Shirley Pevarnik

Thanks for the column. I share your angst re: traditionsal views of church, and the focus on individual salvation from narrow sin-redemption model that sounds more like an evacuation plan from the earth upon expiring here. Larger domes of meaning are in order. The largest group of the faithful now are the “Nones,” or the SBNR (spiritual but not religious) group. Institutional religion is becoming defunct, and thinking persons realize we’re headed for an evolution along holistic, eco-spiritual lines, a church without walls that your timely comments suggest. Its part of what is evolving. Passing from old order, to reorder usually involves a period disorder, where I think we are now, and will be for awhile. Is no direct flight from order to reorder, without a period of unknowing. In the interim, hang on, inhabit your center and share your angst and inspirations with others who are going through similar periods of change and uncertainty.

I have thought about this for many years.
I’ve come to this conclusion by Christ’s example.
For instance the story of the cripple lowered down through the roof.
In all 3 accounts of the story, only one line is the same.
“The son of man has power to forgive sin on earth.”
Christ shows the importance of our spiritual health, and how it far exceeds the need, of the physical.
Jesus encourages the confessions of our shortcomings one to another, to find forgiveness and receive healing.
In our societies there are imbalances, due in large part to addictions, born of generational curses and societies intolerance and it’s tolerance, or feelings that these problems are too ingrained, too shameful, to come into the light, so to speak; coupled with the nurturing of destructive tendencies through mainstream media that makes light of their destructive nature, by use of memes, comedy, sitcoms and even song, that many accept as entertainment now, because these shortcoming are so apparent in humanity.
I believe an earth church possible and even alluring; if it seeks to educate (council), as well as relate on a personal level, to finally be healed and forgiven. While at the same time nurturing and exposing our need for communal living (group therapies), for a multitude of beneficial reasons, too vast to uncover by oneself. While opening the enormity of the door that sings ” come as you are.”
Within the church, there needs to be a place where wise council is always available (to the point that no individuals circumstance is not addressed by being brought into a community that deals with everything, specialty communities within the community). As well as a body that is willing to embrace and go the distance (which gives birth to the accountability without having to make it burdensome) with unconditional acceptance. So formal invitations, without expectation, emphasizing meaning, that all are free to come in, and to exit freely, could be one way of breaching what has already begun evolving within the chaos of existence.
I have had so many inspirations over the years.
An earth church needs to be viewed as a spiritual hospital,
(Even those who would balk at the notion of spirituality can accept the institutions of love, joy, faithfulness, forgiveness, patience, kindness, gentleness, humility and temperance.) a place of education and individual and communal growth. A place where science, psychology, community, all forms of creation by artisans, are viewed as types of worship, and welcomed. Also it must offer alternatives to imprisonment for failure, for everyone to grow through the nurturing a purpose to a higher calling, of we as a whole. It must make allowance for the sacred and the profane. Without awareness of all the ways in which we do not build each other up, we cannot end the cyclical existence that tears us down, individually and as a whole.
With the rise now of cryptocurrencies, there also exists the possibility through the use of technology, to evolve our monetary system, from one that measures worth by that which is gained to a system that assigns merit by that which we give away. Rewarding merit on acts of love, and all the fruit of the holy spirit as we serve one another. This is a platform that can be realized. Such a system nurtures the natural and spiritual growth. Even our members in society who are now looked upon as burdens, become blessings, giving purpose to those who would give of themselves to the continuation of care and life by their very existence. Which in time will restore the ability to empathize, care and nurture.
I had read a study of grade school children from 30 years ago. The study measured the decline of the characteristics of empathy, caring and nurturing in our youth here in the U.S.
In 2016 I could find no successful methods instituted to instill our youth with these characteristics of caring and nurturing. Several attempts were tried, but unfruitful.
Should we ever attempt this, our first and foremost mission statement, I believe, should be exacted to the purpose of ending poverty, starvation, human trafficking and all forms of slavery (too many to mention here), by means of educational intitutions making this primary within that which we seek to heal thus raising the awareness of all citizens of the world and hopefully the urgency. While I know ecologically speaking many have justifiable concerns that there may not be enough time to heal the earth. There is enough awareness, and time, for the heart of God to heal by our evolving into this more spiritual way of existing.
I believe this church has already been started in many places, and in many ways, all over the world. Opening the virtual doors and welcoming in the whole of creation to this congregation, that is, already, and allowing it to grow as the road will always open up before us, has begun. Should we dare to embrace it.

Knowing this, that there will be a period of great hardship and suffering.

SELF, will not die quietly, and all that was prophesied by Christ
will come to pass it is inevitable.

I have tried to think of ways self could slowly fade into this unity.

All the sacred and all the profane together to realize an ecozoic and perhaps even a unizoic era realized in the generations to come. I believe it will happen, and likewise, I don’t think Jesus would take any offense to the teachings of all beings called to this higher purpose of unity. It stands to reason that God has by necessity, been many things, to many forms of life, over the canvas of creation and time.
Much love.