modern religion ecumenical church agnostic spirituality modern religion ecumenical church agnostic church
Modern Ecumenical Church
Modern Religion - Ecumenical Church
modern religion ecumenical church
Dear Companions and Guests,
Welcome to the official website of the Modern Ecumenical Church.
Religion need not be based on ancient superstitions, myths or unchanging dogmas, to be effective. A transformative religion, that concords with today's senses and sensibilites, is possible.
We offer a wisdom-based life-path, a healing spirituality & a global church community. We don't demand belief in any supernatural myths, nor do we impose ancient dogmas.
In our church, there is a new spirit, an open mind & a generous heart. We are truly independent of any other religious organisation, and a genuine people's movement ; inviting modern-minded people, from all walks of life, to come together to transform their lives and the world around them.
We welcome you to discover our website - whatever your beliefs or doubts !
M i s ł a w
Founder & First Custodian Modern Ecumenical Church Misław is the founder and first Custodian of the Modern Ecumenical Church. From Słavic eastern Europe, Misław studied respiratory therapy under the instruction of Professor Buteyko. Misław began his therapeutic program for respiratory disorders near Byron Bay, in eastern Australia. Concerned with the underlying causes of illness, Misław began considering the psycho-spiritual dimensions of people in his care. Increasingly witnessing the poverty of spirituality, and it's impact on quality of life, Misław began creating a modern and ecumenical life-path (religion), which integrated a modern (agnostic) approach to the mysteries of life, an effective healing spirituality based on scientifically credible meditation programs, and an inclusive community.
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A N e w R e l i g i o n
"A religion that stresses the magnificence of the universe, might be able to draw forth reserves of awe
and reverence, hardly tapped by the conventional faiths. Sooner or later, such a religion will emerge"
Carl Sagan, Pale Blue Dot
A modern religion & an ecumenical church 1 Modern Religion does not demand belief in ancient myths or superstitions.
2 An Ecumenical church invites all people, from all walks of life to join this unique community. 3 What is Agnostic spirituality ?
a) We are open minded : we do not define the nature of god, nor attempt to explain all the existential mysteries of life. b) We define religion as a life-discipine (a moral code) : a personal dedication to living rightly.
c) We see spirituality as a personal quest for inner peace. Inner peace is a reward (salvation) for righteous living.
d) Meditation is our foundational practice, & our source of healing and inspiration (see Central Concepts).
e) We cultivate a healthy spirit, live a holy life & bring happiness to others.
If you are seeking an alternative to traditional religion (or no religion), please consider the Modern Ecumenical Church.
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M o d e r n E c u m e n i c a l C h u r c h
The Modern Ecumenical Church was founded on the 22 nd day of December, 2010.
On this solstice day, with the sun in the constellation of Sagittarius, the church marked the beginning of it's first year. This auspicious day also featured a rare red lunar eclipse - as seen in the southern sky The first Celebration Gathering was held at the Jefferson Memorial on 17th May, 2011
The moon & statue of the Saviour, San Salvadore 2010 during red solar eclipse.
The following is an extract from a Celebration Gathering, at the Jefferson Memorial on 05.17.11 "The Modern Ecumenical Church was founded in the tradition of freedom-loving religious communities.
We arise from distant native faith traditions, with a spirituality grounded in the natural world.
We seek ancient knowledge & wisdom, which has been, and remains hidden from those who do not seek it.
We inherit a concern for justice and equality from the great Western religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
From the East, we discover the path to inner peace and tranquility - a true salvation of the spirit.
The church continues the long line of religious movements dedicated to life, liberty and the pursuit of truths.
We are inspired by the magnificence of the universe and life itself.
We honour the ancient wisdom traditions and seek out their timeless knowledge.
We honour the social justice traditions of the Israelites, carried forward by the Nazarite Messiah - Y'shua (Jesus Christ), and his disciple
St Paul, whose interpretation of the Christ tradition, laid down the foundations for the Roman Christian religion. We honour the wise
voices of the mystic traditions, including the Theraputae, Cathars, Sufism, Bonism and Kabbalah. We remember the lost native faith
traditions around the world, for whom the earth was always sacred. We honour the Polish Brethren, out of which a modern and free
Unitarian and Univeralist Church, would emerge.
We honour other Modern Religious Movements such as St Michael's New Faith, Baha'i, Progressive Christianity, Peace Next, and the
N.Y. Inter-faith community. We acknowledge the work of religious scholars, such as J.D. Crossan, Karen Armstrong and Mark Vernon.
Finally, we celebrate the emergence of a true agnostic spiritual tradition, of which this church is proud to be a leading contributor.
Thus, out of the traditions of freedom-loving religious movements, we offer a Modern and Ecumenical Church, that is an enduring link
to that most ancient and shared hope of salvation through libertarian and communitarian principles". Misław, May 2011  _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
M o d e r n S p i r i t u a l i t y
The Modern Ecumenical Church introduces a modern, agnostic and communitarian spirituality -
the spiritual foundation of our church. Our beneficial life-path (religious discipline), is not based on ancient mythology,
but instead, draws on wisdom teachings that have stood the test of time, such as the 'Platinum & Golden Rules of life'.
