
Here are a list of activity ideas. If you have any other ideas or suggestions feel free to add them by way of comments. I think that as soon as we can get all organized we plan an activity. Currently I'm thinking that #3 would be the most attention grabbing and may encourage others to get interested in the organization, but I am open to different opinions...
1.Student Presentations/Forums: Students from SSW can be invited to give a presentation on the basic beliefs of their religion, common misperceptions, and things to be aware of when working with members of their particular religion. This could be followed by a question and answer session.
2.“Expert” presentation: Some expert on a particular religion (e.g. an imam, rabbi, minister, etc.) could be invited to talk about the basic beliefs of their religion and common issues members of that religion face. We could follow it with a question and answer session with just the expert or with a panel including students from that religion.
3.Anonymous presentation of beliefs: We could solicit SSW students to send in short statements about their beliefs on a theological topic (e.g. God or the afterlife) to be read aloud anonymously.
A discussion could follow, but doesn’t need to.
4.Service projects in the community, perhaps with faith-based organizations or perhaps not.
Any other ideas you can think of that would be engaging and contribute to the mission of the organization would be much appreciated!!!
1.Student Presentations/Forums: Students from SSW can be invited to give a presentation on the basic beliefs of their religion, common misperceptions, and things to be aware of when working with members of their particular religion. This could be followed by a question and answer session.
2.“Expert” presentation: Some expert on a particular religion (e.g. an imam, rabbi, minister, etc.) could be invited to talk about the basic beliefs of their religion and common issues members of that religion face. We could follow it with a question and answer session with just the expert or with a panel including students from that religion.
3.Anonymous presentation of beliefs: We could solicit SSW students to send in short statements about their beliefs on a theological topic (e.g. God or the afterlife) to be read aloud anonymously.
A discussion could follow, but doesn’t need to.
4.Service projects in the community, perhaps with faith-based organizations or perhaps not.
Any other ideas you can think of that would be engaging and contribute to the mission of the organization would be much appreciated!!!
Tentative Constitution
SWIA Constitution
Fall 2009
Preamble:
SWIA’s mission is to celebrate the diversity of religious belief in the field of Social Work and to challenge religious prejudice and misinformation. We strive to welcome students of all religious beliefs into the UM School of Social Work and to give them opportunities to form supportive and worthwhile relationships with their peers. SWIA also strives to create a forum where issues of social work and religion/spirituality may be discussed openly and civilly.
Article I-Name
The name of this organization is the Social Work Interreligious Alliance, henceforth referred to as SWIA.
Article II-Purpose
SWIA strives to
• support religious diversity within the field of Social Work by creating a welcoming environment for students of all religions in the UM SSW
• combat misinformation and stereotypes that exist regarding religious groups.
• create an open and civil forum for discussing religious issues within the context of social work.
• contribute to the UM SSW community by serving others and supporting quality activities.
Article III- Membership
Sect. I-Membership is open to all persons who support the mission and purpose of the SWIA.
Sect. 2 – One can become a member at any time by indicating to one of the organization’s officers their desire to join the organization.
Sect. 3- Voluntary withdrawal of membership may be done at any time with a written notice to a student leader of the organization.
Article IV: Officers
Sect. 1
SWIA has three officer positions:
President
Treasurer
Secretary
President plans and coordinates meetings and events. Treasurer coordinates and organizes finances. Secretary takes minutes of meetings, creates and distributes fliers as needed; also is responsible for communicating with Office of Student Services to coordinate events.
Sect. 2
Decision-making powers will be held by the membership of SWIA. Decisions will by made by majority or plurality vote.
Article V. Operations
Sect.1
Any member of SWIA is eligible for office.
Sect. 2
Officers are elected by nomination from their peers. The ballot will consist of an email sent to the President to be tallied. Officers may be elected in September and/or January.
Sect. 3
Officers will assume their positions at the first group meeting following the elections.
