I really like the idea of a church that focuses on human relationships and needs, that makes something such as Communion a joyful experience rather than a guilt trip: Christ died for you, you worthless sinner, so grovel before me!

as for spiritual healing...I was very particular about some aspects of Pentecostalism regarding dress, etc., and after leaving the religion I had no rituals, but that part of me began expressing itself in other parts of my life, though in a less religious way. I came to understand that there is a part of me that desires to express itself in a spiritual/ritualistic way. That is the beauty of tradition and ritual. It is a natural expression. Once I saw my need I picked up a ritual (and maybe I'll do more), not because I believe I'm commanded to, not because it's significant to anyone but me, but because it is a legitimate human expression with which I can symbolize my values. I can't say I've experienced complete healing in that area...I'm still very much lacking in the area of spiritual healing in some ways. But it was a therapeutic experience for me to practice rituals. I was re-claiming a part of me that is spiritual and ritualistic, and that in itself is not a bad thing. Associating it with Pentecostalism makes it bad, so I've taken it completely out of that context. I hope I'm making sense. Maybe someone else can elaborate more. Pentecostalism seems to cast all spirituality in a negative light, and that can lead to a repression or fear of any contact with religion/spirituality. Re-claiming that part of me while divorcing it from the terrors of Pentecostalism was a very good thing for me.

James