Not Just for Perfect People

 A friend recently called my attention to a wonderful video on YouTube, called "Welcome to our church". In this video various people are shown who are from many different backgrounds.  It underscores the point many houses of religion try to make-that perfection is not an expectation for participation.

I have heard many of the same thoughts expressed in the video.  "I have to get my life together first."  "Churches are full of hypocrites".  "I'm not good enough".  "All they are interested in is my money".  "I was brought up ...(here insert your denomination of choice).  "If you knew me and what I've done you wouldn't want me".

Maybe you've heard/said something like these statements?  What do you think of them?  Are they a fair expression of what people really think?

Most leaders in houses of worship are not trying to reach only the perfect people, nor hold them to an impossible standard, nor impose a dress code, nor push folks to part with their money.  Are we perfect?  No.  Do we make mistakes?  Yes.  Sometimes church folks can make cruel assumptions about those who walk through our doors.  Sometimes we can say/do the most insensitive things.  Can we work to improve?  You bet! 

I suspect that underlying many of the previously mentioned reasons for not participating in organized religion is a basic cynicism-an attitude that nothing can really help, or that faith can thrive outside of an organized group so who needs the drama?

There are many resources out there for spiritual nurture.  But spiritual life has to have content and purpose.  Otherwise it's just about feeling good-which doesn't last and doesn't bring about long-term satisfaction.  Our culture has developed a consumer attitude toward many things.  We want choices in workplace benefits.  We want a variety of foods available in stores.  We want choices in where our children attend school.  And we want a menu of choices from which to construct a spiritual life.

In my view, spiritual life has to be nurtured both in solitude and in community.  If one has only solitude, there is no support system and no guidance either.  Conversely, if one is only immersed in communal spiritual growth, then there is no way to deepen your sense of self and your connection to the larger cosmos.

Maybe, just maybe, that nagging feeling of unease with your life is a sign that you're ready.  Ready to seek places and people that engage you spiritually.  Ready to discover that those 'churchy' types are just like you-imperfect, seeking, celebrating, grieving, nervous, chill, relaxed.

Check out the YouTube video here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKUkz0nnp_8