In my journal today, I described many of the traditional Christian tenets as facades with supports behind holding them up. I imagine a television set or a set for a play. The supports have been removed and the false walls have fallen outward. I still have my central beliefs but the barriers have been removed. Like the young person in my last blog entry, I have not rejected my faith but I don't find it necessary to say everyone else is wrong. In fact I find much of value in these other faiths.

I am not a subscriber to Bishop Spong's newsletter but I am on the mailing list for occasional samples. He is helpful in reminding me that it is OK to remain with a mainline church denomination. I don't believe Jesus died for my sins but I have agreed to lead a group using a published lenten study. It will be a time for me to look at some central beliefs and see what I can find. Hopefully I won't have to tell them much about the current episode in my spiritual journey; I don't think this is the time or place to "come out." At some time I will have to have a talk with the Pastor. I can contribute to the classes but maybe there should be some discernment. I don't want to cause problems for the Pastor. It does show though that we have never had a deep conversation where I could tell him where I am at spiritually. We have talked a lot about where our congregation is at and he assumes my beliefs are fairly mainstream.