Four persons were in attendance for our Third Wednesday discussion on "Create your own five principles." Thanks to Jennifer Sandberg for her thoughtful submission which follows. Our next discussion (on July 20th) will look at the parallels and differences between Humanism and Christianity drawing on the work of Abraham Maslow, "Toward a New Psychology of Being" and Paul's letter to the Galatians. Readings will be available on the table in the church parlor. Come for a lively discussion and fellowship starting at 7:00pm. For more info contact the office at office@universalist.org.
MY FIVE PRINCIPLES
Jennifer Sandberg
1. God is. God loves us. We are all eventually reconciled to God, in this life or when we die. It is up to God, as to when that actually happens.
2. Jesus was a human who was extraordinarily blessed by God. His words and deeds are what is paramount. He lived as other Jewish men lived at the time, i.e., he was married, had a family, but was called by God to teach others. His teaching that the Realm of God was reachable by everyone is the most important. The Romans killed him.
3. The Bible was written by humans, inspired by God. Not all of the current Bible tells us everything God wants us to know. We are to use the minds God gave us to seek out other sources of enlightenment.
4. We are all members of the Priesthood of Believers. It is the obligation God gave us, to follow God’s commandments, to follow the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives, to lighten the burden of others, to bring a ray of Light to those in need, whether they be on the street, in our place of work, or in our own house. And whether or not they are of a different religion or belief system. God is God.
5.Women and men are both Priests. God created us equally. Jesus didn’t make those distinctions, either. He taught us to love one another as God loves us. Period. God incorporates both the feminine and masculine divine. Mary of Magdala (or Mary Magdalene) was the First Apostle. After Jesus died, she carried on his work, with members of his family.
Posted by Mark McNabb at July 13, 2005 09:55 AM