Who Are We? Who, Who? Who, Who?

This recap from last night's discussion may not be all encompasing. Due to unforseen circumstances we were forced to move locations for one night, and ended up splitting into 2 discussion groups. Please add to, or rectify anything incorrect in this recap!

This ALL is based on our experiences in a church.

Both ducussions began with the question: WHAT IS CHURCH?
-an orginization/institution
+ran much more like a buisness than not
+community?? of people with similar beliefs?
+structured/ government systems?

-a set time to come together as a "church"
+contains some "service" (worship?)
+a place to make you feel better about yourself- making us better people?
+a place to make us feel worse about ourselves- emphasis on us being "sinful"

A quote that was shared: "Sunday's from 11-12 are the most divided time in America." Is this true?

A question that was asked: Can humans, by nature, tolerate a lack of orginization or structure?
+perhaps we're afraid of not knowing, so, through the modern mindset/lens, we apply structure (based on scientific process).
+Everything is according to how we as humans have applied constructs to "reality".

The other question that was explored: HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT FROM A CHURCH (our divine conversations discussion group)?

-We allow people freedom to be themselves (can have a beer, curse, share their raw thoughts, speak their mind)--the oppertunity to be REAL (although we agreed this is what church is supposed to allow).
-NO ties to the institution
-No judgemental/better than the world/everyone else mindset
-trace is here!
-Similar belliefs is NOT what brings us together-we can have, and encourage differing ideas/thoughts/beliefs, and have to be respectful of those ideas.
+What brings us together is our willingness to explore our individual journeys???
-No Gov. system, no hired leader, a communal ownership!

Thoughts we ended on:
-we are not a "church", although we have aspects of a church, and we may be "church" for some people.
-Since we are not founded on theology, if we were a "church", we would be the "church of respect"

WE ARE STRIVING TO LIVE UP TO OUR PURPOSE: TO BE AN OPEN COMMUNITY WHERE ALL VIEWS AND IDEAS ARE WELCOME; WHERE WE SPEAK OPENLY AND RESPECTFULLY ABOUT OUR OWN JOURNEYS, SPIRITUALITY, AND REALITIES (personal, communal, national, and worldly).

Who is Divine Conversations???

Divine Conversations: Where Reality and Spirituality Meet

Who We Are:
Simply put a group of people who like to get together and discuss our lives, our experiences, the world around us, and our spirituality. We are an open community where any and all are welcome no matter where you are on your journey of life. Here, everyone is accepted and respected!

We are a community based on the understanding that:
-We are about dialogue, not debate (meaning that opposing viewpoints are encoraged but should be handled with a respectful attitude)
-Everyone’s opinion is valid and will be treated as such by all included
-Discussion involves equal parts listening and speaking
-There are no “right” or “wrong” views, simply different understandings informed by differing experiences
-No matter what, each person will be treated equally and lovingly by all involved
-No one has everything figured out
-We encourage the questions and respect (and celebrate) whatever “answers” each person comes to on any given question that person may have

Most importantly, we acknowledge that we are all pilgrims on the same journey; just trying to get a divine glimpse into what life is all about!

Wed. Nights 7:30-8:40pm
Java Divine Coffee Bar
128 Bass Lake Rd.Holly Springs NC
Blog (http://www.conversationsdivine.blogspot.com/)
email: (divineconversations@gmail.com)

Find us on Facebook groups (global): Divine Conversations: Where Reality and Spirituality Meet

* note that we are an evolving group, we acknowledge that anything is subject to change.