let me rephrase that.
i've been toying with the idea of starting my own religion.
hmmm... i guess i really mean that.
before you get all mad, i should say that religion is just a man-made concept, so you shouldn't get all mad. i'm after truth, and i don't care what package it comes in.
i went to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting the other day. i'm not an alcoholic (that's what they all say), but i wanted to go to a meeting because i think they have a great religion. they support each other, they believe the same things, they meet regularly... it's a lot like my current religion.
except...
- there doesn't appear to be a "pastor"-like person on staff (who draws a salary that must be provided by the congregation)
- the teaching is done by reading aloud from standard materials, not by a central "pastor"-like person on staff who draws a salary that must be provided by the congregation
- there is no music, and no music-pastor (who draws a salary that must be provided by the congregation)
- in every meeting there is an emphasis on sharing your story
- you can attend a meeting on any day of the week, not just on sunday morning or tuesday night
- they don't meet in a building that has a mortgage and landscaping and other overhead costs (that must be provided by the congregation)
i don't think that the existing church is evil (all the time). i think there are benefits for having a pastor, music, and a building. however my conscience bothers me when i see how much money is going toward mortgage and staff salaries and landscaping. my conscience bothers me when alcoholics have a better support group than my current religion has.
so i'm toying with the idea of starting my own religion. i don't know what to call it yet. ("sinners anonymous" is too corny, but thanks.) i haven't figured out what it will look like, but it will look a lot more like AA than church.
you'll be hearing from me.