MOMENT PRINCIPLES
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1. We are rooted in the
Judeo-Christian tradition. |
This is the result
of the accident of our birth and up-bringing.
We acknowledge a cultural
connection to this tradition.
We have varying degrees
of acceptance of this tradition as our own.
Just as Jesus was a product
of his own culture and religion, so are we.
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2. We are open to varieties
of understanding of the faith. |
We feel no obligation
to any particular faith doctrine.
We do not have to agree
with one another.
We see no indication that
even one such as Jesus insisted in uniformity of belief.
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3. We do not have members,
nor recruit them. |
Despite some of
the stories of the New Testament (added by early
Christian editors) Jesus
had no members. He had, apparently, a small,
voluntary, group of learners
who followed him and learned from him.
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4. We do not intend to have
a church or build and institution. |
Again, we think
the church has misrepresented Jesus in using him as
an authority for church-building.
Jesus was a man of the moment,
who—if anything—thought God’s
reign was immediate, not
in some future world or time.
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5. We have no budget, building,
committees. |
We recognize need
for some degree of institution for sake of
framework—but not need for
institutionalism.
People who participate with
us are expected to seek to fulfill their faith
ideals in the world of work,
play, family, community—not in a church system.
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6. We do not seek ministry,
but accept it as it comes. |
Again, we see Jesus
as largely non-intentional about his various activities, except that
he seemed committed to responding to each situation in love and compassion
and helpfulness.
In keeping with that example,
we respond whenever we can to those who have need for help in celebrating
a wedding, planning a memorial service, dealing with a problem, etc. We
have done infant blessings, baptisms and counseling. (Not to mention a
memorial service for 16 horses that died in a fire!)
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7. We teach and spread ideas,
without knowing what happens to them. |
Again, Jesus in
the model of one who let his words go where they would to provide light
and help wherever heard and accepted. So we print booklets occasionally,
and send mailings fairly regularly. We answer our calls and mail. We do
whatever comes next, hopefully in the spirit of Jesus.
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