Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown

Perhaps you’ve been wondering what religion will be like a hundred years from now, in Pottstown (in the U.S., in the world . . .). Here are some possibilities:

(a) While organized religion has continued its gradual decline, Unitarian Universalism, with its emphasis on social justice, its recognition of the climate crisis, and its realistic theology, has grown and has become the largest religious (some would say post-religious) group in the U.S., and perhaps in the world.

(b) In recognition of commonalities and in response to challenges, there have been some con-solidations: UUs have merged with Quakers, the liberal side of the United Church of Christ, the Ethical Culture Society, Reconstructionist Jews, liberal Muslims (or ex-Muslims), and westernized Buddhists to form the Universal Organization.

(c) The Roman Catholic Church has evolved in a liberal direction. Women have full equality. The bread and wine are no longer considered the actual body and blood of Jesus but are recognized as symbols. Abortions are okay. Popes (or Mopes) are elected to 10-year terms and are no longer considered infallible. Hell has been abolished, and upon death people are given the choice by St. Peter (or one of his assistants): eternity in heaven, fixed term in heaven, reincarnation (with memory wiped out), or extinction. Orthodox Catholics have merged with Roman Catholics. Episcopalians (and Church of England) and Lutherans have returned to the Catholic fold. The consolidated group has taken on the name the Universal Catholic Church.

(d) A few denominations – and independent congregations scattered across the country – are known for their racist, sexist, homophobic interpretation of Scripture.

(e) After a long period of decline, religious participation and affiliation among those under forty has begun to increase, reaching nearly 10% of those between the ages of 25 and 40. Most of the increase has been in Zoom churches and followers of the god Zooz.

(f) Around the year 2100 the earth received evidence of civilized life in a distant galaxy. Subsequently, a religion developed based on worship of the deity (or deities) and on the moral and theological values of that civilization. Needless to say, the creators and followers of that religion have no knowledge of that supposed civilization and have used their imagination to create the new faith.

(g) Religion is of interest only to historians and is remembered only by those over 50. Which, if any, of these seven paths seem the most likely or the most desirable to you? Do you have other (possibly better) ideas?

Love, Dave

In February I wrote about the first “mark of the church” – kerygma, which I defined rather expansively beyond preaching, to include all the ways we share our stories and our ideas, including religious education.

The other four “marks” are equally important. Diakonia is defined as service – what the deacons do, from a literal sort of waiting on tables to taking care of the building and other tools of our congregation.  This one I have expanded to include the great care takings of our lives – how we care for democracy, and the planet, how we combat racism, and how we work towards a world of social justice, what Christians call the Kingdom of God (or the Kin-dom), what we might call Beloved Community.

Third is Koinonia, literally commonality, fellowship, community, how we care for each other and enrich each other’s lives by our connections, by working together on great goals, or having fun together, by shared meals, and all the ways we strengthen our sense of connection with each other and the world.

Finally comes Leitorgia, literally the work of the people, translated as liturgy, which I see as the worship and rituals, the singing and art making by which we acknowledge the important events in our lives and the life of the world.  This would include life rites of passage, joys and sorrows, solemn vigils and celebratory parties.

Of course, these four are not the only things a congregation does, but they are ways by which individuals come together in community to strengthen the spiritual lives of people so that they can bless the life of the world.  Members and friends contribute in many ways, and in different ways at different times of their lives, depending on their circumstances and gifts – making coffee, providing leadership, teaching, singing, caring for the garden. Everyone needs to be financially generous to keep us going, though generosity may be a small or large amount of money.

But congregations don’t exist for themselves, or even primarily for the immediate lives of the members. People can do together what they cannot do on their own. You can join with others to strengthen democracy, buoyed by the fellowship and leadership of others. You can learn and find spiritual energy (and time and resources) to make a difference. Congregations exist to transform lives, so that people become the best that is in them. Together you can bless the world with your love.

Love, Kerry