I just posted a blog in WC that I posted on our church website yesterday in response to the CBC commentary on advertising by churches.  I believe this may be the same commentary that sparked another thread.  Our webmaster offered his appreciation for my posting of the blog -- found it very helpful for him.

CBC Radio included a commentary on advertising campaigns and approaches used by different churches, and included a comment that, as much as most young people support the positions of the United Church of Canada on issues such as homosexuality and the environment, most also perceived the United Church as having no clear beliefs.  This provoked me to reflecting on what I thought could go in a belief statement by the United Church.

In  another thread, the idea has been raised that asking questions about one's faith, and finding an answer in some other source than sacred writ is somehow wrong, sinful, or detrimental to one's faith.  (Also there is another thread that wonders if preaching from the Lectionary leaves impirtant truths [i.e. presumed answers to questions] out of the picture altogether.)  Just wondering if anyone had questions of faith that sacred writ doesn't address.

There aren't many news outlets with religious writers these days, so I'm grateful that the National Post has Charles Lewis on staff to shed light on the religious life and experiences of Canadians. I appreciate particularly that Charles seems intrigued by The United Church of Canada.

Intrigued but also seemingly puzzled by a church that refuses to enforce a single “orthodox” point of view. In his eyes, I suspect, we appear to be going out of our way to raise questions that ought not to be raised, or provoke arguments that should be nipped in the bud.

I would not like to see the pain that besh went through in "when is a david not a person" be totally for nothing. (and I believe that he did indeed feel pain and frustration, even if it was of his own making)

So, I'd like to resurrect the following from that exchange and invite anyone to share their ideas:

Besh asked: How will you get into heaven? What's the point of your religion at all?

and I replied (I've reorganized a bit, if anyone happens to go back to the original)

[quote=GoldenRule]

What role does God play in your faith, life, church?

This isn't terribly "new" of course, but for me, it pretty much sums up the crux of the debate that generally divides the so-called  traditional and emerging paradigms of Christianity.

Rather than interpret our relationship with God through Scripture, Jesus shows repeatedly that we have to interpret Scripture through our relationship with God. And that we must see that relationship as extending to all.

In 2012 all United Church congregations will be able to vote on an important doctrinal remit. This is interesting for a whole bunch of reasons. It is the first use of the ter "subordinate standard" in our polity in many years. It clearly places the various statements of faith in context of each other, the Basis of Union and, most importantly, scripture.

[quote]

LAst winter the group that was working through Revelation kept asking me a question,  "What does the United Church believe about...?

WE have some people who whave expressed an interest in confirmation classes.

And so I have come to a conclusion that combines both things.

Starting in January I am going to offer a study group that will double as confirmation/re-affirmation of faith class for those who are interested. The group is called What does the United Church believe about...
and possible topic areas include:

Hi everyone!

I said I'm evangelical christian. It's truth. Also, for me relationship is more important than doctrines. It's why I came here because sometimes I found evangelical church to intolerant.

I thing everyone have the light of Christ within his life including people don't have my beleive. It's the reason why respect it's very important.