| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 1111.1 | | POWDML::FLANAGAN | let your light shine | Thu Jul 13 1995 11:40 | 7 |
| In our UU Covenant we covenant to "Affirm the interdependent web of
existence to which we are a part". Paul describes the Body of Christ
as the fellowship of all persons who are in Christ.
As a Universalist Christian I had equated the two.
Is a body of Christ that includes less than all of humanity too small!
|
| 1111.2 | demonstratable | HBAHBA::HAAS | improbable cause | Thu Jul 13 1995 12:17 | 16 |
| The term - "interdependent web of existence" - has a factual basis
independent of faith.
We're pysically composed of atoms and molecules created outside of
ourselves, reusing matter that was once in other forms. This includes
both inanimate things, like minerals and water, as well as living things
such as the food we eat.
My particlar belief in this connectedness seems to be along the lines of
American Indians. The interdependence eliminates the separation of us
from the rest of the God's creation. What we are was once another part of
it all and when we physically die, we'll be recycled.
However, I don't see that this is any group's exclusive phenomenom.
TTom
|
| 1111.3 | | POWDML::FLANAGAN | let your light shine | Mon Jul 17 1995 09:59 | 18 |
| TTom,
I agree with you that what us UU's call the "interdependent web of
existence" is not Unique to UU's or any other group. I'm struggling
with developing my own personal theology knowing that the principles
of the "Worth and dignity of every human" and the "interdependent web of
existence to which we are all a part" are my cornerstone beliefs which
frame my religious perspective.
I also know that on a emotional, intuitive level, I also respond to the
Christian symbols, stories, and the teachings of Jesus and much of the
theology of Paul. I struggle with how to define a Universalist
Christianity for today. If the body of Christ is to include all of
humanity, then it must include those who are non Christian. Those who
are non Christian may not want to be included in a Christian notion of
the body of Christ. A Universalist Christianity for today needs to
take its place among the other great world religions and not be
constantly warring with those religions.
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| 1111.4 | must include all | HBAHBA::HAAS | time compressed | Mon Jul 17 1995 12:49 | 11 |
| Patricia,
I certainly agree that Christianity, as an example of a set of beliefs,
has to include and account for all things. Over in another note, we're
discussiong pain and suffering as things that have to folded into our
faith.
I would assert that any belief that starts with God as the creator of
everything has to include this interdependece.
TTom
|