e-zine for March 16, 2006
Reconstructing Christianity

Believe nothing.
No matter where you read it,
Or who said it,
Even if I have said it,
Unless it agrees with your own reason
And your own common sense."
~Buddha

So What DO We Believe?
By Ian Lawton

This week I had a conversation with some community members. We discussed the fact that so much of traditional Christian belief seems to have changed. We wondered what needs to remain essential for it to be called "Christian". We all agreed that much liberal theology seems to be built around what we don't believe anymore. It tends to be heavy on deconstruction and light on reconstruction. While deconstruction has been an important stepping stone for many of us, it leaves us feeling a little adrift.

We talked about the fact that we often have separate "spiritual" beliefs and "religious" beliefs. "Spiritual" beliefs tend to be our core principles, like living with authenticity and revering nature. "Religious" beliefs tend to be our tradition's organizing principles, like God being Creator and the role of supernatural intervention. For some reason, the "spiritual" beliefs often don't match up with the "religious" beliefs. Our spirituality tends to emphasize what WE can do to create a more healthy world. Our religious beliefs tend to emphasize what GOD can do to change the world.

So we began to explore some of our religious beliefs, and wondered how they could match our spiritual values more closely. We framed the question, "So what DO we believe?"

Here are some examples of possible Christian reconstruction. Each one is an attempt at outlining a spiritual principle that links with a common religious belief.

1. There is something larger than self, family, tribe and nation. It matters less what we call it; i.e. God, Kosmos, Higher Power, Universal Spirit, Source or the Sum that is greater than the parts, and matters more that we are expanding our circles of care and compassion.

2. Every moment contains deaths and rebirths. It matters less if we call that repentance and being born again, and matters more that we are alive to the awakening of each moment and awake to the aliveness of each moment.

3. Death and suffering is a reality of human existence. Jesus' death was a representation of universal death and suffering. It matters less if Jesus died for any particular person or group's sins than whether we allow our hearts to break wide open to pain without breaking down.

4. Jesus' resurrection was a real experience to early Christians, and rebirth is a reality of human existence. It matters less if Jesus' resurrection was literal and physical than whether we dwell in endless possibility and inspire others to the same optimism.

5. Miracles happen all around us all the time. It matters less if the miracles happen at the hands of a supernatural force than whether we are open to the wonder of life and nature.

6. Awful and tragic events take place in our lives. It matters less if these events happen because of original sin and a depraved nature than whether we allow inner growth to create new strength in us.

7. The universe is evolving. It matters less if a Creator is responsible for this evolution than whether we are sensitive to nature's ebbing and flowing.

8. The Bible is a record of ancient cultures trying to make sense of their circumstances and beliefs. It matters less if the Bible was the inerrant word of God than whether we are allowing the stories to inspire us to greater humanity and ethical living.

9. Life has cycles, and people and events seem to be connected. It matters less if God has a providential plan than whether we are trusting the mysterious interconnectedness of life.

10. Prayer that is both horizontal and vertical (up and out) is a force for spreading healing energy. It matters less if an external God is hearing and answering prayers than whether we are offering from our hearts our highest and most compassionate energy.

What matters most to you? How are you building a worldview that brings together your spiritual intuition and your religious heritage? Feel free to share your ideas and we will print them in future e-zines.

Click here for Ian's Bio

Don't Miss 'Resurrected' Premiere March 24

Grand Rapids-based rock band The Verve Pipe released Villains in 1996. Due to the huge popularity of the single The Freshman, the CD went on to sell over a million copies in the U.S. After a hugely successful World Tour, four top ten singles, a number one hit, and multiple television appearances on shows such as The Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Verve Pipe seemingly disappeared. The details surrounding the band’s fall from commercial grace have been largely unheard . . . until now.

Former bassist Brad Vander Ark presents Resurrected, a documentary featuring his previously untold perspective regarding the problems that led to the fall of The Verve Pipe.

The film begins where Villains ended, and through interviews with Brad and brother (and lead singer) Brian Vander Ark, traces the inside story of the band such as song writing arguments, recording delays, and political wrangling.

Resurrected examines both the deaths and rebirths of the band, but also the transitions which happen organically and almost unconsciously in each of our daily lives.

Film Premiere Details:
-- Friday, March 24, at 7:30 p.m. at C3/CCC
-- $10, purchase online, at C3/CCC, or at the door
-- PLUS: Live performance by Verve Pipe lead singer Brian Vander Ark

After-Party at Old Boys Brewhouse:
-- Meet and mingle with the Vander Arks
-- Enjoy free appetizers and Munchies
-- Exclusive Big-Screen showing of film out-takes, bloopers, and blunders.

100% of the proceeds from this event and the sales of DVDs will benefit C3/CCC.

Check Out the Latest From Brian Vander Ark

Brian Vander Ark, lead singer of The Verve Pipe, brother of Brad, and amazing independent artist is currently in the studio recording his latest album. We are anxiously awaiting it's release.

Brian has the incredible ability of expressing his true human essence through his music and his performance. We are ecstatic to have him performing here at the premiere release of Brad's film "Resurrected" on Friday March 24.

This Sunday come hear the latest track off of Brian's album which is currently in production. "Bother" could very well be the first pop hit with a progressive Christian edge.