(see Central Concepts). We offer a genuine church community for those who have left behind traditional religion,
as well as an effective healing and self efficacy program, based on meditative exercises.
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B e i n g A g n o s t i c
" St Paul was severely agnostic"
A recent quote from Cardinal George Pell, head of the Australian Roman Catholic Church Televised debate 9 April 2012 http://www.abc.net.au/tv/qanda/txt/s3469101.htm
The term agnostic was inspired by St. Paul's account of his visitation to a Pagan temple in Greece, where an inscription on an altar read (in Greek) "agnosto theos" which means "to the unknown God".
The Book of Acts states that Paul came from the Mediterranean city of Tarsus (south-central Turkey), a strongly Hellenised city, well-known for its intellectual environment. Some academics theorise that Paul synthesized Judaism, Gnosticism, and mysticism to create Christianity as a cosmic savior religion. metaphors & language. St.Bernard of Clairvaux 1 turns to St.Paul 2 when attempting to describe the nature of G-o-d. St Bernard says : "What is G-o-d ? God is length, width, height and depth" ( 1. St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Abbot & Doctor of the church, born 1090 C.E. 2. St.Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians 3:18 )
A g n o s t i c s p i r i t u a l i t y i s g r o w i n g
In the U.S.A. :
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M o d e r n E c u m e n i c a l C h u r c h Who are we :
The Modern Ecumenical Church is a Modern Religious Movement - with a modern, agnostic & communitarian spirituality. The term agnostic, simply means "those who do not know" (as opposed to traditional theistic religions, which proclaim with certainty, that there is a god, and atheists, who likewise with certainty, proclaim that there is no god ). Agnosticism, is therefore a middle path - a path that gently welcomes doubt and uncertainty on matters concerning the mystery of God and the meaning of life.
The Church is dedicated to offering a modern wisdom-based life-path, which we simply call 'Modern Religion'. Our foundational text is the Gospel of Love ; a modern day life-guide written for all people who seek greater wisdom, self efficacy, and a better way of living, in this world. The name of our church and our modern life-path distinguishes our church and religion from traditional myth based religions :- i.e. ancient religions which worship heavenly deities or "God".
M o d e r n S a l v a t i o n - where & when ?
Our modern and ecumenical church is concerned with earthly salvation; that is, salvation here and now. Hence our core promise is: "creating heaven on earth" .
Our earthly focus is inspired by St Paul of Tarsus. St Paul decreed that salvation was a process - not a once-off event. Salvation will happen on earth, and not in heaven (in contrast to most pagan religions of the time, which believed in a heavenly after-life).
Paul was well aware of the injustices suffered by most Jews under Roman occupation. Even the most optimistic Jew would not suggest that the injustices and suffering would just "go away". Many Jews therefore, hoped for a 'day of reckoning', ushered in by the Messiah, and a better after-life for all who suffer(ed).
Paul argued that their Jewish God of Justice, would deliver salvation in the form of divine justice - not justice as retribution, but a far more radical and far reaching re-distributive justice :- i.e. the divine restoration of freedom and equality to all who now suffered bondage, inequality and exploitation here on earth.
Heaven was therefore not some nice play-place - a permanent vacation up in the sky, but a total negation of all injustices here on earth. Paul also taught that bodily death was not the end. He believed, upon death, the soul of the dead person, would await the 'general resurrection'. The Messiah / Christ, who was the first to experience this resurrection, would return from the Father, to usher in the 'time of salvation', whereupon the body and soul would again be united.
Unlike the pagans, Paul did not separate body and soul. Pagans believed that after one's death, the soul would go to heaven (or hell), whilst the body, ceased to have any function. Paul on the other hand, suggested that both body and spirit - as one - would join together at the 'general resurrection', and fully partake in completing God's creation plan on earth - i.e. restoring justice for all, and thus bringing salvation to all.
Thus God would transform an unjust world through the Messiah (Saviour hero - Jesus), here on earth, and not in some distant heaven. Paul's theology was truly unique.
For the Modern Ecumenical Church, Paul's focus on 'getting it right on earth', is our inspiration for focusing our attention on where salvation is needed - right here on earth, and right now.
Like Paul, we're not about creating a heavenly retirement village where we can all live with lions and ex's in peace. Salvation is about offering a personal healing, an effective life-path, and an anti-dote to the ills of THIS world. Paul is right : heaven would be a cop out, not a solution.
Heaven, for the ME Church, is thus a symbol of our source of inspiration and healing - the Sacred Mysteries of life. (see "Central Concepts" webpage )
Thus, we look to the heavens with awe and wonder, and are inspired by the beauty, majesty and mystery of creation - even if we don't understand why we, or the universe were created.
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T h e M. E. C h u r c h
Companions of the Modern Ecumenical Church are modern-minded people interested in religion and spirituality. Many companions have experienced church communities in the past, and enjoyed the company, but many no longer feel comfortable with traditional church teachings.
However, they value friendships and communities, and seek to live well in today's complex world.
