Quote:
Originally Posted by Pablo Rafael
I am quite happy being an Episcopalian because in the Episcopal church I find a desire to question and explore. There is not a right and a wrong way. Searching is part of the process of growing in the faith. We can all be different in our understanding of God and still be children of God.
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On the beliefnet forums, I've been engaging other Anglicans, a couple of which say I have no business joining the Episcopal Church because I don't necessarily *believe* in the orthodox doctrines. That's interesting, becauce I thought TEC valued diversity. I like your explanation of what it means to believe.
I haven't accepted Christ as my "Lord and Savior" per se, and don't see him as the only way to God, but I love him and hold him in my heart as an example of selfless love and compassion that is worth following.
My definition of a good church: one where you don't have to leave your brain in the narthex each Sunday. Like you, Pablo, I love liturgy and ceremony... the whole high-tech megachurch scene just isn't for this boy--more incense, less nonsense, thank you--so I've found my new parish a good place to discern and explore my relationship with Jesus.
But ultimately, Daniel's right. The kingdom's within. The most beautiful cathedrals on earth are filled with souls who wouldn't know spirituality if it ran up their pants legs and bit their fannies.
The Dalai Lama said our brains and hearts are the true temples.