Check out some of the lyrics from "Bother":

The first time I was born again
Everything was one more sin
I had Jesus on a notebook then
And a fear of his father

I was born again a second time
Conception wasn’t so divine
You gotta marry that girl and stay in line
And I didn’t want to be a bother

The third time I was born again
I left that girl that cheats and then
I found nirvana from within
Swallowed up in dirty flannel

A family that misunderstood
Why I had to leave that neighborhood
Well God’s reception wasn’t that good
And the devil had a clearer channel

So I turned to the government to make some noise
Because I had one vote and I had one voice
But you can’t be religious and pro choice
I don’t know why I even bother

Now I believe in God, there is no debate
But I believe in separation between church and state
I went back to the church to seal my fate
And they sent me to the father

He said “you can’t come in with that point of view
Just ask yourself what would Jesus do”
I would have said Jesus was a rebel too
But I didn’t want to be a bother

The last time I was born again
I found nirvana from within
Through the eyes of a girl who took me in
Swallowed up in dirty flannel

We went back to my neighborhood
And heard you can’t get to heaven just being good
I smiled and said that I understood.

Copyright 2006 Sid Flips Music Publishing L.L.C.

click here for Brian's Site

Sunday Brunch With David Myers March 26

Dr. David Myers presenting on,

“Bridging the Divide: Strengthening Marriage, Welcoming Gays”

Sunday March 26
Brunch at 11:45 a.m.
Presentation 12:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Social psychologist David Myers will draw from his new book with Letha Dawson Scanzoni (What God has Joined Together? A Christian Case for Gay Marriage) as he summarizes research indicating that sexual orientation is a natural, enduring disposition, and that the world would be a happier and healthier place if, for all people, love, sex, and marriage went together. He will also review Americans’ rapidly changing attitudes, and what they suggest for the future of same-sex marriage and the ordination of gays and lesbians to church office.

BIO NOTE
Social psychologist David Myers is a communicator of psychological science to college students and the general public. He is Professor of Psychology at Hope College in Holland, Michigan.

Check Out the Bulletin for this Sunday and the Bulletin Archive!

The C3 Bulletin Archive has turned into a great resource center for other progressive communities around the world. Check out our Bulletin Archive for more progressive Christian liturgies today!

May we join together as one community across divides of geography and time to be united and inspired by these gathering words by Anne Hillman:

We look with uncertainty beyond the old choices for clear-cut answers to a softer, more permeable aliveness which is every moment at the brink of death; for something new is being born in us if we but let it. We stand at a new doorway, awaiting that which comes. . .
Daring to be human creatures.
Vulnerable to the beauty of existence.
Learning to love.

Bulletins

Making Peace with Easter at C3/CCC

Easter can be a wonderful opportunity for progressive Christians to renew their spirituality. As we explore new and expansive understandings of the Christian faith, we struggle to reconcile our deep previously held beliefs. As we wrestle with old ways of thinking we seek to experience our faith as it both includes and transcends these older beliefs. This struggle is never more evident than at Easter time, where we move through a season traditionally spotted with sin, penitence, and bodily resurrections.

As we did in Advent, this Lent we will honor the vast range of interpretations of the life and death of Jesus. We will begin with our view of sin on Ash Wednesday and evolve through Lent culminating on Easter Day with a celebration of the experience of resurrection which is all around us and is ever-present. Join us during this transformative season.

Lent 3 & 4: A Critical Approach
March 19- “Jesus the Religious Skeptic” Ian Lawton Speaking
March 26- “Jesus the Social Revolutionary” Ian Lawton Speaking

Lent 5 & 6: A Post-Critical Approach
April 2- “Who Do You Say That I Am: A Jesus Retrospective” Bob Kleinheksel Speaking
April 9- Palm Sunday- “Triumphant Entry, Triumphant Awakening” David Beighley Speaking

Easter Celebration: A Progressive Approach
April 16- Easter Sunday- “The Cosmic Christ is Risen in Us Today” Ian Lawton Speaking
PLEASE NOTE: Two identical gatherings Easter Morning at 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. both with nursery care.

Midweek Lenten Series
Bob Kleinheksel speaking Wednesdays 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary

March 22 - "Letting Go and Taking On"
March 29 - "Living Fully: Giving Up On Giving Up"

Don't Miss The I-WET in Chicago!

Experience the power of integral thought and practice first-hand! Join the folks of Ken Wilber's Integral Institute for a two-day immersion into the next wave of human evolution — and discover a compelling new approach to personal growth.

A team of ILP experts from Integral Institute will lead the Integral WET weekends, two powerful days of presentation, participation and media, facilitated with both individual and group processes. You'll be introduced to the foundations of Integral Life Practice (ILP), and learn through direct, engaged experience the principles for carrying your practice forward. You'll also connect with local practitioners in your area who are committed to this emergent approach to human transformation.

Donate to C3/CCC with Meijer Community Rewards

Shop at Meijer and earn money for Christ Community Church. Meijer Community Rewards program donates up to 4% of purchases to the organization of your choice. Sign up is easy! Pick up an application at your local Meijer store, at the Growing Place at C3/CCC, or you can sign up online by following the link below. You will receive your Meijer Rewards Card in the mail within two weeks and then just swipe your card at the check out. It is that easy! You can have your contribution split among multiple organizations, so if you already have an account, please add Christ Community Church (organization # 533101) to your account today!

Meijer Community Rewards

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