The Central Concepts form the foundation of our modern religion, as outlined in our central text, the Gospel of Love. The Modern Ecumenical Church is inspired by wisdom-teachings which have stood the test of time. We accept all people, from all walks of life. Together, we strive to build strong and confident individuals, as well as harmonious communities. Our church should be a well-spring - a place of healing, peace and joy - which renews us every time we dip into it's cleansing waters. People of the Modern Ecumencial Church are called 'companions' - people we journey with. As fellow companions of the church, we first and foremost, provide support for each other. In this simple act of friendship, we help each other overcome the ills of our modern world - a world where many people suffer from isolation, lack supportive networks or access to sources of wisdom and knowledge which help us to live more effective, joyous and beneficial lives. As a church, we hope to make a difference in the world.
We'd love you to join us !
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The Gospel of Love - our modern life-guide
· is based on a modern & agnostic interpretation of ancient religion & wisdom traditions that concords with modern senses & sensibilities.
· offers a practical and beneficial healing experience that enhances self effectiveness
· is free of narrow-minded dogma, literal belief in myths & superstitions and any cult-like practices
· seeks to create a thriving church community where a healing and personal inter-action enable us to live more effectively and beneficially.
Our Mission:
The Modern Ecumenical Church promotes a healing message of compassion and kin-ship, so we can all learn how to live more effective, beneficial and joyful lives, and in turn, help to create peace-filled, thriving & healthy communities everywhere on earth.
Our Vision:
1. For the Church to become a widely available network of local kin-ship groups in the modern world 2. For the modern agnostic communitarian religion and our Gospel of Love, to become recognised as a valued personal life-guide for modern-minded people.
Our Values:
· To be open hearted - welcoming all people, from all walks of life, to our church. · To be compassionate and loving in everything we do. · To support personal freedom, growth and inter-dependence, promoting a healthy and thriving communal life · To be open minded - gently testing all ideas in order to broaden our experience of life · To be open to scientifically validated knowledge concerning the cosmos & its creation, yet avoid scientific dogmatism · To be open to wisdom teachings found in all ancient religious, philosophical and wisdom traditions.
Our promise: The Council of Custodians guides the Modern Ecumenical Church to be:
1) a supportive movement concerned for the needs of all Companions and all local churches, and 2) a grass roots movement of the people, led by an accountable central leadership team.
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Why we call ourselves a "Church" - and not just a 'community group'
We suggest the word 'church' best describes a special place of solace, where people from all walks of life, can come for fellowship & healing.
Therefore it is entirely appropriate that we call ourselves the "Modern Ecumenical Church", as we are modern minded, broadly inclusive,
we seek to offer fellowship, direction and healing, as much as any traditional Christian church.
A growing modern gospel
The Modern Ecumenical Church's central text - A Gospel of Love - is an emerging and evolving work, based upon wisdom teachings that have stood the test of time. We suggest the Gospel should be open to constant development, rather than be rigidly fixed at one time point. Therefore, the gospel is best presented as a web-based online life-guide, rather than published as a book or permanent document.
All senior Custodians of the church, are able to contribute to the ongoing development of the Gospel of Love (in consensus with each other). All Custodians are Endorsed Hosts of their local church and are in touch with the needs of everyday modern people as well as Companions in the church. Thus the gospel continues to evolve to meet the needs of today's world, whilst remaining firmly grounded in moral and ethical teachings which have stood the test of time. ________________________________________________________________________________________
'Heroes' of the agnostic way Classical Philosophers
1. S o c r a t e s
“The unexamined life is not worth living...”
Socrates is called 'the first agnostic' by Thomas Huxley. Socrates is acknowledged as a 'father' of western philosophy and ethics. His student Plato, described Socrates as "the wisest and most just of all men". Like many wise men, he was persecuted and executed by those who feared his wisdom and challenging views on society, politics and religion. ' Socrates questioned the polytheist religion of his time. The rich Greek mythology that we know today was formerly a religion that was believed by many.
Socrates doubted the existence of the Greek gods and the many stories related to them. He asked if the gods really do exist or they were mere personification
of the forces of nature invented by humans and given human attributes.
Socrates could be described a Deist. He strongly influenced Aristotle’s idea of the “transcendent unmoved-mover.”
Socrates hinted the idea of a supreme being who created the cosmos. On ethics, Socrates’ adhered to the principle of the supreme good.
Socrates religious and moral philosophy were more akin to Christian philosophy. In fact, a number of theological ideas in Christianity were based on Socrates.
2. A r i s t o t l e
Aristotle gives religion the highest place in the rank of possible studies. Aristotle speaks of religion as "most worthy of honor." If we think of religion as a relationship between humans and the divine with implications for human behavior, what we have of Aristotle's philosophy, is virtually devoid of any traces of religion.
Aristotle's "God" is the Unmoved Mover, a metaphysical principle, the casual source of our world, not personally related to it and caring nothing for us or for our worship. Since there is eternal motion in our world, there must be an eternal cause of motion, which is "an unmoved mover, being eternal, primary, and in act," rather than having any unactualized potentiality. Such as Aristotle's eternal figure, the Unmoved Mover, which causes change in other things without itself undergoing change. Unmoved motion must originate in desire or intellect, the former aiming at "what appears good" and latter at "what is good." But Plato suggests, "the Unmoved Mover, then, is a divine mind.
