Many houses of worship are seeing fewer young people and facing smaller congregations. Post modern families are choosing, instead, fun activities like sleeping in, breakfast out, sporting & recreational activities, errands, shopping, etc.
What happens when a young couple has a child who they believe might benefit from an ethical education? Where do they go? If they consider a small mosque, church, or temple, do they lose interest? Smaller congregations have the reputation of being intolerant to anyone unlike themselves. (In Islam that might mean being unwelcoming to Sunnis. Christian churches may fear gays and transgender families, or those they label as too Woo-Woo or New Age. In Temple members may avoid someone who is too orthodox or too Bu-Jew.)
A large congregation may appear more diverse; however, there may be covert and passive-aggressive jealousies and competition between members. For example, who is the best Pakistani Muslim or the best Arab Muslim? Who is the most liberal or evolved Christian? Which Jew is most active in social justice movements?
If people stay away from organized religion to avoid hypocrisy, what promotes a healthy Spiritual Life? Is it possible (and our responsibility) to bring one's Spirituality more transparently into the secular world?
Community works best when it fosters love and connection. Ironically, churches often re-enforce separation, alienation, tensions, and differences between people and outsider groups.
Few people know that in the Quran, there is mention of over 36,000 prophets, all respected. Wherever one is - in time and geography - there is a respected path for that individual.
Are we able - as Abraham's extended family - to value diversity as much as God does?
Thanks to artist Dave Walker:
Church seating
