As a former UPC having grown up believing that we were the possessor's of the final truth from God, I find it difficult to come to terms with not knowing the answers anymore. It has been over 30 years since I left the UPC looking for some answers. Disillusioned and broken I had to start at square one and begin a personal quest to find purpose and meaning for my life. As you all know this is a daunting task and some give up. I have prayed and searched, meditated and begged and done everything I could to get God's help.
I have realized that answers are few and far between. There are answers, but it takes determination and a willingness to persevere. I don't know who or what the creator is yet I am thankful for the opportunity to exist with a mind that has few limits. Using the mind to explore a spiritual existence requires one to be willing to be open minded and humble realizing that we are all in the same boat and none among us has an edge on understanding our existence.
This is an equal opportunity experience. If you let someone else make your spiritual discoveries then you only give up your power. I like to use the term Presumptuous Assumption to describe what most religious leaders do when it comes to ministering and teaching. When one presumes to speak for God and assumes that God is ok with this, the minister (most likely) does not have your best interest in mind. I find this method of instruction to be very limiting and would prefer to be taught to discover answers for myself, studying and using my mind and heart. Faith is a tricky business and can destroy or heal. Using logic and common sense and adding a little faith is my approach and I find it preferable to mindless following of a supposed man of God. If you like the Bible remember that there are many different interpretations available and you can be damaged severely if it isn't handled with extreme care.
I am now an experienced seeker of the truth and enjoy a certain sense of experience in these matters yet I only speak from my personal experience and desire to be uplifting to my fellow human beings. I wish us all the best in our search for meaning.