E a s t e r n P h i l o s o p h y
Hindu and Buddhist philosophy : The Rig Veda, the oldest existing canonical work on earth and the mainstay of Hindu philosophy that dates back to the second or third millennium BCE takes an agnostic view on the fundamental question of how the universe and God was created. The Nasadiya Sukta (Creation Hymn) - tenth chapter of the Rig Veda says:
Through out the history of Hinduism there has been a strong tradition of philosophic speculation and skepticism. All traditions of Buddhism agree that one should not believe something simply for the sake of believing it, but only if it can somehow be demonstrated as true, and if it can be realised in some practical way. Whilst the God of the Western traditions, is not shared by Buddhists, there is not strictly a denial of the possibility of God(s), but rather the focus of Buddhism, is on human suffering, and the meaning of existence in this life. Yet the Buddhist's response to life is very much a religious response - providing followers with a disciplined life-path, which helps one to live effectively (through a compassionate life), despite the pain of suffering in one's life.
A g n o s t i c s i n t h e b i b l e !
N i c o d e m u s
Though there is no clear source of information about Nicodemus outside the Gospel of John, the Jewish Encyclopedia and many Biblical historians have theorized that he is identical to Nicodemus ben Gurion, mentioned in the Talmud as a wealthy and popular holy man. In the Christian Bible, Jesus attempts to explain to Nicodemus, the concept of being "born again", in order to reach heaven. Nicodemus is puzzled by this metaphysical concept, and responds by saying : "What do you mean?".
Clearly, Jesus was having a difficult time explaining his ideas to this learned Jewish scholar, who appears confused by Jesus' novel ideas on God's kingdom. His questions to Jesus appear to be well intentioned and genuine. His learned response to Jesus - to ask, to challenge, and to doubt (without hostility),
is central to the Jewish style of religious learning, and thus his thoughtful behaviour, elevates Nicodemus into "the pantheon of wise agnostic heroes" !
T h o m a s t h e d o u b t e r
The term "Doubting Thomas", is based on the Biblical account of Thomas the Apostle, a disciple of Jesus who doubted Jesus' resurrection and demanded to feel Jesus' wounds before being convinced (John 20:24-29), although the Bible does not mention if actual contact took place.
Doubt as "a path towards (deeper) knowledge" lies at the heart of the story of Saint Thomas. Georg Hermes (theologian) writes :
M o d e r n A g n o s t i c s
T h o m a s H u x l e y Agnostic (from the Greek: "without gnōsis / knowledge") was first used by Thomas Henry Huxley in a speech at the Metaphysical Society in 1876
to describe a philosophy which rejects all claims of spiritual or mystical knowledge. The early Christian church leaders used the Greek word gnosis (knowledge)
to describe "spiritual knowledge." Agnosticism is not to be confused with religious views opposing the ancient religious movement of Gnosticism, in particular;
Huxley used the term in a broader, more abstract sense. Huxley identified agnosticism, not as a creed, but rather as a method of evidence-based inquiry
T h o m a s J e f f e r s o n
Seventeenth-century cleric and philosopher Richard Cumberland wrote in 1672, that :
" promoting the well-being of our fellow humans is essential to the pursuit of our own happiness."
The United States Declaration of Independence, which was principly drafted by Thomas Jefferson, inspired by the writings of Richard Cumberland. The declaration, one of the world's greatest documents, was adopted by the US Congress on July 4, 1776. The text of the Declaration of Independence reads:
Jefferson idealized the independent yeoman as the best exemplar of republican virtues, distrusted cities and financiers, and favored states' rights and a strictly limited federal government. He suspended his qualms about exercising powers of federal government to buy Louisiana. Jefferson detested the European system of established churches and called for a wall of separation between church and state at the federal level. Jefferson helped disestablish the Church of England, called the Anglican Church in Virginia after the Revolution, and wrote the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (1779, 1786). Jefferson idealized a future in which men would be free of dependencies, particularly those caused by banking or royal influences. In his May 28, 1818, letter to Mordecai Manuel Noah, Jefferson expressed his faith in humanity and his views on the nature of democracy. In political terms, he thought that virtue was the "glue" that held together a republic, whereas patronage, dependency and coercion held together a monarchy. "Virtue" in this sense was public virtue, in particular self-sacrifice. Throughout his life Jefferson was intensely interested in theology, biblical study, and morality. As a landowner he played a role in governing his local Episcopal Church; in terms of belief, he was inclined toward Dei-ism, and the moral philosophy of Christianity. Source : Wikipedia ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
R e l i g i o n - do we still need it ?
Ancient Pharaoh's and Kings, keen to preserve their earthly power for all time, were obsessed with the idea of eternity.
For the ancient rulers, religion was all about glorifying themselves, and securing a good after-life.
Thus, myths were created around their needs, a priesthood employed to enact the supporting rituals, and the common people,
were compelled to participate in the state sanctioned religion - all in support of the Pharaoh's bid for immortality.
Sure, the people had their own "home gods" and superstitions, but state religion, was always designed around a ruler's needs.
Over time, the Pharaohs and Kings of this world, were gradually replaced by modern systems, ruled by a new wealthy elite - "the capitalists". Capitalists emerged during the 17th and 18th century, gaining almost exclusive control of the " money machines " - banks and industry.
Today, these "money men", dominate commerce, finance and trade. To protect their monopolies, capitalists exert strong pressure on governments, by
seducing them with political funding. This allows Capitalists to get away with injustices, such as low wages, unsafe conditions for workers and low taxation.
