Frequently Asked Questions
"What would church groups actually DO to help create a sustainable future? "
This is up to each group to determine on its own. Here are some possibilities which have worked for us and other groups:
Inner, Spiritual Work
Pray. For ourselves - for strength, patience, guidance, the intelligence to do this work. For each other, the planet, all life, our leaders, the nation. Send positive healing energy to areas of the world which are in crisis. Affirm daily that we can make a difference in the world. Prayers should precede all action.
Meditation and Silent Reflection. One of the key parts of all religions is sacred silence. We need the opportunity to quiet the mind, be open to guidance and intuition, and to receive spiritual inspiration.
Love. Love is the basic teaching of Jesus, Gandhi, and Dr. King. Dr. King said, "Love is the greatest force for change in the world." If we really believe this, we need to find the courage to live it. We can do this by practicing loving and appreciating ourselves and each other and those with whom we are in conflict. We can try our best to live more out of love and less out of fear.
Holistic Conversation. This kind of conversation allows each person to bring their fullest self to the table, to integrate the intellectual with the intuitive and feeling self. Someone reads an inspirational piece and then others in the group reflect and comment on what the reading meant to them.
Transforming our consciousness. We can lift our awareness out of fear, anger, and negativity by affirming our highest God-given qualities and virtues. Seek to be the highest expression of who we truly are.
Spiritual closing. End meetings with a prayer or sharing of gratitude.
Positive Thinking. Focus on the positive and what can be changed and improved rather than energizing the negative with prolonged reviewing of the problems. Instead of fighting the status quo, do creative brainstorming seeking innovative, win-win solutions.
Envision a better world. Individuals take turns expressing a vision of a better world, nation, or community. Marianne Williamson says, "We have been given the power to transform the world, through our capacity to change how we think about the world."
