Nov 25, 2010 -- 10:45PM, byronearnold wrote:

I am curious about spirituality of the Progressive Christians on this board.  Do you read the Bible, and if so, how often?  What about regular times of prayer?  Do you fast?  Do you make a point of forgiving others?

Hi Byron, I am not on this board very often, but I would be if it was more active. However, I will give my answers to your questions. I do read the Bible but not daily. I have read it from cover to cover and have found a lot of it confusing, especially the OT. I pray for God's comfort and for His comfort to be felt by others. I do this every night before I go to sleep and I say little silent prayers throughout the day. I do not fast and I do forgive others.

I hope others will answer you and that this board will liven up. I know there are many progressive Christians out there with variety of opinions.

I've read it a few times.  For fun I turn to the Brick Testament.  Otherwise I tend to stick to scholarly works about the bible.

I don't have a set time for prayer, I guess.  Never did feel like I should be making appointments with a God who can hear me always.

Ritual, as was noted by Jesus and other prophets, is for our benefit, not God's.  Do it if it makes you feel better, but understand that it is completely irrelevant to God's existence and what He feels like doing.  At least, that's the way I roll.  :)

Nov 26, 2010 -- 8:37PM, grampawombat wrote:

Byron, you wrote: "I am curious about spirituality of the Progressive Christians on this board.  Do you read the Bible, and if so, how often?  What about regular times of prayer?  Do you fast?  Do you make a point of forgiving others?"

If the behaviors you cited define spirituality, I find that a bit curious. I think of the term as relating to a sensitivity to mystery and that which transcends understanding. But whatever. Incidentally, I do not think of myself as a "spiritual" person.

I am a member of the PCUSA, the largest Presbyterian denomination in the US. I have not read the Bible in its entirety. I have taken several courses on a substantial portion of it, though. I've also read several books of commentary on much of it. My wife and I say a blessing before the evening meal, though not when we are eating out. I also pray during Sunday services, where it is called for. I have mixed feelings about it. I think it is worthwhile, but I don't feel that I am obliged to do it. I don't fast. And finally, I'm not sure I'm very good at forgiveness, but I think it is worthwhile and I do try. For me, the most important aspect of my religion is to work for peace and justice. I also feel it is important to avoid judging others.

I never said they defined spirituality.  I was only using them as examples of spirituality.  If you have other practices that you do as part of your spirituality, by all means tell us about them.  I was simply wanting a discussion of Progressive spirituality and what practices everyone held to.

Hi. I sometimes read the Bible but not so much these days. I attend a Catholic Church weekly and it has become a very spiritual time for me. I find liturgical participation, singing, attending to the scripture reading and homily, and the Holy Eucharist to be an opportunity to focus my mind and breath. I say grace at dinner time. I meditate in the AM using insight meditation techniques. I try to see Christ in everyone especially my patients, many of whom are mentally and physically disabled.