Today, religions have evolved too. No longer 'servants of the rich', many religions now stand against injustice and inequity.
Many religions strongly oppose capitalism's key ideological platforms : 1) individualism and 2) consumerism.
Individualism ( or as we once called it: self centred behaviour ), is a handy ideology for capitalists - it undermines traditional communitarian values,
such as sharing and caring - neither of which are profit-maximising behaviours for capitalists.
The individual - removed from family and community, stands alone in their private world. To ease the modern existential angst of not knowing what to do with one's leisure time, the unskilled person, turns to consumerism to help fill the void, to kill time, and overcome the emptiness of existence. Thus consumerism stems from individualism.
Through relentless advertising, capitalists like to promote greedy consumerism - carefully exploiting the fragile egos and insecurities of the individual.
Questionable marketing is used to make certain behaviors more acceptable - such as teen smoking or binge drinking, which helps to sell more product.
Mass media - television, internet, gaming or music - gently keeps the population numb to the real issues in the world - the inequalities & injustices.
Thus, the people ( be they working or middle class ), are "hoodwinked" and capitalists are free to go about making their vast sums of money
whilst the vast majority of people, either "just get by", or remain trapped by the poverty cycle.
Capitalism, despite it's shortcomings, will probably not go away. Many describe capitalism as an organic merchant system :
the type of economic system that would emerge anywhere- with or without government interference.
Capitalism is fundamentally an economic system driving a political system. In short - business drives politics.
Yet Capitalism has many problems and is far from a perfect economic system.
As the 2008-2011 GFC (global financial crisis) has shown, capitalism's failings adversely effects many people. Is a system which exploits and harms millions of people around the world, here to stay ?
Despite the GFC, capitalism continues to (dis)function as our regular economic system.
Are there any alternatives to capitalism ? Or, will merchant-led economies, simply remain as the "natural operating systems" ?
In the last century, some nations experimented with alternatives to capitalism - and failed.
Today, experiments such as Communism and National Socialism stand discredited.
Neither systems were capable of creating viable and stable systems, or containing human greed and other toxic behaviours.
If capitalism is "as good as it gets", - we the people, need good guidance (wisdom, knowledge and life-skills ), to help us to live well within the system.
Religion specializes in teaching these " life skills ", thus helping people to live better lives and create healthier societies.
The word 'religion', comes to us from the Latin " re-ligio " - which means something like : " to be connected with ".
This suggests, religion is about "connectivity" or "relationships" - i.e. how we relate to each other and the wider world. Religion thus aims to create effective (beneficial) relationships between people, and thus contribute to healthier communities. Traditional religions do this, because they believe, certain relationships honor their God. Modern religions do it - because it's the "good and proper thing to do".
Religion should not be confused with politics. Politics and social organisations do not replace religion.
Politics is about "getting things done" - organizing people and groups in society to undertake certain activities.
However, political parties or politicians, must firstly identify 'what they stand for'.
Political ideology, must be informed by something - i.e. some set of core values. Religion (as in the case of the Christian Democrats of Europe,
Islam in the Middle East, Judaism in Israel, Buddhism in the East, or the Catholic religion of U.S. President John F. Kennedy), plays a vital role in shaping political ideology and determining which actions, are undertaken. Anti-religious ideology can also influence the nature of politics (i.e the anti religious ideologies of Communism, National Socialism or Liberal Capitalism).
Religion, which precedes politics, asks "why should certain things happen in the first place ?" (i.e. why is a certain law beneficial or harmful to our personal and communal wellbeing ?). Religions thus helps provide a moral and ethical foundation for society - (i.e. a wisdom-based voice for what is good and right for people, communities and/or the planet). Therefore, it is very important that religions actively contribute at all levels of political debate - informing the people and its representatives (the professional politicians), on issues that enhance or diminish personal and collective wellbeing.
Many modern-minded people argue, that traditional religion cannot speak with credibility in today's modern world. They argue that most traditional religions were based on superstitions designed to support the 'glory' of ancient Kings and Pharaohs.
Thus traditional religion was more concerned with royal rituals, than the welfare of the common folk and the poor.
However, one ancient religion - the salvation religion of the Israelites - and one people - the Israelites - broke new ground, by organizing
society, around the principles of social justice, equity and compassion. All were bound by it's ethical norms, including kings and priests.
The Israelites, believing that their God (YHWH), was the God of justice and compassion, argued that the people too, should be a people of " justice and compassion". Anything less, would dishonor their God.
Perhaps ancient Israel never managed to create a "perfect society". Nonetheless, Israel's progressive thinking, would inspire influential religious movements, such as the Essenes (proto Christians), Rabbinical Judaism, Christianity & Islam, to uphold the centrality of social justice and compassion teachings, in their emerging religions.
Whilst Christianity was all about social justice in it's early days, things changed when Emperor Constantine offered Christian Bishops, a life of luxury and official sanction. The ruling Bishops became more concerned with enhancing their power and prestige, to the detriment of Roman Christianity as a religion for the people.
