Yes, from reading Gilbert’s book, her idea of “God” is indeed bigger than the going-to-hell for sinning variety most people espouse. It is indeed an abstract concept that, define however we might to make us feel comfortable, people will distort toward their own ends and needs. I think that I’ve found my concept of God finally big enough to handle all the contradictory boxes theologians and pundits put God into.

I wish we saw the latter picture more too.

It’s great to have your blog back. You sound like you’re more at peace with where you are, compared to when you stopped blogging.

** If you bring the right earnestness to your homemade ceremony, God will provide the grace. And that is why we need God **

** If you bring the right earnestness to your homemade ceremony, God will provide the grace. And that is why we need God **

I always find the concept of “need” interesting. Usually, when I’m told I “need” God, it’s one of those things where people have to convince you you’re sick, becaues that’s the only way they can provide you the “cure.” One of those, you’re automatically going to hell simply for existing and behaving, unless you take the cure. And too often, I see the need God associated with that type of mindset, and so shove it away.

However, if the need is more of we need God like we need mercy, love, justice, truth, light … then yes. It’s a more abstract need, and a more abstract view of God, almost panentheistic. Sometimes, when things are dark, it’s too easy to get sucked down into that darkness. That’s when we need God, to break out of whatever we’re trapped in. We need God to survive, just like we need love to survive.

I wish we saw the latter picture more.

Yes, my husband and I went through RCIA to join in 1988 when we were tired of our fundie church. I’ve not regretted joining, although I do NOT subscribe to every doctrine and dogma. You can’t beat the silence, the mystery, and the Eucharist though for sheer spiritual fulfillment.