anyone else trying to find a different way to be Christian?

[nearlythree]

Don't quite know what I mean by that, but I'm longing for something different from what the church offers, and wondered if anyone else feels the same?

I seriously doubt it Kickass I don't think there is a hell.. I think we judge ourselves.

But should perchance there transpire to be a hell after all, I will see you there.. cos I'll be there for thinking unchristian thoughts at Alpha classes.. and asking "why should Jesus be the only way to God? I don't understand why?" (Got some shocked looks at that one.. I so hoped it wouldn't be like that..!)

Hi everyone,

really interested reading this thread. I am a very committed Chrisitan, and have been involved in a wide variety of church traditions over the years.
A group of us are having a go at 'christian community' as are feeling in varying degrees that established church is not for us. We live together, and try to be part of each others daily lives, and pray toghther regularly - we use a lot of the northumbria stuff but hopefully our own stuff will emerge over time too. It has been great to stand back a bit and consider what I really believe, and look again at Jesus' radical and life changing teaching, what he teaches about justice and love is so far from many peoples perception of what the church teaches.

So, anyway, not sure where our community will lead... lots of ideas... but it is a fun and liberating experiment!

Hi, Sleepyjess! Yes, I did recommend Mimi Doe' sbooks, I know exactly what you mean about he rbeing perfect! My excuse is that all my kids are under five so I don't have the time, plus it all goes over their heads anyway! Except it doesn't - dd1 is very interested in sprirituality and also issues like justice and equality. I just wish I had more energy to do stuff with her.

Nicky Gumbel will forever be Nicky Gumboil to me from now on! I think that the 'meaning of life' thing is actually Alpha's problem. It claims to have the answers which is impossible. Anyway, life would be really boring if we knew everything.

Kickass, how funny, I would love to do that too! Weird how all wings of the church seem to end up really smug, even the alternative ones!

Kickass and Mary, I'm not in Cambs, I'm just across the border in Essex. Whereabouts are you? Mary, have you done the Godly Play course run by Ely diocese? Think it would really complement your reader training, I did it and it is fab.

TigerT, very intersted to hear that you are living in community. Could you tell us more?

Nearlythree - I'll have to find out more about that course, I don't live that far from Ely!
Thanks for the tip!

Mary, they have a website. Try googling it, it is very interesting. The course is actually near Cambridge.

btw, did anyon know that some of the Brontes believed in universal salvation? they thought there was good biblical back up for the idea, and seeing how their dad was a vicar, one assumes they knew their bible.
puts an interesting spin on alpha courses doesn't it?
apparently the idea of universal salvation was a popular one during victorian times.

If I believe in an afterlife, then I am a universalist. I once really upset a bunch of Christians on an evangelical site once, I was amazed they prefered to believe in a God who would punish than a God whose love is so huge that no-one could refuse it.

I've upset a few people in my time too with my 'liberal' views - mostly the Yanks, some of them seem a lot more 'biblical' in their beliefs, particularly re: modesty

yes, yanks can be quite absolute in their beliefs. does discussing this sort of thing on a sunday count as going to curch? i know a lot of people would say no, but trying to get some brownie points after my wicked thoughts earlier (that's how it works, isn't it)?

Sorry, I'm not licensed to conduct services, either in person or over the internet

Godly play is fantastic. London Diocese run courses too which I have been on (although did not complete as I nearly went into premature labour but that's another story...!) but I think that the one in canbridgshire is the 'home' of Godly play in the uk and they have a proper godly play room set up apparently. It is such an amazing way of exploring Bible stories with children (and adults) and encouraging them to explore what it means for them rather than presenting with the answers! I reckon you woudl love it MaryBS

Glad you are interested about our community nearlythree. Ummm, what can I tell you. In many ways it is no more than a group of friends living together and going about thier daily work/being a mum etc but we are activly trying to explore what being 'church' in the broadest sense ie being a community of Christians might be. Not sure we are really there yet at all and I don't always find it easy especially with young baby.

We are quite an eclectic bunch including 2 families, a catholic poet, a gay vicar.... life is never dull

Kickass...I didn't know that about the bronte's... interesting. I realy just beginning to think things through and dare to question what some branches of the church don't seem to want you to even think about. very exciting....

we are planning to go to greenbelt this year. I think it is a wonderful place

I went to an alpha course (for mums available during the school day!). It put me right off the C of E. Nicky Gumbel reminded me of Tony Blair. I have come across deeply spiritual clergy in both the RC and C of E church - if I hadn't I would have long dismissed it all as rubbish. I'm vaguely intrigued by the Unitarians, but haven't a clue what makes them different from other churches(apart from not being trinitarian).

I WILL look into Godly play. I've found where it is in Cambridge, not too far to travel at all. There is a 'children's' ministry setting up at the church, they would probably be interested too. See if we can get the church to fund it...

Tigert, do you actually live as a community? Do you rent or own a house?

lilymaid, the Unitarians have a good website with loads of info. I'd like to check them out one day. They sell books on their site but I haven't got around to ordering any yet. Their styl eof worship sounds much more wher I am coming from than the silence of Quaker worship.

Mary, hope the Godly Play goes well, the course is great; I'v efound it helpful with my own children, too.