Whilst the Jews lost their homeland in the first century, they somehow managed to preserve the essential character of the early Hebrew religion, as they moved first to the Black Sea region, and then to Europe. So whilst Catholic Europe plunged ever deeper into the "Dark Ages", "an enlightened way" was quietly preserved by the exiled Rabbis. This exiled religion of the Rabbis (which we now call Judaism), would eventually help revive Christianity and move Europe out of it's "darkest age".
It seems, that of the three great Western religions, Imperial Christianity, unlike Judaism or Islam, succumbed most to the temptation of power, as it aligned itself with the nobility, rather than with the common people. Rome's Imperial religion took a backward step and remained regressive, right through the "dark middle ages". It was not until the "Age of Enlightenment" - first ushered in by N. Copernicus, who studied Middle Eastern astronomy, that the Christian people of North Western Europe, began to seriously question Rome's theocratic regime.
During the Reformation, Christianity slowly restored it's original (and proper) focus on the common people (including the poor).
Many "Protestant" Christians, seeking a more authentic expression of Christianity, were inspired to rediscover their religion's Jewish origins,
and it's teachings on social justice. The more they studied the ancient Hebrew religion, the more they discovered the deviations that Rome had taken. For centuries, the Roman Church had downplayed Judaism's contribution to it's own Christian teachings.
Power it seems, always feels fragile, and any perceived threat, is quickly acted upon. Just as Imperial Christianity had once burnt down the great libraries of Alexandria, to cover up Christianity's Egyptian links, it seems Christianity's Jewish links were also downplayed by Rome's paranoid Popes.
Some Catholic Churches even preached an anti-Jewish sermon during Holy Week, which often led to simple-minded Catholics, attacking their Jewish
neighbours in a sad "act of revenge" for the Jew's "condemning Jesus to death" ! How tragic that European Jews were paying with their lives, for an
ancient Essenian condemnation of the Jerusalem priesthood ! How tragic that European Catholics so passionately took up the Essene's dislike of "temple Judaism". (to find out more about Christian history - visit our HISTORY page on this website).
As European monarchs crumbled (or simply lost effective control), Christianity often found itself deprived of it's royal support base.
The kings and Queens of "old Europe" were fading fast, whilst the "new elite" - the Capitalists - found traditional religion a complete hindrance
to making money. In many ways, the Christian Churches had no choice, but to go back to the common people for support.
Where once, Kings and Church "justified" each other - now, the Church, stripped of royal support, would be forced to seek 'justification', from the people in the street.
The world had changed, and this change forced the church to think carefully about who it really stood for.
Today, most Western religions, stand united for the people and against those who exploit them.
Thus, it is proper, that religions again promote community as their unique anti-dote to capitalism's culture of individualism.
To counter capitalism's destructive ideologies, religions offer a communitarian ethos - i.e. where people are considerate of the impact
of their actions upon the greater good.
Religion is not however, an alternative "operating system", in the way Communism was an alternative system to Capitalism.
Instead, religion, works as an anti-dote to whatever system is around - ready to soothe the pain and suffering,
and offer a better way of living within any society or system.
( Thus, we don't talk about a "communitarian society" as such, but a "communitarian ethos within society" ).
In short, religion is like medicine. If society makes people ill ; then the people appreciate a good medicine !
The rise of anti-religion
By becoming "champions for the poor and marginalized", most religions have become a major nuisance for the elite.
Religion stands firmly against greedy capitalism. Therefore, not surprisingly - capitalists would rather that religion just go away.
But it doesn't. The people suffer, so religion is needed, and it survives. Therefore, in an attempt to quash religion, the elite promote their "secular gospel" - a combination of secularism (no religion), & individualism (no community).
The key goal of the capitalists / Secularists, is to evict religion from all public life and public institutions, including government.
Through the relentless use of media, they maintain a sustained attack on religion, with the aim of eventually eradicating it from modern society.
Militant atheists, such as Richard Dawkins, are enlisted to the cause. They are promoted within academia and given significant media air-time,
in order to spread their secular gospel. Atheists focus their attack on traditional religion's weakest point - its mythical foundations.
We all know, with modern knowledge, that traditional religion's myths are more and more vulnerable.
"Undermine the myths - and religion will fall" - is the simple but effective strategy employed by atheists.
And it seems to be working in much of the West. Many church pews are empty. That's a concern.
Remember, traditional religions, were founded on ancient superstitions and myths, crafted to serve the interests of ruling Pharaoh's and kings.
Today, these literally-understood myths and superstitions, are no longer acceptable to most modern-minded people,
in light of modern science-based knowledge.
Yet modern-minded people still hunger for justice, fairness, and a "good" society to live in. Many modern minded people still search for a trustworthy voice to guide them throughout their life. In short, the people still hunger for salvation.
We all deserve to live joyful, creative, healthy and inspiring lives - and not become slaves, robots or machines.
As many modern-minded people will not go back to traditional religion, a new modern religion is needed : - - a religion which concords with modern senses and sensibilities;
- one that offers a soothing anti-dote for today's suffering, and - one that acts as a effective voice of opposition to all forms of exploitation and marginalization.
This modern voice of salvation for today's world, can be found in the Modern Ecumenical Church. Our name defines who we are and what we do :
1) We are 'modern' - open minded - in touch with the ways of the modern world
2) We are 'ecumenical' - open hearted - a voice for all people, and
3) We are a 'church' - a " caring community ", helping each person to live effectively and beneficially.
