My ideal church

I would like to see a religion which seeks both truth AND compassion. Okay, it could be a philosophy. Or even a set of guiding principles would be practical (if not too long).

One that includes, as gracefully as possible, the fundamental values of diverse religious ideals. But filters out any repression of gender, race, or sexuality.

We should include any wholesome traditions, religious or not.

By "wholesome" I mean anything that reflects good values, such as honoring those who came before, or any rituals which nourish inner peace. Anything which fosters inclusiveness in society.

For myself, a religion which supports the environment is essential. Like the movie “Avatar” conveys, my ideal religion would recognize the interconnectedness of all life.

A theology which honors the inherent worth and dignity of every individual is of utmost importance. I reject attitudes or religious ideas which infer they are the chosen ones, and others are somehow less.

Let us also recognize that we possess the capacity for reason and conscience.

More scientists are alive today than who ever lived in all of the past combined. Their contribution to modern society should be recognized in any religion or philosophy. Yes, scientific ideas change, and many people want to hold on what they think is "the truth," however the real truth is the Universe is not an easy thing to understand. Every day we learn more about how the cosmos is put together. Every day we learn more about the interplay of life on our planet. Certainly, if God created everything, then he also created all the scientific knowledge we are discovering.

My ideal religion or philosophy must celebrate the interdependent web of existence, where the rhythms of nature and the rhythms of the human heart can dance.

Why not be inspired from a wide array of spiritual sources? We can learn both from ancient wisdom as well as contemporary insights.

 I would also want a religion which weaves together a mosaic of love, justice, and hope.

People need a safe place where they can be free to explore the depths of their own beliefs. We should encourage each soul to forge their unique path, leading toward a more compassionate and just world.

I want a religion guided by an unwavering commitment to the betterment of all humanity. A religion which invites us to join hands as we journey together in the quest for truth and a more equitable, interconnected world.

There is a gift embedded in every language and religion, a flow of culture and symbolism reflecting the beauty of human diversity. A good theology should bring down any walls that separate us. If we want peace on this planet, we must build bridges of understanding and solidarity as a human species.

It invites us to hold sacred that this world includes uncertainty and mystery. As such, we must honor the journey of each soul. We cannot expect any scientific or religious books to contain ALL wisdom and knowledge.

A good theology can challenge us to confront systems of oppression and to help create a world where ALL can flourish.

With work, we can create a future that has a foundation of compassion, justice, and respect for all people --regardless of how different they are from you.