Article VI- Finances
Sect. 1
SWIA will obtain funding in the following ways 1) private donations 2) MSA funding.
Sect. 2
Elected Treasurer will be responsible for organizations finances.
Article VII- Amendments
Sect. 1
Amendments may be proposed verbally at any meeting or may be submitted in writing.
Sect. 2
Any current member of SWIA may submit an Amendment.
Sect 3.
Amendments will be sent by e-mail ballot to all members and must pass a two thirds vote. Members who don’t respond to the e-mail within a week of it being sent out will not have their vote counted.
Article VIII- Registration Renewal
Sect.1
Registration will be Renewed every September.
Article IX- Removal of Membership
Sect.1
Officers may be relived of their leadership duties if they fail to fulfill their commitments or engage in unethical/ illegal behavior.
Sect. 2
Officers will be removed by a majority vote from the membership.
Sect. 3
A member of SWIA may be removed if they pose any form of threat physical, emotional or psychological to any member of the organization.
Sect. 4
A member of SWIA may also be removed by a 2/3 majority vote from the membership.
Fall 2009
Preamble:
SWIA’s mission is to celebrate the diversity of religious belief in the field of Social Work and to challenge religious prejudice and misinformation. We strive to welcome students of all religious beliefs into the UM School of Social Work and to give them opportunities to form supportive and worthwhile relationships with their peers. SWIA also strives to create a forum where issues of social work and religion/spirituality may be discussed openly and civilly.
Article I-Name
The name of this organization is the Social Work Interreligious Alliance, henceforth referred to as SWIA.
Article II-Purpose
SWIA strives to
• support religious diversity within the field of Social Work by creating a welcoming environment for students of all religions in the UM SSW
• combat misinformation and stereotypes that exist regarding religious groups.
• create an open and civil forum for discussing religious issues within the context of social work.
• contribute to the UM SSW community by serving others and supporting quality activities.
Article III- Membership
Sect. I-Membership is open to all persons who support the mission and purpose of the SWIA.
Sect. 2 – One can become a member at any time by indicating to one of the organization’s officers their desire to join the organization.
Sect. 3- Voluntary withdrawal of membership may be done at any time with a written notice to a student leader of the organization.
Article IV: Officers
Sect. 1
SWIA has three officer positions:
President
Treasurer
Secretary
President plans and coordinates meetings and events. Treasurer coordinates and organizes finances. Secretary takes minutes of meetings, creates and distributes fliers as needed; also is responsible for communicating with Office of Student Services to coordinate events.
Sect. 2
Decision-making powers will be held by the membership of SWIA. Decisions will by made by majority or plurality vote.
Article V. Operations
Sect.1
Any member of SWIA is eligible for office.
Sect. 2
Officers are elected by nomination from their peers. The ballot will consist of an email sent to the President to be tallied. Officers may be elected in September and/or January.
Sect. 3
Officers will assume their positions at the first group meeting following the elections.
Article VI- Finances
Sect. 1
SWIA will obtain funding in the following ways 1) private donations 2) MSA funding.
Sect. 2
Elected Treasurer will be responsible for organizations finances.
Article VII- Amendments
Sect. 1
Amendments may be proposed verbally at any meeting or may be submitted in writing.
Sect. 2
Any current member of SWIA may submit an Amendment.
Sect 3.
Amendments will be sent by e-mail ballot to all members and must pass a two thirds vote. Members who don’t respond to the e-mail within a week of it being sent out will not have their vote counted.
Article VIII- Registration Renewal
Sect.1
Registration will be Renewed every September.
Article IX- Removal of Membership
Sect.1
Officers may be relived of their leadership duties if they fail to fulfill their commitments or engage in unethical/ illegal behavior.
Sect. 2
Officers will be removed by a majority vote from the membership.
Sect. 3
A member of SWIA may be removed if they pose any form of threat physical, emotional or psychological to any member of the organization.
Sect. 4
A member of SWIA may also be removed by a 2/3 majority vote from the membership.
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