Preserving our modern day freedoms
Modern minded people understand, that hopes for an 'after-life', arise from a primal fear of finality.
After all, we will all die in the end. The desire to avoid death, is a powerful instinct for most people.
Just as in ancient times, many people today desire to live a longer life - and even to exist beyond their time here on earth.
Many still dream of heaven, or hope for a good reincarnation.
Today, some people are already preparing for the moment when technology will give them a real chance of living beyond life's natural limits. With rapid and profound technological development, there presents for some, the hope of a much healthier and longer life, through ground breaking technology, such as bio-pharmaceuticals or nano-technology - which could radically alter our aging & disease process. For the lucky few, this expensive and exclusive knowledge, is already extending their lives or fighting off once terminal diseases.
For the poor, who do not have the ability to afford this 'life saving' or 'life enhancing' technology, it presents as yet another source of inequality and injustice. Some argue that many life saving medicines, are already out of reach of most of the poor. With less education, how can the poor gain knowledge about effective living and healthy living ? Instead, they are seduced with fast food, alcohol and tobacco, which, creates wealth for the rich, but shortens the life of the poor. In the new high-tech world, which promises so much, it seems, the poor are yet again, missing out.
As once the ancient Pharaoh's of Egypt prepared for their after-life with elaborate burial tombs, today's super wealthy, are able to
take full advantage of new 'life technologies' designed to extend the quality of their life. Nothing has changed.
Today, the "hope for a heavenly after-life" is, for the rich, being replaced by the reality of a "long and heavenly life ", here on earth.
S i n g u l a r i t y
On 21-02-2011, TIME magazine published a cover story on the idea of 'Singularity'. TIME defines Singularity as : "the moment in time, when technological change becomes so rapid, and so profound, it represents a rapture in the fabric of human history".
Many futurists predict that we will soon have the ability to create super-human intelligence.
The consequences will be ground breaking. Firstly, super intelligence will enhance the quality of life - for some. Secondly, super intelligence has the potential to enhance control over the general population. If you think current I.D. cards are a concern, imagine nano-technology, monitoring every aspect of our lives, providing corporations such as banks, or the Pentagon, the ability to maximize their influence upon consumers and citizens, whilst easily marginalizing the 'contaminated ones' - those who resist compliance.
Forget some mythical "New Age of Aquarius" - a "re-creation of humanity", and an "epoch of peace". Singularity, will be the most profound change in our time - brought about, by the greatest explosion in artificial intelligence ever seen.
Put simply, with advances in computing power, computers will become super-intelligent, to such an extent, as to overtake human function and performance in many areas. If you think that's science fiction, consider the exponential explosion in computing power in the last decade and extrapolate it. Consider what computers can do today, verses 10 or 15 years ago, and image the possibilities if you look forward into the not-so-distant future.
TIME magazine declared that Singularity, will most likely occur by 2045 - thats less than a generation away !
In just a few decades, a few very wealthy people and organisations, will have the means to exert the most profound control over our lives,
that has ever been ( technologically ) possible - technology such as R.F.I.D. chips, which use radio frequency to identify and track objects (including people).
The Food and Drug Administration in the US has recently approved the use of R.F.I.D. chips in humans. Some business establishments give customers the
option of using an RFID-based "tab", to pay for services, such as the Baja Beach nightclub in Barcelona. This has provoked concerns into the privacy of individuals,
as they can potentially be tracked wherever they go by an identifier unique to them. There are concerns this could lead to abuse by an authoritarian
government or lead to removal of freedoms.
With the rise of R.F.I.D. technology, many already fear the loss of rights due to RFID human implantation. By early 2007, Chris Paget of San Francisco, California, showed that RFID information can be pulled from individuals by using only $250 worth of equipment. This supports the claim that with the information captured, it would be relatively simple to make counterfeit passports. According to ZDNet, critics believe that this technology will lead to tracking individuals every movement and will be an invasion of privacy. Some conceptualize a future where every movement is tracked by the government. In the book SpyChips: How Major Corporations and Government Plan to Track Your Every Move with RFID by Katherine Albrecht and Liz McIntyre, we can well "imagine a world of no privacy; where your every purchase is monitored and recorded in a database and your every belonging is numbered, and where someone many states away or perhaps even in another country, has a record of everything you have ever bought.
In January 2004 privacy advocates from CASPIAN and the German privacy group FoeBuD were invited to the METRO Future Store in Germany, where an RFID pilot project was implemented. It was uncovered by accident that METRO "Payback" customer loyalty cards contained RFID tags with customer IDs, a fact that was disclosed neither to customers receiving the cards, nor to this group of privacy advocates. This happened despite assurances by METRO that no customer identification data was tracked and all RFID usage was clearly disclosed. Can we trust any corporation or government with this technology ?
Who will stand for the commoner in this new world order ?
Most religions are focused on the past, bound by ancient superstitions, dogma and tradition. Clearly, it is not easy for old institutions to adapt to change.
The appeal of traditional religions, is often limited to their traditional followers. Widespread influence is limited.
Most modern-minded people, will not look to traditional churches, having being seduced away from them for years, by secularism or consumerism.
