For a bit of context, I was raised in a Baptist tradition, then attended a Pentecostal church and was in ministry there for a while. After falling out with that church I ended up going my own way for a few years, exploring other religions and faith practices.  I’ve been a member of a “cafe church” community, and most recently, a member of a Weslyan church community.

Having been exposed to so many denominations and practices, and the teachings of other religions and practices such as Buddhism and Neo-paganism, I have learned three important things:

1) No one person or group holds the monopoly on the whole and complete “truth”,

2) It’s important to take everything in and figure out what you believe for yourself, and

3) “Religion” and “spirituality” are all vastly different things.

That last one is important.  Many people claim to be atheists just because they couldn’t agree with or believe in the religion or church they were raised in, when churches and religions are just one form of expressing spiritual beliefs. Just because one didn’t fit, or you were hurt by a man-made religion, doesn’t mean there’s not a God or a spiritual path that’s right for you.

I have always held that ‘religion’ is WHAT you believe and ‘spirituality’ is HOW you express those beliefs. In a lot of ways, I am still trying to work out my dogma. I make mistakes, I’m not perfect and I can’t really lay claim to being any particular denomination at this stage, and may never be able to. However, the Seven Principles and Purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association seem to fit best:

“We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:

1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person;

2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;

4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;

5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;

6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all;

7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.”

I firmly believe that if we all followed those principles, the world would be a better, more peaceful place for all it’s inhabitants.

Blessings to you, Shalom, Namaste, have a beautiful day. :)