"Eschatology" for example is simply the study of end times, the final culmination of human evolution, the point towards which we are traveling on this journey of life. The Fundamentalists have seized the public's imagination around eschatological concerns with their vivid and dramatic stories of apocalyptic end times when the saved will be assumed into heaven in a rapture while the rest of us sinners will be left on earth which will turn into a hell of suffering. Progressive theological perspectives don't see things this way and in fact argue that such negative stories, justified as coming from the Book of Revelations, do more harm than good. The Progressive view is that we are to create heaven on earth as Jesus pointed out in the prayer He suggested, The Our Father, where he said "...thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
It is written on the fly leaf of the book
"The impact of liberal religion is richer and more far-reaching than many know - a force for good that has inspired the supported two centuries of American social progress, from abolition of slavery and the securing of women's rights to the present day struggles for marriage equality, ecological responsibility, and global peace. In order to sustain our spirits and advance positive social change, progressive people need to claim the transforming power of our theological heritage."
Ecclesiology is the study of church, the "assembly" of God's people, the faith community. It is written in A House For Hope, "And how can we approach religious community in ways that promote not competitive parochialism but authentic interfaith engagement and cooperation?" p.xii This is an excellent question for the churches of Brockport which is rich with its many churches and denominations. The churches of Brockport at times work together on community projects and to lift up the people in the community whether it be in support of the food shelf, the clothing shelf, the Crop Walk, the Bienvendia etc., but so much more could be done. One of the seven principles of Unitarian Universalism is to covenant to affirm and promote the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large. UUs also covenant to affirm and promote a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. The idea is to facilitate the empowerment of a people of faith to work together to care for and love one another in an inclusive way that inspires hope for the future of human kind and the well being of all life on our planet.
I loved A House For Hope and highly recommend it to people willing to consider how religion can be a force for good in our sometimes weary world.
According to the Pew research on religion study, the "nones", those people who say they have no religious identification and/or affiliation are the fastest growing group (denomination) in the country. Especially among younger adults under 50 many more people say they are "spiritual" but not "religious". Attendance and membership in churches in United States are in decline and yet religious affiliation is a very beneficial factor enhancing health, happiness, and social well being. If churches are to survive into the Twenty-first century they will have to transform themselves into organizations which contribute more meaning and relevance to the lives of their members and the communities in which their members live if they are to continue as social organizations of value. Buehrens and Parker in their book, A House For Hope: The Promise Of Progressive Religion For The Twenty-first Century are on to something.
Editor's note: This book is not available at Lift Bridge but can be ordered through The Brockporter Amazon book carousel in the right hand column.
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