Globalization, cultural diversity, and many other words and phrases are constantly used to describe how the world at large is quickly losing its ethnicity to a homogenized, Americanized version of life.  One aspect of this is the exponentially increasing number of Christians in the world.  Despite science and the wide interest in Eastern philosophy, Christianity continues to dominate the U.S. and a growing number of other countries. 

But the real point of this post is a cry for help.  I read articles about the importance of religion to individual happiness, the importance of religion to child development, and I agree that religion and spirituality play a huge role in life.  However, I think the real key is the sense of community you get from attending church or other religious institution.  Belonging to a church is belonging to a community, one you see on a regular basis, one you ask for help when you need it and provide help when you are needed.  Belonging to a community is so important.  Living in a house with neighbors that you say hi to is not the same thing.  Hanging out with friends and family is not the same thing.

A group of people with similar religious beliefs that come together to discuss God and the meaning of life and how we are meant to live is a great idea.  The idea of going to a church to be preached to, however, does not appeal to me.  Ever since I stopped attending church many, many years ago, there has been this hole, a missing sense of community.  I long to fill this hole, but I find no alternatives to the Christian Church.  The only groups in our area seem to be Christian groups; the only place to find a community seem to be in a church.  Where can we go to find people that we can relate to?  Where can we go to have intelligent conversations about God that don't involve being saved or accepting Christ?  Maybe I am a fool to be a minority American who doesn't believe in Jesus as the son of God.  Maybe I should bite my tongue and take my children to a church where they can learn about this popular American belief.  At least they would have a community and learn the morals that I grew up with. 

But what if I want an alternative?  Where the heck are my choices?  Where is the non-religious spiritual community that holds services and discussions and teaches children morals and a service ethic?

HELP!

Please help by responding with your opinion,  your guidance, your ideas, your suggestions, ANYTHING!  I've discussed this with friends before; if you are interested in getting together to talk about life and building a community that does not have to be Christian (but you could still participate if you are), please respond and maybe we can work together to ORGANIZE and set up some meetings.  We would need ideas for places and times of get-togethers, discussion topics, activities for kids and adults. 

Maybe there is something in the thought that Christianity keeps on growing even though I know so few who actually believe.  If we had a similar "church" community outside the church, how many would join us?  We need to do something and we need to get involved. 

On the radio today they were discussing where do singles meet other singles.  Even though I want a community for my family, I think it is equally important that this community involve singles as well.  There should be a place for singles to meet other than a bar or the internet.  A place, in fact, where one might meet some decent people!  And not be hounded into an unwelcome belief.  Even if you simply want to make a friend, there should be a place for you to do so where you feel comfortable and are surrounded by people you trust.

OK that's enough for now, but please reply and continue this conversation!