The Flaming Chalice

[keithnurse]

Originally Posted by UltraViolet

So I am curious... when you are called to "worship"....
I guess that means you simply each get in your own spiritual "zone"?

I imagine lay fellowships do not do this.
Worshipping is not something I'm real fond of.

I really do not want to join a church.

I just want to make friends with spiritually open minded people where I live.

I really don't know what to do.

I think there's nowhere for me.

I'm not really sure what you are thinking when you say "worship". Maybe you mean mainstream Christian worship which involves praising a god or saying "Father we praise you we bow down to you". We don't get into an individual "zone".When UUs worship we don't bow down to a god or praise a god who demand that people praise him. UU worship is more like "worth ship" as a community giving worth to or honoring or celebrating creativity, wisdom, nature, music, literature and human knowledge and wisdom handed down to us through the ages. I hope this helps a tiny bit.

[UltraViolet]

Originally Posted by keithnurse

I'm not really sure what you are thinking when you say "worship". Maybe you mean mainstream Christian worship which involves praising a god or saying "Father we praise you we bow down to you". We don't get into an individual "zone".When UUs worship we don't bow down to a god or praise a god who demand that people praise him. UU worship is more like "worth ship" as a community giving worth to or honoring or celebrating creativity, wisdom, nature, music, literature and human knowledge and wisdom handed down to us through the ages. I hope this helps a tiny bit.

Thank you Keith.

That last bit is quite helpful. Worth-ship I can get with.

I have long had a "problem" with the word worship.
Standard definitions seem to include an "other" deity.
(see dictionary entry below)

But as I see each Self as Deity...
and I-dolls as something so potentially personal to the Self
as to generate feelings of genuine love as a >>
Sacred *Object*..... (of your attention)
which could also be creativity, wisdom, nature, music etc etc
(as you stated)...
also generating love...

I guess one could ardently devote themSelf
to any of these things...
as I have ardently devoted my life to music for example.

Still...
I seem to feel this is all rather a stretch...
and would simply prefer to use another word.

Worth-ship is good!

I like that.


wor·ship (wûrshp) KEY

NOUN:

1. 1. <LI type=a>The reverent love and devotion accorded a deity, an idol, or a sacred object.
   2. The ceremonies, prayers, or other religious forms by which this love is expressed.
2. Ardent devotion; adoration.
3. often Worship Chiefly British Used as a form of address for magistrates, mayors, and certain other dignitaries: Your Worship.

VERB:
wor·shiped or wor·shipped , wor·ship·ing or wor·ship·ping , wor·ships
VERB:
tr.

1. To honor and love as a deity.
2. To regard with ardent or adoring esteem or devotion. See Synonyms at revere 1.

VERB:
intr.

1. To participate in religious rites of worship.
2. To perform an act of worship.

[UltraViolet]

Originally Posted by lilithu

Many UUs think that UUs is about having the space to find their own spiritualilty, in which case UV and UU would not be incompatible. I (and other UUs) feel that many UUs have over-emphasized individualism in recent years, and that UU is NOT about individual spirituality; it's about community. That's why we work on social justice. That's why we are covenental instead of credal.

Well I have certainly ALREADY found my own spirituality.
I'm just thinking of "joining" UU to meet OTHERS
who have also already found their own personal spirituality
(or are in the process of seeking).

I guess you could see it as two sides of the same coin,
but what good is loving your neighbor as yourSelf...
if you do not yet love (know how to love) your SELF.
A community is a coming together of individuals,
and the community is only as wonder-filled and power filled and Deified
as the individuals that comprise it.

My answer to "social justice" is the empowerment of the individual.
A society of Self REALized individuals
each living out their own personal highest potential
will not feel the need to "pirate" and "control" others.
I cannot do anything about our corrupeted systems,
the elite running the show, etc etc
nor do I have any personal calling to do so.
My calling is in the raising up of the individuals around me.
Certainly we do not... and WILL not ...
ALL feel in-spired to take the very same paths in getting where we are going.
I do not see this as a problem...
but instead an integral part of the Glory of the Individual
in REALizing a more glorious Whole.

You could see the chalice as the "Spirit filled cup"
of the individual.
The "community" will then take on the "cast"
of the interplay of each unique burning (flame)...
the personal passions of each individual there.

Friends (community) also can refil our oil when we're running low.
When we're "burnt out".
True *Spirits* are not a limited commodity after all.

I could really use some friends here...
in my "real life".

Oh yes...
and I myself am not much for either convention or creed.

Don't know if this will make me unable to participate in UU or not.

I call it worship because (at least in my congregation) it is worship. It's recognition of something larger than ourselves, and rejoicing in our togetherness.

So for you lilithu, Worship is recognition of something larger than ourSelves.
Also rejoicing in togetherness.

I suppose there are as many definitions of "worship"
as there are definitions of "gOd".

fair enough.

If each of us are are in our own spiritual "zones", what is the point of coming together? I can do that in my own home

Well I don't know honey. I've never been to your church.

That's why I'm askin'.

[UltraViolet]

Thank you all for having so graciously allowed me this space in your personal forum.

[J Bryson]

No worries.

All that I've found to be a prerequisite for being in a UU church is a respect for the spiritual paths of others, a willingness to explore your own, a concern for social justice, and a general ability to acknowledge the inherent worth and dignity of others whether in loving companionship or fierce debate.

[lilithu]

Originally Posted by UltraViolet

I could really use some friends here...
in my "real life".

I tend to treat the forums as a place for intellectual discussion. So if I feel someone is placing too much emphasis on the individual, for example, I will advocate for a more communal framework. But ultimately, religion is about relationships, not concepts and frameworks. (Heck, community is about relationships. ) So it boils down to this: if you want us, we are here for you.

Everyone could really use some friends.