unTapped Topic: Spiritual but Not Religious?

There are many people that justify their lack of participation in an organized religious group (church, synagogue, mosque, etc.) by saying that they are more spiritual than religious. They are able to find their spirituality within themselves or alone in the woods, or by some other means. For them, organized religion is more of an interference than a facilitation.

Pastor Lillian Daniels is certainly not crazy about such a position. She writes about her views on a deeper religious experience within a community of believers. She believes that the whole notion of an exclusively  personal spirituality is a symptom of 'self-centered American culture.'

Being privately spiritual but not religious just doesn't interest me. There is nothing challenging about having deep thoughts all by oneself. What is interesting is doing this work in community, where other people might call you on stuff, or heaven forbid, disagree with you. Where life with God gets rich and provocative is when you dig deeply into a tradition that you did not invent all for yourself.

So, what do you think? Can you be a spiritual person without a group?

Join us at Short's Brewing Company, Thursday at 7pm to discuss spirituality and relationships.

unTapped Topic: 9/11 Reflections

Most of us can clearly recall where we were ten years ago as a group of terrorists used jet planes to kill Americans and destroy some of America's greatest architectural symbols. Thousands lost their life that day and the events led to a military response that claimed the lives of thousands more.

A decade has now passed and this Sunday will be a time when many mourn, pray, and reflect. Was your life affected at all by what happened ten years ago? What spiritual impact has the event had on you? When you think of national tragedies of this caliber, is your faith a source of peace or is it more of a source of confusion? Finally, do you feel any ethical responsibility to the victims or the perpetrators?

Join us this Thursday, 7pm at Short's Brewing as unTapped resumes.

unTapped is Back!

Just a reminder: Summer is over and it is now safe for locals to come out.

After a beautiful Summer season, we are going to be resuming our Thursday conversations at Short's Brewing Company. As usual, we will meet at 7pm for weekly conversations about faith and spirituality.

See you there!