Seekingsophia- thank you for sharing your story. Just think how you have changed that one person's life just by not being afraid to share your perspective. keep it going, my friend!

Thank you. It means a lot to me to be able to share it. Death is one of those things we fear so much in the West and in my studies of eastern religions I have learned how beautiful and special it can be.

Adrian, Wow! What a beautiful piece of writing! Reminds me of some of those crazy futuristic movies or books. Like "The Road"... I certainly hope that this is not what the future holds. I see quite a different future- one where the spirituality of humans grows and faith traditions are upheld as valuable foundations but are also more malleable and able to be questioned. I see less dogma and more emphasis on where different religions overlap. Of course, I tend to be pretty optimistic. I also see the potential for the extremes to be even more extreme- but I think people's awareness- of god within everything and everyone- is growing and leading us toward a growing number of people that are looking for spiritual communities, compassionate leaders, justice, and a symbiotic relationship with the earth. Besides, Christianity has survived 2000 years...I think it will last another 100 at least- that's if we do. Having said that- if I were that person in your story- I would shout my faith from the mountain tops and tell everyone I know about this amazing man that also felt very alone in his faith, that tried to change the world he lived in, who ignored all of societies judgments and was true to himself. He came to understand that God- or Alaha (sacred unity, oneness, ultimate potential)- was within everyone and everything. That in each moment anyone- no matter their class, race, religion, or gender- could experience the kingdom God. That was something he couldn't help but share with his world. And I hope I would have the courage to do the same.

Hi Betty, Thank you so much for your comments. I, of course, did not mean to sound ageist at all. I am friends with a number of older people and find that you are right- it is often them whom have the courage to stand up for what they believe, to demand change when needed. Many of the leaders of the progressive Christian movement are in their 60's and 70's. But, you yourself said you left the church because you see no real hope of change and that is exactly the issue I am speaking of here- it seems the churches, in general are afraid of change. And church leaders are often afraid to say what they truly believe because it may sound too radical. Maybe they make the same assumptions that I did- that the older people in their church- often their financial supporters- don't want change and will leave. Maybe, if they asked, they would find that that is exactly what the "elders" want. Or maybe they will find that those who do want change have already left- like you...? Thanks again! Peace Deshna

Adrian, I am not speaking for all progressive Christians by any means. In fact, to be completely honest- I am so far on the other side of the fence, that the fence is simply a blurry line in the distance. Now, this is not to say that I think I am farther along in any direction (I tend to run circles in the field, dance, jump, go backwards, forwards and most definitely enjoy being off the path more than being on it) However, I just wanted to say that for those of us that have taken the jump to the other side of the splintery fence- I think that you'll find that to us- you can call Jesus whatever you want- anything really- progressive Christians can not fight over definitions. To you, he is God and that is exactly what you need (as you said) in this moment in your life. To me- we are all God. And that is simply, how I need to look at the picture in order to be able to follow a path of compassion and non-judgment. So, if the fence still feels right to you, hang out there for awhile longer. Than maybe you can re-evaluate at some point. And of all the billions of people on this earth, don't you think its possible that God has manifested in more than one human?? When I saw the Dalai Lama- I saw God so clearly shining in his eyes. And then we get to the tricky question...what is God?

Yes, I think we are saying the same thing! One might call it the Holy Spirt, or inner goddess, or inner wisdom, the spirit of God, or simply the way, the truth, whatever! I personally think that everyone is called in a different way to find a path of compassion. Language helps us communicate with each other, to teach each other, to love each other. But just as often, we use it to divide, to misunderstand, to hate. That is what saddens me the most- religion in the form of words being used to put down others, to start wars, to separate. To me being called by the spirit of God to reflect God's glory happens when a child loves without bar, when Spring emerges out of the death of nature, when I have a moment of clarity and I see how blessed I am, when I am able to look at someone without judgment or fear. When for those brief moments in time I am able to be still and quiet and aware that I have everything I need is already there. To me there really is no lesser way to say it all unless the way you are saying it excludes other ways to describe or experience that Glory.