I would like to add more context to why I want to create this type of blog. I have for a long time felt that people have a basic need for community and for the constant examination of who we are and our reason for being. I call this the human mystery. For centuries organized religion filled that need, but it did so along with being a social controlling force. Hence the need for sin, damnation, heaven and purgatory. In modern times organized religions have not adapted and evolved and in many way they have become destructive forces, or at least a force that holds back human moral and ethical progress.

My intention is not to ponder the role of religion in modern society, others can do that far better than I. But rather with the failure of religion, there is a need that goes unfulfilled for many people. Living in the South, I have envied the church goers. I envied their community and sense of family. However, I was turned off by their zealotry and dogmatism. Thomas Jefferson created his "Jefferson Bible" for much the same reason.

I want this blog to examine many of the same questions and issues that you will find in the Bible or other religious writings. I want it to fulfill a need which the church and philosophers have not in today's culture. I want it to be done in a community fashion that gives insight in every day language and can be applied to today's world.

New Subscriber Feedback

I see that I have picked my first subscribers. Thank you and I am encouraged by the initial response. Blogs take a little while to build up to critical mass. I hope to reach that point soon so we can begin with our Sunday Morning discussions. In the meantime, I encourage all subscribers to go to the site and leave a comment as to what they like about this blog and what suggestions you may have.

As I think through the mechanics of how this will work, I envision that I would post the upcoming Sunday's topic early in the week and when appropriate, also post some links to reference information on the topic. During the week I also see having an open thread for posting of suggestions of future Sunday discussions.

I look forward to your comments.

Steve

This is a trial balloon for a blog to provide a non-religous form to explore the human mystery, ethics, morality, and community. My vision is that there would be a Sunday "sermon" or discussion seed, to which the community would then engage in a discussion. The discussion would open and close on a Sunday. The intent is not to have an on-going moderated forum, but rather one which the community visits once a week engages or listens to thoughful discussion and then goes about our collective lives.

Over time, I would like to see the discussion seeds to be participatory and come from the community. I can also envision soliciting discussion seeds from prominent authors, professors, philosophers, etc. A key objective, as noted in the introduction, will be to keep the discussion at a practical and accessible level.

I start then with this open post, soliciting feedback, suggestions and level of interest. If I find an interest level worth tapping into, I will take the blog to the next level. Thanks in advance for your interest.

Steve