Thus, a modern religion and a modern church is needed - which all modern minded people can find beneficial.
You can be assured, that just as the Pharaohs did not include the common people in their heavenly after-life plans, the elite today, and in the future, will exclude many from the privileges of their pleasure-filled, long lives.
The common folk, as always, will miss out. Not only will they not live healthier and longer lives, but we'll be exploited as consumers and controlled as citizens with ever more ease - thanks to new technology. Hence, we the common people, will face the real danger of technology-based slavery.
An effective and independent voice for freedom and justice, is needed in anticipation of this coming "rapture". A true voice, of and for the people, can only come from genuine people movements, such as the Modern Ecumenical Church.
Genuine justice and freedom loving movements, seek :
1) equal and affordable access to life-enhancing & life-saving technology,
2) an end to the exploitation by the elite, and
3) an more equitable redistribution of wealth.
Such movements are in 2011, already rising up in the Middle East and Northern Africa, where the common people are seizing political control from
Kings and dictators (modern day Pharaohs). One dictator in Egypt, is believed to have amassed billions of dollars, whilst citizens struggled in poverty for 30 long years. When the people had enough of the exploitation and being marginalized, they acted in unison. In a few short weeks of 2011, the common people became the liberators of their ancient land of Egypt. In an ironic twist, modern technology (the internet, Facebook etc), played a vital role in this revolution.
To protect our freedoms and rights, society will need many "champions of the people", such as the Modern Ecumenical church.
Thus, it is the destiny of the Modern Ecumenical Church and it's companions, to promote truth and an effective salvation, for all people, for all time.
modern religion ecumenical church agnostic spirituality ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Charter of Honesty and Responsibility
The Modern Ecumenical Church gathers wisdom teachings from all traditions, including wisdom found in many myth stories. The church finds inspiration from myth-based stories but suggests that many mythical stories were not intended to be actual events in history, but that these stories were once used by their ancient authors to help convey important aspects of a religion's teachings, to their intended audience.
The Church makes no claims of any supernatural or esoteric knowledge, beyond accepting that there remains many great and inspiring mysteries in life - namely the mystery that surrounds the first cause of life and mystery of life's purpose.
Our personal response to these 'great mysteries of life', is not to deny the possibility that life is mysterious, or that in the future, new knowledge and wisdom may shed new light on these mysteries, but to accept these mysteries, and instead find sufficient inspiration from these great mysteries, that we can benefit from them in our lives, here and now.
Today, with awe and wonder, humility and reverence, we can reflect upon these inspiring mysteries of life, and at the same time, encourage humanity to continue its quest to uncovering new insights and wisdom, that in time, may help answer some or all aspects of these grand mysteries.
Professional Responsibility
The Modern Ecumenical Church teachings do not replace professional medical advice or therapy. If you have been diagnosed as suffering from any form of psychological illness, or feel that you may be experiencing psychological stress or illness (but have not yet sought professional help), we highly recommend you consult your professional health care provider (such as your family doctor), before commencing any meditative or self effectiveness programs.
If you have suffered past psychological trauma, including any form of abuse (or even think you have), we highly recommend you consult your professional health-care provider before undertaking any meditative or self effectiveness programs. The Church does not offer any personal advice on medication, nor comment on current or past psychiatric or psychological therapies that you may have received as treatment.
The meditation and self efficacy teachings of the church do not constitute any form of personal medical advice, nor should they considered or represented as 'therapeutic treatment'.
The church's teachings are offered with good intention, to do no harm to any individual, and to offer a general beneficial outcome for all who study and apply this Gospel. If in the process of studying this Gospel, you feel unsettled, including uneasy because of any introspective thoughts about your life, please contact your professional healthcare provider. Do not continue with our meditative or self effectiveness program until you have consulted a professional healthcare provider (such as your family doctor). Neither the Founder, nor any members of the leadership team, nor the local church Hosts or Helpers, nor any fellow companions at any church gathering, can offer you any personal health care, medical or psychological advice.
The Church affirms each person's right to freedom of thought, expression and association. You should always expect to be received with courtesy and respect in the church, and be treated in a non-discriminatory and non-violent manner during your association with the church. The Church expects all staff and guests to respect every person's rights and promote a safe, non-violent and harmonious culture at all times.
Persons under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied at all times at church gatherings, by a responsible adult, adult relative or adult carer. No Host or Helper, nor any other representative officer of the church, can have any personal or unsupervised interaction with persons under the age of 18. Any approaches or communication by a minor, directed to any church officer (including any communication via electronic format), should be immediately directed back to that minor's responsible carer or relative. The church (including any its representatives), will NOT knowingly directly communicate with any person below the age of 18, in any form, including in person, written or verbal format, including communication mediums such as email, telephone, or through any social media, such as Facebook or Myspace. It is also recommended that a responsible adult supervises a child's study of this Gospel.
If a person is of limited or effected / diminished mental capacity, and wishes to attend a church gathering, we welcome them and ask that they be accompanied at all times by their responsible carer or a relative. Such persons are advised to consider consulting their medical practitioner first to assess the suitability of the church in meeting their needs. Frail, very elderly or ill persons, including persons with any major limiting physical or mental disability, should be accompanied by an adult carer or relative at all Church Gatherings.
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